Posted by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 2:35pm
Msg #395170

Printer Purchase

I (am a newbie) have done research on this site with respect to printers. My confusion lies around whether or not it's imperative to buy a printer with dual trays or not. My limited understanding of the dual tray is one tray for legal and one for regular paper so you are not having to make the switch manually from one to the other.

I have worked here in Oregon for a few lawyers and all have used the REGULAR paper for court documents. The legal size is NOT required. Is this a state by state thing or is regular paper the norm now?

So my question being, do lenders/mortgage/others use LEGAL size paper? My intent being to buy a single tray printer and save money!

Thanks so much!

Reply by jba/fl on 8/26/11 2:43pm
Msg #395173

Karla, my first printer was single tray

and I would just print all the letter, then all the legal after changing the paper size. Mostly letter is used....just make note of which pages are letter, which page numbers are legal and then print small batches. When you can afford a second tray, spring for it to save a lot of time. Then you will wonder why you didn't do that before.

Sometimes I would use all legal, but paper costs are high and seldom do we see sales on legal paper anymore, so try to stay away from doing that. Of course, if you are doing 4-6 packages a day for good price, then that is different....just run legal and save time.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 3:08pm
Msg #395181

Re: Karla, my first printer was single tray

jba, Thanks for your answer - sometimes the answers are so simple, but I'm a bit overwhelmed right now - not seeing the forest for the trees. LOL!

Reply by Karla/WA on 8/26/11 3:33pm
Msg #395185

I would never do this business without a dual tray printer. The time it takes to figure out which pages are legal and which are letter just eats into profit. Check out this scenario......You have an appointment and been waiting for docs to be sent. You're have back to back appointments for the rest of the evening and docs finally come in. Now, you have to figure out how the package has been sent to you, what documents to print on letter, and what to print on Legal, put the packages together (both sets), and then ensure you've not skipped any pages in the packages.

When you have delayed documents and you're late for appointments, then you're faced with taking even more time to determine letter/legal, I think that it's a disaster waiting to happen.

There are only a few title companies that separate out of letter/legal into files. With packages over 100 pages, even if you take small packages, you're handling paper too much and opening yourself to additional mistakes, if you happen to skip printing some loan documents. Then, it's your dime to go back and get those docs signed.

If you cant afford a printer with dual trays right now, I would encourage you to select a printer than is compatible for dual trays, then add the second tray at a later date but my recommendation is to put yourself in a position to succeed and having the efficient printer is my baseline.

Good luck.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 3:55pm
Msg #395187

Thanks Karla (great name!)~ what caught my eye in your reply is "There are only a few companies that separate out of letter/legal into files." If I understand you correctly, all (legal and non legal docs) COULD be in one file folder where you are switching back and forth from legal size to non-legal size and vice versa - having to make sure set the proper page numbers on the correct paper size. With a dual tray, does the printer automatically recognize that it needs the legal size vs. regular???

More to ponder about. Thanks again for your input/support.

Karla

Reply by jba/fl on 8/26/11 4:00pm
Msg #395188

A dual tray printer automatically picks up the paper size coded into the package and pulls from the correct tray in the order printed. The cost difference is less than $100.

Reply by BrotherOwner on 8/26/11 4:05pm
Msg #395189

It's MUCH harder to print one size then the other, as the docs uare usually intermixed and it's time consuming to do one size then the other. It's also usually much chaper to buy the 2nd tray as part of the package. Its end of month rush today, so if you can hold off till later tonight / tomorrow, I'm sure you'll get good recommendations....gotta run, my docs are here

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 4:13pm
Msg #395191

Thanks EVERYONE - I'm sold on dual tray - moving forward to perusing local stores and web sites! I saw one at Costco recently for $300, which in comparison to Office Depot, is a jackpot! Going to EBay and Craigslist as well.

Have a great weekend - I have in-laws in town from Missouri - give me strength Lord! :O)

Reply by Karla/WA on 8/26/11 4:11pm
Msg #395190

"If I understand you correctly, all (legal and non legal docs) COULD be in one file folder where you are switching back and forth from legal size to non-legal size and vice versa "

jbl is absolutely correct to suggest that if you go the single tray route, I would manage that by taking 20 pages or so and printing letter, then legal.....managing larger portions is just going to wreak havoc on you.

And yes, most files do not differentiate between letter/legal...to make it most efficient, I love lenders that send me a single file...then I only have to print 1 file....then 1 more for the borrower and I organize the entire package.

Every time you go into a file and pick and choose just opens you up for error. You'll have to be responsible for the ensuring the package is printed accurately, for the lender and the borrower. For the difference in price...just bite the bullet and buy a dual tray. I have a Samsung ML-4050....love it, but I've heard the Brother (don't know the model number) works great and is less expensive.
Other considerations...I have a maintenance package, which includes unlimited service and all my toner cartridges. Love that and any time I need a new cartridge it's sent UPS and appears on my doorstep. Lots to think about, but do yourself a favor and get a dual printer!

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 4:23pm
Msg #395194

Yep, Karla, don't want the hassle or the ability to be open for errors - two great reasons to go dual. I LOVE that the printer will differentiate from the regular to the legal without me having to babysit it.

Love that your maintenance package includes service AND toner cartridges. My husband is so dead set against those maintenance packages for appliances - will have to deal with that hurdle in due time!

Where in WA are you? We moved to Oregon about 10 years ago (from the Renton, Burien, Auburn, areas). My family is still there (Sumner, Port Orchard, Seattle). It's a beautiful place to live! I love Oregon but miss family.

