How to Choose Between New and Second-hand Printing Equipment

If you plan to open a printing company or offer printing as a new service, you won’t need us to tell you that buying printing presses is an expensive business. With even entry-level industrial presses costing anywhere from £10,000 to £40,000 from new, it represents a substantial investment - but there could be another way.

Used print equipment is often available at auction, giving you a lower-cost route to ownership. But whether you buy new vs. used printing machines is a major consideration, with potential implications for everything from start-up costs and cash flow to operational efficiency, reliability and long-term scalability. 

With that in mind, we’ve put together this quick guide covering all the main considerations to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business’s budget and goals.

Understanding your business’s needs

Before we compare the merits of new and used printing machines, it’s worth taking time to define your business’s requirements. You should consider: 

• What you plan to print

• The materials you will use

• Your expected print volumes

• The level of quality your customers will expect

As an example, a small business producing short-run digital prints will have very different needs from a commercial printer handling high-volume offset work. The clearer you are about your workload and target market, the easier it will be to determine whether a new or used printing machine makes more sense.

You should also think about future growth. If you expect demand to increase quickly, investing in new equipment upfront may be more cost-effective than upgrading again in the short to mid-term. On the other hand, if you are testing a new service or market, or do not require large-scale output, buying lower-cost used print equipment at auction will reduce the financial risk.

Choosing between new and used printing machines

Both new and used printing equipment has its merits. Used machines offer an affordable entry point to high-end equipment, while new machines provide reliability and support at a price. But which is right for you? Here are the main considerations. 

Your budget

Your budget is crucial to the conversation, but you must look beyond the initial purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership. That includes repairs, maintenance, software licences, energy use and training requirements. 

Buying used print equipment at auction can deliver very significant upfront savings. It can be up to 70% cheaper than buying new. However, some of those savings may be offset by higher running or servicing costs. New equipment, while more expensive initially, may offer lower ongoing costs and the added reassurance of a manufacturer’s warranty and support.

Support and expertise

Your team’s experience is another factor to consider. If you have your own operators and engineers who are familiar with printing equipment, a used press should be easy to integrate. 

However, if you are starting a new business or just entering the sector, buying a new model that comes with servicing and training support may shorten the learning curve. 

Growth plans

If you are growing steadily or need to increase capacity quickly, a used press can be a cost-effective way to scale without tying up too much capital. Conversely, if your plans involve expanding into new services, higher volumes or more complex work, a new press may support long-term growth through greater automation and faster setup times.

Risk tolerance

Used equipment typically carries a higher level of risk, as the machines are usually sold ‘as is’. However, that needn’t be a problem for businesses with in-house technical expertise or reliable service partners.

New equipment reduces some of that uncertainty through warranties, service agreements and more predictable performance. That can make it a safer option where downtime would significantly impact customers. However, that extra confidence comes at a high price. 

Business goals

Your business objectives should ultimately guide your decision. If your focus is on maximising return on investment, controlling costs or competing on price in the short to medium term, used equipment usually delivers more value and faster payback.

However, if your goals include premium quality, innovation, sustainability or building a strong brand reputation, new equipment may be a better fit. That will enable you to deliver consistent output and provide access to the latest features to support long-term competitiveness.

When might new printing equipment be the right fit?

New printing equipment might be the right choice if:

• You run a start-up printing business that needs training, technical support and warranties to reduce early operational risk.

• You have high-volume or deadline-driven operations where reliability and minimal downtime are critical to meeting customer expectations.

• There’s limited in-house expertise and you will rely on manufacturer service agreements rather than internal maintenance.

• You want to expand an already established service offering or modernise ageing equipment.

• You have a long-term plan and want future-proof equipment that offers modern automation or can provide advanced finishes. 

When might used printing equipment be the right fit?

Alternatively, you could make a big saving by buying used printing presses if:

• You want to expand capacity or enter the market without high printing machinery costs.

• You have experienced operators and engineers who can maintain and integrate older equipment without relying on manufacturer support.

• You have fluctuating demand and want to scale incrementally while preserving cash flow.

• You need secondary equipment for overflow work or less critical production.

• You’re seeking specialist or niche printers that you can no longer buy new but still suit particular applications.

What are the different ways of buying used printing presses?

There are several ways to buy used printing equipment, each with its pros and cons.

Auctions

Buying used print equipment at auction can be extremely cost-effective. Insolvency and liquidation, restructuring and relocation auctions can all give you access to high-quality and well-maintained printing presses that are, in some cases, nearly new.

• Pros - Low cost, immediate availability and commercial-grade equipment

• Cons - Transport and setup costs, sold ‘as is’ and no after-sales support

Specialist dealers

Another route is buying printing presses from specialist second-hand dealers. They often refurbish the presses before selling them, and may provide ongoing support.    

• Pros - Equipment is refurbished and tested, financing deals may be available and there may be some form of warranty or support

• Cons - Higher cost (dealer fees mean you pay a premium), limited selection and little room for negotiation

Direct from other printing companies

You can also buy second-hand printing machines directly from other printing companies that are upgrading or no longer need them through business-to-business marketplaces and trade magazines.

• Pros - A wide variety of machines, often cheaper than going through a dealer and you can negotiate directly with the seller

• Cons - Limited support, you handle delivery and setup and popular listings can attract multiple buyers 

Buy high-quality used printing equipment at auction

With more than 17,000 lots sold last year, Eddisons Asset Auctions offers a proven, trusted way to secure high-quality used printing presses that support your business goals. Browse our current assets for sale, including commercial printing equipment, and register to bid or get in touch to discuss your requirements with our team.