Decision Time: Event Ticket Printing Options (Part 1)

Part 2 on Thermal Ticket Printers>>

If you are considering a thermal printer for event ticketing, you should consider several factors before making a purchasing decision. The investment for thermal printers ranges between $1,500.00 - $2,000.00, and desktop printers can be less than $500. Having a good understanding of how various printers operate and how they meet your needs will maximize the return on your investment.

Many venues assume they need thermal printers to sell tickets through their box office, but today's technology has made standard laser printers (8.5" x 11") a viable alternative. When making the decision to purchase a printer, you need to consider space, speed, security, and cost.

Space

Available space plays an important role in narrowing your choices for a printer. Thermal printers can be as small as 7.7H x 6.5W x 8.25L and are convenient in environments where multiple printers are needed. However, laser printers are considerably less expensive, and many models are available in compact sizes that can accommodate a small working environment.

Speed

Print speed should be taken into account, as it impacts how quickly you can process your patrons through your box office. A standard thermal printer can print an average of 30 tickets per minute at normal speed, and many laser printer models can print up to 30 pages per minute. The main disadvantage of a laser printer is the fact that it can take up to a couple of minutes to start printing when left idle for a prolonged period of time, while thermal printers begin printing immediately.

Security

Thermal printers require specially coated thermal ticket stock, while laser printers use regular letter-size bond paper. Thermal ticket stock can be manufactured with a variety of security features such as thermochromic ink, ultra violet ink, coin activated ink, and holographic foils. Laser printer paper is also available with security features like hidden images that appear when copied, watermarks and invisible ultra violet reactant fibers. Both printing options offer unique and effective security measures that can adapt to your venue's individual security needs.

Consumables

Printing costs go beyond the price of thermal stock or letter size bond paper. In the case of thermal printers you need to consider the cost of replacing print heads and the wear and tear on movable parts such as the cutter. Laser printers require frequent toner cartridge replacements, and regular maintenance.

For information on security laser printer paper please click on the following link.

Part 2 on Thermal Ticket Printers>>