Many businesses consider, and sometimes opt for, direct imports of large-format printers from Chinese factories due to the high cost of purchasing equipment. They believe that sourcing the equipment directly will help them achieve the desired productivity levels at a lower price, thus increasing profitability.

In some cases, this might be possible. However, direct imports often come with hidden costs such as freight, customs clearing, duties, additional transportation, and unforeseen technical support, which can drive the machine’s price far beyond its actual cost. Other issues include software incompatibility or the inability to customise for increased productivity.

Buying equipment from China is not inherently bad, as many of these machines now meet or exceed the standards of their counterparts from other parts of the world. The difference lies in economies of scale, as Chinese companies use and buy components on an unimaginable scale to companies in many other regions.

So, how can customers requiring high levels of technology obtain these devices at affordable prices without buying directly from Chinese factories? The answer is to source from a local company that has ties to top manufacturing and assembly factories in China but understands and caters to the needs of the local market.

AM.CO.ZA is such a company. Founded ten years ago, AM.CO.ZA has developed an extensive product range serving the large-format signage market with large-format printers, routers, CNC machines, and vinyl cutters. It has built a reputation for printers with state-of-the-art and market-leading components. Additionally, it has a customer base of thousands, many of whom are repeat customers.

The company offers full warranties, training, back-up support, and technical assistance. It has servicing and repair facilities and can provide clients additional support, such as tutorials and software support. In the past ten years, it has grown from a small two-person enterprise to a fully-fledged company with over 30 staff and premises of more than 6000 sqm. It is currently building a dedicated demonstration and training facility, as well as a full-function Training Academy.

While buying equipment from a Chinese factory may be cheaper, it is more cost-effective and efficient to go with a company that simplifies the process of buying large-format printers – AM.CO.ZA.