Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an ID Card Printer
Purchasing an ID card printer is a significant investment that affects how efficiently and securely your organization can produce identification cards. With so many options on the market, it's easy to make a misstep. To help you choose the right solution, here are five common mistakes to avoid when buying an ID card printer—and how to make a more informed decision.
Mistake 1: Prioritizing Price Over Performance
While it's natural to consider cost—especially when working within a budget—choosing a printer based solely on price can lead to greater expenses over time. Entry-level models often lack the durability, speed, or advanced features needed for frequent or high-quality printing. As a result, you may face higher maintenance costs or need to replace the printer sooner than expected.
For example, the Evolis Badgy100 is ideal for low-volume, occasional use. However, if your organization needs to print large batches regularly, a more advanced printer like the Evolis Primacy 2—which offers dual-sided printing and enhanced security options—may be a smarter long-term investment.
Mistake 2: Not Planning for Future Growth
It’s important to choose a printer that not only meets your current needs but can also scale with your organization. What works today may not be sufficient tomorrow if your ID issuance needs expand.
A compact printer like the Fargo DTC1250e might be a good starting point, but if you anticipate growth or plan to integrate smart card technology in the future, consider a more scalable model such as the Fargo DTC4500e. Many higher-end printers also offer modular upgrades, so you can add features like smart card encoding or lamination down the road.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Print Quality Differences
Print quality matters—especially if your ID cards are used for access control, security, or branding purposes. Understanding the difference between Direct-to-Card (DTC) and Retransfer printing technologies can help you select the right printer for your needs.
Direct-to-Card (DTC) printers like the Fargo DTC1250e and Evolis Primacy 2 print directly onto the card surface. They’re affordable and fast but may leave a white border and aren’t ideal for cards with embedded chips.
Retransfer printers, such as the HID Fargo HDP5000 or Evolis Agilia, print onto a film that is then fused to the card, allowing for true edge-to-edge printing and better quality on uneven card surfaces. This method produces more vibrant, durable prints—perfect for high-security or high-use applications.
If professional appearance or security is a priority, retransfer printing is often the better choice.
Mistake 4: Overlooking Security Capabilities
Security features are critical if your ID cards serve as access credentials, store sensitive information, or are used in financial or government environments. Choosing a printer with built-in security options can help prevent unauthorized use or card duplication.
Key security features to consider include:
Smart card or magnetic stripe encoding
Holographic overlays or laminates to deter tampering and counterfeiting
These features are not just add-ons—they’re essential for organizations where card misuse could pose a risk. Be sure to evaluate your security requirements before making a purchase.
Mistake 5: Forgetting About Maintenance and Support
No matter which printer you choose, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it running smoothly. Overlooking this can lead to costly repairs or reduced print quality over time. It's also important to consider the availability of support and replacement parts.
Look for printers backed by strong manufacturer warranties and service plans. Brands like HID Fargo and Evolis offer excellent support, extended warranties, and easily accessible maintenance kits. For example, the Fargo DTC4500e is known for its durability and comes with robust customer support options.
Before purchasing, make sure you understand the maintenance requirements and what kind of support is available from both the manufacturer and your supplier.
Need Help Choosing the Right Printer? Contact Us!
Selecting the right ID card printer is more than just picking the lowest-cost model. By avoiding these common mistakes—focusing only on price, ignoring future scalability, overlooking print quality and security, and skipping maintenance planning—you can make a smart, lasting investment.
Need guidance? Contact us today for expert advice on choosing the best ID card printer for your organization's needs.