Wide Format Printer Trade-In Value: Can You Get Credit for Your Old Plotter?
Can you get trade-in credit for an old wide format plotter in New Jersey? What actually drives trade-in value, and how to factor it into your next purchase.
One of the most common questions I receive from architects, engineers, surveyors, and construction companies is:
“Can I get a trade-in credit for my old wide format printer?”
The answer is yes, sometimes—but not always.
If you’re considering replacing a Canon, HP, KIP, Ricoh, Epson, Oce or other wide-format printer, understanding its trade-in value can help you make a better decision and potentially reduce the cost of a new device.
What Determines the Trade-In Value of a Wide Format Printer?
Several factors affect whether a dealer can offer trade-in credit for your existing wide-format printer or plotter.
- Age of the Printer
The newer the device, the greater the chance it has value in the secondary market.
1–5 years old: Often has trade-in potential.
5–8 years old: Limited value depending on condition.
8+ years old: Usually little to no resale value.
Many AEC firms are still operating printers that are well beyond their expected lifecycle.
- Condition and Maintenance History
A printer that is operational and regularly serviced will generally be worth more than one with recurring issues.
Dealers typically look at:
Print quality
Service history
Error codes
Physical condition
Remaining life of key components
- Parts Availability
Once manufacturers discontinue parts and technical support, the value of a printer can drop dramatically.
This is especially important for older:
HP DesignJet printers
Canon imagePROGRAF models
KIP monochrome systems
Ricoh wide-format devices
- Market Demand
Some models maintain value because there is demand for refurbished equipment.
Others may have little market interest due to:
High operating costs
Slow print speeds
Limited scanning capabilities
Security concerns
The Real Value May Not Be the Trade-In
Many customers focus on the trade-in allowance, but the larger financial opportunity is often found elsewhere.
New wide-format printers can provide:
Faster print speeds
Better color quality
Improved scanning workflows
Lower operating costs
Enhanced cybersecurity
Reduced downtime
In many cases, the savings from improved productivity exceed the actual trade-in value of the old equipment.
A Wide Format Printer Is Like an Old Boat
I often tell clients that a wide-format printer is a lot like an old boat.
The owner remembers what they paid for it.
The market looks at what it will cost the next owner to keep it running.
That difference is often where expectations and reality meet.
Trade-In Credit vs. Trade Allowance
There is an important distinction.
Many dealers offer a trade allowance rather than a true market-value trade-in.
A trade allowance may help offset:
Removal costs
Transportation expenses
Disposal fees
Installation of the replacement equipment
This can still provide meaningful value even when the printer itself has little resale potential.
How to Determine Your Wide Format Printer’s Value
Before estimating trade-in value, I typically ask:
What is the make and model?
How old is the device?
Is it currently operational?
What is the meter reading?
What are the monthly print volumes?
Are there any recurring service issues?
Is it monochrome or color?
These answers help determine whether the printer has:
Trade-in value
Refurbishment value
Parts value
Disposal value
Thinking About Replacing Your Wide Format Printer?
Whether you’re running a Canon imagePROGRAF, HP DesignJet, KIP, Ricoh, or Epson wide-format printer, understanding its current value is the first step toward making an informed upgrade decision.
Send me the make, model, age, and meter reading of your printer, and I’ll help you determine whether it has trade-in value and what replacement options may make sense for your business.
About Art Post
Art Post has spent more than 45 years helping New Jersey businesses select, support, and replace copiers, plotters, scanners, and wide-format printing systems. He specializes in helping architecture, engineering, construction, municipal, and business clients evaluate technology investments that improve productivity while reducing costs. Visit my Linkedin page .