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 8/26/11 4:41pm
Msg #395200

You can purchase a brother hl 53xx and use the multiporpose.tray for you letter size .paper for 129.00 at Staples

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 4:49pm
Msg #395202

LOVE the price and brand! However, you are talking single tray right?

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 8/26/11 5:40pm
Msg #395207

Sorry I was typing from my phone. Yes it's a single tray but you can use the little door in front to use it as the second tray for letter size paper.

Reply by SouthernOK on 8/26/11 4:39pm
Msg #395199

Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

I would recommend that you get the best printer you can afford in your situation, or look into a quality used printer.

Don't just look at purchase price, look at cost for toner and how many pages that gets you and basic parts. If you can't buy basic parts then you'll be looking for your next printer sooner than you had hoped.

For me this situation called for a Brother machine with dual trays and it's really worked out well for me.

FYI, you know it needs to be a laser printer, I didn't see that it had been mentioned previously.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 4:46pm
Msg #395201

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

Good advice - especially the number of pages (per minute?) - goes to the old "time is money."
Yep, know it needs to be laser. It sounds like the printer is key for this business so it now makes more sense to buy a good and efficient one.

Thanks SouthernOK!

Reply by jba/fl on 8/26/11 5:22pm
Msg #395204

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

You also want to be able to get cheaper toner deals or change your own toner. Brothers are easy to do that.

Do a search here for "printers" Much discussed topic. There are of course, 2 camps: Brother and HP, and both sing praises of their choices.

This is a good time to be buying too - don't forget to check Cnet.com too and then shop online looking for refurbished too. There are good deals with back to school and, of course, now Christmas coming up. Buyers rule these days.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 6:24pm
Msg #395212

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

jba~ Thanks for the good info. I'm leary about buying on-line - I've heard that local is a better choice in case you have issues with it. Comment?

Reply by jba/fl on 8/26/11 6:55pm
Msg #395216

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

I've bought 2 in stores, 3 online. I bought from Ofc. Max online on the 3 - they have local store so I could have returned locally if needed. No problems with any of them though.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 7:46pm
Msg #395220

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

Makes sense to do it that way - buy on-line with a local store to assist in time of trouble. Thanks for that.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 8/27/11 7:45am
Msg #395243

Re: Dual tray and buy the best you can afford, or used

I agree with Southern OK that a used printer is a good idea. You can usually find one and even one with a dual tray on EBAY for a good price - you may have to be willing to watch and wait for the right one but it will be worth it. EBAY sellers usually publish the printer's page count in the auction listing (they print out a usage page and it tells them how many pages are printed). You want one will a lower page count.

Once you buy a printer, don't forget to buy as much memory for it as it will hold. That speeds up printing and makes your life sooooo much easier!

Reply by BrotherOwner on 8/26/11 6:10pm
Msg #395209

http://www.buy.com/prod/brother-hl-5370dwt-laser-printer-with-wireless-networking-duplex-and/q/loc/101/210912966.html

http://www.staples.com/Brother-HL-5370DWT-Laser-Printer/product_786484


http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?item=Y78943


Also, IF you want an all in one, Staples has the equivalant machine as the MFC8670 I believe, but you would need to by the 2nd tray (AKA Lower tray) separately as they do not come bundled with the MFC models. This MFC is well priced at $299 or below. I believe it said that this was a refurb. NEVER, EVER be afraid of a Brother refurb machine as they are refurbed by Brother, have the same manufacturer's 1 yaer full warranty as a new machine, and maybe were just pulled from the normal manufacturing run for a quality control check.

The lower tray part number for the MFC is LT-5300. it is the same lower tray that is attached to the above printer. List price is $169 I believe, but I have found it for as low as $104 when I have shopped it.

You may be able to use Staples or other vendor's coupons to lower prices further. Also consider sales tax and free shipping in your price calculation.

Two of the main reasons that people like Brother printers? Cost per page is low, and they were designed with a straight through paper travel path so there is much less paper jamming than with some other brands. I've had Brother faxes, laser printers and a laser MFC, all since 1991 and I've been very satisfied. The drum is an easily replacable part, pops in and out with toner cartridge, and is not a service call only replacement part as with some other machines, and is a lot less expensive therefore,. I suggest you check out ANY similar Brother machinre at your local office supply store as they are basically all designed the same way as far as the drum/toner cartridge.

In case you have questions /need service, ALWAYS call during normal US business hours and ask to be transfered to US based cust serv/tech support. I 've found them to be excellant. Foreign based,ehh,not so good.

Good luck, and as always, YMMV!!

Reply by STAN DAVIS on 8/26/11 6:15pm
Msg #395211

Forgot this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-HL-5370DWT-Printer-Wireless-Networking/dp/B0025KVK70/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1314400493&sr=8-3

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 6:28pm
Msg #395213

Great price and brand name. Thanks Stan. May have to just go with that one, although I get nervous about buying on-line vs. locally. Will review it with my hubby tonight.

Reply by Karla/OR on 8/26/11 6:29pm
Msg #395214

Thanks much~ can never have too much info!

Reply by MW/VA on 8/27/11 8:19am
Msg #395244

Good printer to invest in, & dual trays are definitely worth the investment. My experience with Brother Printers is that they are reliable & cost of operating (toner carts/drums, etc.) is low. Good luck.

Reply by Kate/CA on 8/27/11 10:06am
Msg #395252

Printer Purchase buy one you can add the 2nd to...

now or later. I have 3 Brother printers, they all have 2nd trays, it is so much easier when doing loan docs.