Describe your business
We are a small family business based in Stokenchurch, near High Wycombe. This is our 11th year providing a design and print service. We mainly deal with sole traders and small businesses in the immediate area that require short-run print.
Why did you make the purchase?
We run various lasers, digital duplicators and a modified OKI machine for weights up to 350gsm. People walk in and order business cards and we can turn the job around very quickly. We had mainly been running business cards on the OKI for three years, but OKI could no longer provide a service contract due to the machine's age, so we needed to upgrade.
Why did you choose this particular machine?
I first saw the Intec CP2020 in January 2009, when Leigh, our production manager, and I visited distributor Info-Tec's demonstration suite in Poole, Dorset. I was impressed by the fact that the machine could stock up to 512gsm and print on different media, such as film and magnetised stock. Also, Info-Tec's staff advised us on the right model for our requirements, and not the most expensive.
What does the machine do?
We use it to print business cards.
What features do you particularly like?
The ability to print thicker substrates.
How fast is it?
We turnaround business cards very quickly. It is common for us to have a customer who comes in at 9am and wants 500 business cards for midday. With the CP2020, we can print 500 cards in 15 minutes - it really is like printing money.
How reliable is it?
It has been very reliable so far - touch wood!
What's the quality like?
We have been running the CP2020 for about four months now and, unlike machines we have purchased in the past, it is still producing the same quality of print as the day we got it. The quality is excellent. It may not be of litho standard, but many customers don't know the difference.
How easy is it to use?
It's very simple. You just press a button and it prints.
Has it won you any new work?
Yes - we have printed flyers for some customers who have found that we are also able to print business cards quickly. We've had a good reaction. It's not cost effective to print 100 business cards using a litho press. Indeed, some litho printers have recommended us to some of their customers. Business is going extremely well and is actually up on last year - we haven't seen any shortfalls.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Definitely. The last time we invested in this type of machine we spent £10,000. This time we spent less than £5,000 and in only a few months, it has paid for itself.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or afterwards?
There were no problems. The machine was installed on the date we requested and we were given a morning's training to show how we could get the best out of it.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
Info-tec hasn't pushed us into anything and we've had no problems with them. Their sales approach was very friendly and informal. The after-sale service has been good too.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We don't need one. We had the option of buying two machines, but it wasn't necessary. Along with the purchase of Apple Macs when we first started trading, I think the Intec CP2020 is the best purchase we have ever made.
Conclusion
User's verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 4/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier's response
Ian Melville, managing director of Info-Tec Distribution, says: "The Print Shop is typical of many small printing businesses that need a reliable and affordable digital colour printing press. The Intec CP2020 is designed to print good quality colour onto a wide range of substrates up to 512gsm. We are delighted that David, like all of our clients, has been pleased with his purchase and has made a good return on his investment."
Price RRP £3,995
Contact Info-Tec Distribution 01202 845 960 www.info-tec.biz
