7 Printing Tips for Small Business Owners on a Budget

Managing a small business means finding ways to make every dollar count. The cost of printing can quickly add up, affecting your bottom line unexpectedly. However, you don’t need to compromise on professional quality to save money. With a few strategic adjustments, you can control expenses while producing high-quality materials.

Here are 7 printing tips to help small business owners reduce costs without cutting corners.

Proofread Before You Print

It may seem obvious, but skipping a final proofread is one of the costliest mistakes you can make. There’s nothing worse than printing 500 brochures only to discover a typo in the headline. Take the time to review everything or ask a colleague to double-check your materials. Catching errors prevents the frustration and expense of reprinting.

Choose the Right Paper for Your Printer

Using the wrong paper can lead to wasted ink, paper jams, and subpar results that go straight to the recycling bin. For instance, understanding the difference between paper types is essential. If you use wide-format printers, knowing the difference between inkjet versus laser 20lb bond paper can help protect equipment and preserve supplies.

Print in Draft Mode for Internal Documents

Not every document requires a polished, presentation-ready finish. For internal memos, drafts, or checklists, adjust your printer settings to “draft” or “eco” mode. This setting uses substantially less ink and prints more quickly. Over time, this simple change can lead to savings on cartridges for non-client-facing paperwork.

Buy Supplies in Bulk

Purchasing ink and paper in bulk often reduces the cost per unit. If you have adequate storage space, buying several months' worth of supplies is a cost-effective strategy. Look for multipacks of ink or larger rolls of paper, but check expiration dates on ink cartridges to avoid overstocking items.

Stick to Standard Sizes

While custom paper sizes can look unique, they often come with a higher price tag. Sticking to standard dimensions, such as letter or standard poster sizes, helps keep costs manageable. Standard sizes are also easier to fit into envelopes, frames, and shipping materials.

Maintain Your Printer Regularly

Neglecting printer maintenance can lead to inefficiencies and breakdowns. Regular upkeep will help your printer run smoothly and last longer.

• Run the print head cleaning cycle if prints show streaks

• Keep the exterior clean and dust-free

• Cover wide-format printers when not in use

Taking care of your printer minimizes costly repairs and reduces wasted paper from poor-quality prints caused by dirty or malfunctioning hardware.

Use Digital Alternatives When Possible

One of the best ways to reduce printing costs is to print less. Consider whether a physical copy is truly necessary for each document. Can invoices be sent via email? Could a flier work better as a digital post on social media? Cutting back on print volume is one of the most immediate and effective ways to lower expenses.

By following these printing tips, small business owners can achieve professional results while staying within budget. Small adjustments to your printing habits can lead to substantial savings over time.

[Editor’s Note: And, if you want to avoid the DIY route, you can talk with Stacy at IdeaWorks Design & Print Studio in localed locally here in Champaign. She does everything from logo design to sticker printing to sign printing and everything in between!]