Summer can be a game-changer for businesses, and like any season, it comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. For printer and copier dealers, the warmer months mean adjusting strategies, optimizing workflows, and helping customers streamline their printing needs while dealing with higher temperatures.
Whether your clients are running promotional campaigns, printing poolside menus, or managing their day-to-day operations, there are countless ways to make their lives easier while boosting your business. That’s where summer printing hacks come in.
Grab your iced coffee and settle in—we’re about to explore practical tips, innovative solutions, and industry insights that’ll elevate your game this summer.
Why Summer Calls for Printing Smarts
The Heat Factor
High temperatures don’t just make us sweat; they can wreak havoc on printers and copiers. From paper jams caused by humidity to overheated machines, summer conditions require extra care.
Seasonal Trends
Summer is also synonymous with sales, events, and a spike in outdoor activities. Businesses print more promotional materials like banners, flyers, and menus during this season. This gives dealers an opportunity to offer tailored solutions that cater to these seasonal needs.
Work-Life Balance Printing
Many clients adopt flexible schedules in summer, like working from vacation homes or shorter office hours. Portable, energy-efficient devices are in high demand, and remote printing solutions become even more relevant.
Now that we understand the “why,” let’s jump into the practical hacks.
Hack #1: Keep Printers Cool
Temperatures soaring? Your printers and copiers feel it too. Summer heat can impact the way machines function, leading to errors and inefficiencies.
Tips for Temperature Management
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Ventilation Is Key
Make sure printers and copiers are placed in well-ventilated areas with plenty of airflow. A crowded corner or tight closet won’t do these machines any favors. -
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Machines near a sunlit window can overheat quickly. Advise customers to keep equipment in shaded spots to maintain a stable performance. -
Use Cooling Pads or Fans
For busy offices handling high-volume printing, small desk fans or cooling pads can help reduce operating temperatures.
Interactive Tip: Include a quiz on your website for customers to check if their office setup is summer-friendly!
Hack #2: Stock Up on Summer-Resistant Supplies
Summer humidity doesn’t play nicely with paper and other printing materials. Warped or damp paper can lead to frequent jams and misfeeds, impacting workflow.
Must-Have Supplies for the Season
- Use humidity-resistant paper designed for warm, sticky weather.
- Opt for sealed toner cartridges to protect the contents from moisture.
- Stock specialized labels that won’t peel in high heat for outdoor signage.
Alt text: A stack of humidity-resistant paper with a label reading “Perfect for Sticky Summer Weather.”
Hack #3: Offer Maintenance Packages
Summer can be rough on printing equipment—but proactive care prevents breakdowns.
Mid-Year Maintenance Checklist
Help your customers summer-proof their devices by offering seasonal checkups. Include services like:
- Cleaning internal parts to remove dust and debris.
- Inspecting seals and gaskets for wear caused by humidity.
- Checking fan and cooling systems to prevent overheating.
Highlight the benefits of maintenance on your website using a poll for customer engagement. Ask, “When was your last printer serviced?” with options like Last Month, 6 Months Ago, or Can’t Even Remember.
Hack #4: Focus on Seasonal Printing Needs
Summer is an exciting time for many small businesses, with promotions, events, and seasonal rushes. This means more demand for creative and personalized print materials.
Top Summer Job Requests
Equip your dealership to create or provide services for popular summer-specific printing, such as:
- Event Signage: Weddings, fairs, and festivals need durable, weather-proof prints.
- Promotional Materials: Think bright, eye-catching flyers and posters for summer sales or limited-time offers.
- Restaurant Menus: Outdoor dining spots love waterproof, heat-resistant menus.
Expert Tip
Partner with a local design service to offer value-added assistance. Being a one-stop shop for both printing hardware and services positions you as an invaluable resource.
Hack #5: Introduce Mobile Printing Solutions
With more employees working remotely or taking extended vacations, remote-access printing becomes crucial.
Portable and App-Based Printing
Recommend lightweight printers or multifunction copiers tailored for small workspaces and on-the-go professionals. Pair this with guidance on mobile printing apps that streamline workflows, regardless of where users are located.
Alt text: A professional using a mobile app to print documents from a home office.
Hack #6: Prioritize Energy Efficiency
Electricity bills spike in summer—but printers don’t need to be part of the problem.
Smart Power-Saving Practices
- Enable sleep mode to reduce power consumption during downtime.
- Introduce models that offer auto shutoff timers for added savings.
- Highlight Energy Star certified machines as a way for customers to cut costs and stay eco-friendly.
✏️ Share an infographic explaining how using eco-efficient printers can reduce electricity costs, making it easy to share across your marketing channels!
Hack #7: Run Summer Promotions
What better time to grow your customer base than when summer demand is already high? Tailor summer-themed promotions for printer/copier solutions.
Fresh Campaign Ideas
- Offer seasonal discounts on paper bundles, ink, or toner.
- Promote an equipment rental special for summer-only events.
- Create bundled service deals for customers who combine supplies and maintenance services in one purchase.
Hack #8: Showcase Customer Success Stories
Looking to inspire current and potential customers? Share real ways your hacks have worked for others during summers past.
Example
“We recently helped XYZ Catering upgrade to waterproof menus for their outdoor dining area. Not only did their sales increase by 30% from better menu presentation, but they also saved $500 by avoiding reprints!”
Share these stories through blogs, emails, or even brief social videos to highlight your expertise.
Hack #9: Make Use of Online Tools
Use the season as an opportunity to upsell digital integrations for your products. Some dealers partner with software solutions designed to make planning ahead (and working more flexibly during sunny days) a breeze.
Toolkits to Spotlight
- Eco Printing Calculators to help businesses reduce paper and ink waste.
- Remote Management Software that monitors printer supplies and usage.
- Cloud Printing Solutions for teams spread across multiple locations.
Final Thoughts
Summer may make everything feel laid-back, but for printer and copier dealers, it’s a chance to rethink, refocus, and ramp up opportunities. Whether it’s keeping machines cool, tailoring promotions, or introducing innovative products like portable printers, small changes can lead to big rewards.
By implementing these summer printing hacks, you’ll help customers avoid seasonal frustrations, meet their unique needs, and establish yourself as a trusted provider of smarter solutions.
Now go ahead, enjoy the warm weather—but don’t forget to carry these hacks into a productive season for your dealership! ☀️