Thermal Printer vs InkJet Printer

[blueapples_22]

So we do on average about 5-6 packages a day.  Currently we are using an InkJet printer with labels I get off Amazon, 2 to a page.  I was wondering, for folks that use thermal label printers, is it worth it?  If so, which one is most cost effective?

Thanks.

[dhbookds]

We bought 2 used Zebra LP 2844 about 3 wks ago and love them.  Previously used Ink jet HP that took black ink cartridge every month.......  Perhaps paid a bit more ($118) than we had to, but included a full roll of labels, all the cables, Disk with instructions, and promise on phone help.  I had trouble with getting mine set up.....something simple but I couldn't figure out how to do it.....seller did a takeover and fixed it in minutes.  Better half then got one, and his work/installed fine......no help needed. 

From what I could see in researching.....labels cost about the same for whatever brands...... 

Just be careful on buying used......many don't have cables/instructions, etc..  Just depends on how computer literate you are (we aren't)........plenty of help on the internet....if you are able to understand it. 

[redmodelt]

While my Laser Jet does not do smaller roll type labels, still have to cut and tape them on, it does a good job. It is a HP Laser Jet P1505 that I got used on eBay. Most all my printing is B&W so it covers my needs for general printing and labels. You would need to look at cost and use to see if it pencils out getting a thermal printer.

[jayjaspersgarage]

I have used a laser jet printer since day one on ebay ten years ago.  On slower days I use recycled plain paper on the reverse side.  Two to a page.  If there is a flurry of sales before the mail truck has arrived I might use a half sheet label which I also buy through Amazon.  The toner is less expensive for a black ink laser printer than ink jet and the laser printing should not smudge when it rains.

Printing a smaller scale label is simple with my HP printer and I will just cut it down to size as needed for smaller envelopes.  It took a while to memorize the different sizes for several smaller envelopes but it wasn't a big deal.

Using plain paper, especially recycled will save you a lot of money over time.  To clarify I use the bottom half of paper previously printed on.  I am not sending out old invoices or other rubbish that can be read after the label side is flipped.

[inhawaii]

I use a B&W laser printer.

[backroomnoir]

Use a HP LaserJet printer, with copy paper and tape.  Can print about 1200 pages on one toner cart, which can be found cheap.  Both paper and tape can be found for very cheap as well.  Seems like the most cost effective for me. 

[simba6]

One thing. Laser and thermal print is water proof. Ink jet is not.   If you don't print very often, ink jet can dry and clog.  That is not an issue with the laser or thermal printers.

[vintage-car-magazines]

Thermal....hands down.

Operating costs are lower and there's a major convenience factor. The savings on toner will more than make up for the cost of the printer and I think the rolls are cheaper than the half sheets. You won't miss having to mess around with the half sheet labels to be able to use both sides, no swapping out paper for label stock or feeding through a bypass tray. 

[chapeau-noir]

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@blueapples_22 wrote:

So we do on average about 5-6 packages a day.  Currently we are using an InkJet printer with labels I get off Amazon, 2 to a page.  I was wondering, for folks that use thermal label printers, is it worth it?  If so, which one is most cost effective?

Thanks.

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If you're in this for the long haul, I would go for the thermal printer.  I used a laser for a long time and felt like I was wasting a lot of time fiddling with paper stock when I went to full time selling.  When I was a casual seller it didn't make any difference.

[divwido]

OK, I'm throwing in.

I have an HP Laser Jet  Pro MFP  M281cdw.

It has five orsix big color cartridges and it prints like crazy.  Fast, simple, seldom jams and doesn't complain.

I have printed  many hundreds of labels with no issues with ink, no smearing that isn't my fault and I got it for free. from my husband when my old HP died an ugly death.

[skeletonstore]

My brother says it's much cheaper after you get the printer in that you can get the rolls for cheap.  It's going to look more professional too.  I just got a new ink jet cartridge, it was $27 or something from walmart.  If I had more sales I'd get a thermal printer for cost in the long run and less tape caught in my teeth(more professional look).  

[powell-memorabilia]

Thermal printer is an excellent decision .  I use a refurbished zebra 2844 that I got on eBay.  Comes with 1000 labels.  Even if I buy another after those 1000 labels, it would be an average cost of 14 cents per label.  For me, the savings in time and effort mean so much - a huge bonus that it is cheaper than a traditional printer, paper, ink.  

only thing to watch out for is comparability.  I had to hunt for a driver for my chrome book - I like to have a chrome book dedicated to just eBay work, Hooked up to the printer.  The zebra that I have is not WiFi enabled.  

[bimmerpc1]

Get a Zebra thermal, you can get the labels for free if you know where to look, which means free shipping.  You'll wonder how you ever did without it.

[rfmtm]

Once you get a label printer you wouldn't want to go back.  For just USPS look at the Dymo 450, or for USPS and USP/FedEx, the larger Dymo 4XL (this will also print the packing slip on 4x6 labels).  Super easy to install and reasonable enough to buy brand new instead of used.

[mam98031]

I switched to a thermal printer years ago and I LOVE it.  I use to use a inkjet and then a laser printer before that.  I would NOT go back ever.  And I save so much money.  

I bought my printer on Ebay used almost 10 years ago.  It is still going strong, Zebra AP 450.  I buy labels and I'm ready to roll.  No ink ever.  For me, the savings in ink alone likely paid off the investment of the printer in under a year.