Choosing the right equipment is a critical decision for any business, especially when you're just starting or looking to expand. In today’s market, there are several desktop devices available, like Roland DG's VersaSTUDIO range, and they are designed to meet specific need, whether you’re running a home-based personalisation business, growing a print service or anything in between.
Of course, making a new investment is a big decision and there are lots of factors to think about, some of which you might not have considered. In this article, we’ll show you the factors that will make a difference to your future business.
1. Ease of Use
The easier your new device is to use, the faster you can start creating products and growing your business. We developed the VersaSTUDIO range to give start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs the tools they need to create premium products from day one, even if they have had no prior experience. Every VersaSTUDIO solution comes with the requisite software, which has been developed with user-friendliness in mind, containing step-by-step instructions and supported by tutorials.
2. Quality of Output
High-quality products can command higher selling prices, which helps offset production costs and lets you get a faster return on your investment. When print professionals hear the name “Roland”, they immediately think of quality. That means intensively developed hardware, reliable operation and unrivalled output. Make no mistake: our customers invest in our solutions because they want consistent, high-end results every time, without misprints and unwanted variables slowing down production and creating additional headaches.
3. Space Requirements
Space is an important determining factor, especially for businesses that are just getting started. Chances are you are trying something new and you can’t yet justify investing in a large workshop, so you have to make do with the space you have available. VersaSTUDIO devices are designed to fit into a small footprint, and to ensure that all operations are easily accessible, without needing to move things around every time you need to change a roll of media or replace an ink cartridge.
4. Support and Warranty
Investing in a business, especially a new one, is already an uncertain time. You don’t need unexpected downtime to add to your worries. When you invest in any VersaSTUDIO device, a full year’s warranty is included at no extra cost, giving you immediate access to experienced engineers who can help you get back in action in no time. Once that first year is over, we provide extended warranty options to suit any budget, giving you full peace of mind for your entire journey.
5. Resale Value
If you are committed to growing your business, you should consider the likelihood that you will need to upscale production in the future. Because Roland DG’s reputation is so strong for reliable hardware and attentive support, our devices command good prices on the second-hand market. This could be more relevant than you might expect: a good proportion of Roland users experience such rapid business growth that they soon find a need to upgrade. It’s comforting to know that you can count on offsetting the cost of your next investment when the time comes.
6. Initial Investment
The initial investment is the upfront cost you’ll need to consider when purchasing any of these devices. While it’s tempting to cut costs by investing in cheaper devices from unknown brands, this often results in disappointing performance and no customer support availability. You should also consider that for certain applications, additional tools may be required (for example, using a heat press for garment decoration).
7. Cost of Ownership
Depending on the technology, the volume and nature of consumables can vary significantly. To make a well-considered investment decision, it’s important to understand the ongoing costs as this will help ensure long-term profitability. For all the below products, we always recommend investing in a RolandCare extended warranty plan. While it is an ongoing cost, a care plan ensures that your business will be back to production as soon as possible with limited impact on your lead times and your reputation.
8. Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability of the device to grow with your business. This will largely depend on where your business is right now and how fast you expect it to grow. Generally speaking, your next step after investing in a VersaSTUDIO device will be to double production with an additional device, or upgrade to something larger or faster.
9. Versatility
Versatility is important for businesses looking to offer a range of products or services. While you may have started by creating specific products, you might already be capable of producing other things with the equipment at your disposal. For example, if you currently sell fun, decorative stickers, you can easily print onto heat-transfer vinyl and create your own tshirts, thereby increasing your customer base. The more versatile your new equipment is, the more options you have for generating profits.
Conclusion
Selecting the right desktop customisation device depends on your specific business needs, target market, and growth plans. You need to weigh up your options carefully to ensure that the solution you choose will support your business from day one.
We hope this article has helped narrow down the next path you choose on your business journey. If you still have questions, get in touch with a Roland expert who will be happy to talk about your options in more depth.