Schools consume enormous amounts of paper and ink. Exam papers, worksheets, newsletters, reports, and administrative documents mean the copier room is one of the busiest areas on campus. Choosing the right printing equipment saves thousands of rands per year.
Laser vs Inkjet for Schools
Laser (Recommended for Schools)
- Cost per page: R0.10-R0.30 (black and white)
- Speed: 30-60 pages per minute
- Toner does not dry out between uses
- Ideal for high-volume document printing
- Higher upfront cost, lower running cost
Inkjet
- Cost per page: R0.30-R1.00+ (black and white)
- Speed: 10-20 pages per minute
- Ink cartridges dry out if not used regularly
- Better for colour printing and photos
- Lower upfront cost, higher running cost
Verdict: Schools should use laser printers for general printing and keep one colour inkjet for occasional colour work (certificates, newsletters).
Buy vs Lease
For a multifunction copier (the main workhorse), leasing often makes more sense for schools:
- Leasing: R2,000-R5,000/month includes the machine, toner, maintenance, and repairs. Predictable monthly cost. Machine is replaced every 3-5 years. Recommended for high-volume use.
- Buying: R15,000-R80,000 upfront for a quality machine. You own it, but toner, maintenance, and repairs are your responsibility. Better for low-volume use or if budget allows the capital outlay.
Key Features for School Copiers
- Duplex printing: Automatic two-sided printing halves paper costs.
- User codes: Track printing by teacher or department. Prevents waste.
- Network connectivity: Teachers should print from their classrooms, not queue at the copier room.
- Scan to email: Eliminates the need for separate scanners.
- Stapling and hole punching: Automatic finishing saves hours of manual work.
- Paper capacity: Minimum 500-sheet tray for a school environment. 1,000+ sheets ideal.
Find printing and copier suppliers in our directory.