Top 10 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Printer in Pakistan (2025 Guide)

Category: Printer Guide
Date: 06 May, 2025
In today's economy, many people in Pakistan — including students, freelancers, and small business owners — are choosing to buy second-hand printers instead of brand-new ones. It’s a smart way to save money and still get the functionality you need.
However, not all used printers are a good deal. Some may have hidden issues that cost you more in repairs or ink than buying new. Whether you’re buying from OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or a local shop in Karachi, Lahore, or Hyderabad, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes.
Here are the top 10 things you should always check before buying a used printer in 2025.
✅ 1. Page Count – The Printer’s Mileage
Just like a used car shows its condition through kilometers driven, printers have a page count. This shows how many pages the printer has printed since it was made.
- Ask the seller to show the page count from the settings menu.
- A printer with more than 50,000 pages might be close to its end life, depending on the model.
- For home use, try to find a printer with less than 20,000 pages printed.
✅ 2. Print Test Page – Check the Output
Never buy a used printer without printing a test page!
Check for:
- Clean and sharp text
- No streaks, lines, or ink blotches
- No fading or uneven areas
If the test page looks bad, it might mean a faulty print head, low-quality toner, or internal damage.
✅ 3. Ink or Toner Availability in Pakistan
Used printers often come with empty or fake cartridges. Make sure:
- Ink or toner for that model is easily available locally or online (Daraz, Shophive, ComputerZone).
- Check if the cartridges are original, refillable, or third-party compatible.
- Expensive or rare cartridges can make the printer useless even if it's working fine.
✅ 4. Connectivity Options – Wired or Wireless?
Technology has moved on. Make sure the printer fits your setup.
Check if it supports:
- USB connection (basic)
- Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Direct (for wireless printing)
- Bluetooth (for printing from mobile)
- Mobile printing apps (like HP Smart, Canon Print, or Epson iPrint)
Bonus Tip: Try printing from your phone or laptop before you buy.
✅ 5. Paper Tray and Feeder Condition
Used printers often have physical issues like:
- Broken or stuck paper trays
- Paper jams
- Misaligned rollers
Insert 4–5 pages and try printing. If it jams or pulls multiple papers, it may need repair.
✅ 6. Scanner and Copier Functions (if All-in-One)
If it’s a multi-function printer (MFP), it should also scan and copy.
Check if:
- The scanner glass is clean (no scratches or dust inside)
- Copies match the original documents
- It saves scans in PDF or JPG formats
These functions often get ignored but are very important for offices or schoolwork.
✅ 7. Driver and Software Compatibility
A printer without compatible software is useless. Always:
- Search the printer’s model on the official brand website (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.)
- Make sure drivers are available for Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux
- Also check if it supports mobile apps
Some old printers don't have drivers for newer systems — avoid them!
✅ 8. Physical Condition & External Inspection
A quick visual check can tell you a lot. Look for:
- Cracks, dents, or broken hinges
- Ink stains or leakage near the cartridge area
- Dusty internals (shows it’s not maintained well)
- Any burnt smell near the power supply (dangerous!)
Also, test all buttons, displays, and power cables.
✅ 9. Brand Support and Spare Parts Availability in Pakistan
Only go for brands that have strong presence and support in Pakistan, like:
- HP
- Canon
- Epson
- Brother
Avoid brands or models that are discontinued or rare, as their parts and repairs will be costly or unavailable.
Check if:
- There’s a service center in your city (like Karachi or Lahore)
- Technicians are available for repairs
✅ 10. Compare Used Price vs New Price
Before finalizing your deal, check prices for brand-new printers online. Sometimes the difference is small.
For example:
- A used printer = Rs. 10,000
- A brand-new printer = Rs. 14,000 with 1-year warranty
Is saving Rs. 4,000 worth the risk? Maybe not.
🏁 Conclusion:
Buying a used printer in Pakistan can be a great decision — if you know what to check. From page count to ink availability, test everything before you pay. Don’t just trust the seller’s words — see it working yourself.
Take your time, follow this 10-point checklist, and you’ll save money without sacrificing quality.