There’s More to Thermal Paper than Price
Pick the right thermal paper to avoid additional expenses down the line.
If you work in finance or retail, you probably know how much paper still plays an important role in your business, primarily in the form of thermal paper receipts. And, in order to maximize profitability, it is wise to minimize these sunk costs. Therefore, when sourcing thermal paper for your receipts, it is tempting to opt for the cheapest option available. But price shouldn’t be the only consideration. Here are some other variables to keep in mind to make sure you select the best thermal paper for your needs.
Supplier Experience
The specific type of thermal paper you require will depend on its intended application. It is crucial that you use a supplier that understands your needs and provides the right solution. If a cheaper supplier has little knowledge of your business sector, then the product offered may not adequately fulfill the needs of that industry.
Consistency
Inconsistency is bad for any business. Thermal paper that does not meet your required standards at all times is no exception. A business, such as a parking meter firm, requires its tickets to be waterproof. If half of the paper supplied is not suitable for use, the consequences are far reaching. If the problem is only brought to light by customers being fined for not displaying clearly readable tickets, the potential fallout is phenomenal. It could include the parking company needing to cover the costs of parking fines, as well as needing to find a new supplier on short notice. The cheapest option is no longer as cost effective as it seemed.
Quality standards
While cheap does not necessarily mean poor quality, the quality standards should be a consideration. The paper you source must at the very least do the job it is purchased for; receipts that are unreadable are of little use to either you or your customer. The implications of poor quality are even more problematic where poor quality leads to ticket holders being turned away because their barcodes cannot be read. This is especially pertinent in the medical industry where pharmaceutical medicine is concerned.
Customer Service
Would you rather do business with a company who supplies your paper and then disappears, or the that provides aftercare, advice, and support to your business? Clear, open communication with your supplier is something that it is difficult to put a monetary value on. However, a company that provides strong customer service is also more likely to become your long-term partner with an in-depth knowledge of your business. Benefits of this type of relationship include better pricing over the long term, pre-empting your needs, and first looks at new and improved products.
Which will you choose?
After taking these issues into consideration, what will you base your next decision on? Start by asking your supplier: ‘What can you do for my business?’ There’s no time like the present to raise your expectations and get a fair deal on your thermal paper needs. For more information, or to receive a free quote on ATM Paper, Parking Ticket Paper, POS Paper, and more, contact us today.