How do I assess the wide-format printers and routers in a sign shop?

Ask to see the printers and the router make something typical for the shop. On a printer, look for banding, colour drift, nozzle gaps and how well it holds a large run. On a router, check the cut edges, the table’s flatness and whether the spindle runs smoothly. Ask the operators what goes wrong most often and how they handle it.

Then look at the paper trail. Print heads, ink systems and cutting tools wear out, so ask what has been replaced and what that cost. Ask for service records and check whether the maker still supports the model. A printer that is fine today but has no parts available next year is a risk.

Think about running costs and fit. What does a typical job cost in ink and media? Do the machines match the work the shop wins now, and the work you want to win? Software and file formats matter too. Ask whether the machines depend on a computer that is old or unsupported. Bring in a qualified technician or appraiser to confirm what you see. Do not forget the small items around the big machines, such as the laminator, the plotter and the vacuum table. They are easy to overlook and can be costly to replace if they fail after you take over.

Key takeaways

• Watch both machines run a typical job and judge the output.
• Check replacements, service records and parts availability.
• Weigh running costs and whether the machines suit the work you want.