5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an ID Card Printer

Investing in an ID card printer is a smart move for businesses that need to create staff badges, access cards, or membership cards in-house. But with so many models and features available, it’s easy to make the wrong choice – and end up wasting time and money. In this quick guide, we’ll cover 5 common mistakes people make when buying an ID card printer – and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Printer Type

One of the most common mistakes is picking the wrong type of printer for your needs. There are two main types:

• DTC (Direct-to-Card) Printers: Great for standard photo IDs printed directly onto the card surface.

• Retransfer Printers: Best for cards with embedded chips or when you need high-quality edge-to-edge printing.

Quick tip: If you're printing on smart cards or access cards, always go for a retransfer model to avoid print issues.

2. Not Considering Dual-Sided Printing

Many buyers start with a single-sided printer to save money, only to realise later they need to print on both sides of the card.

If your design includes barcodes, job titles, or terms on the back of the card, a dual-sided printer will save you time and effort.

3. Overlooking Software and Compatibility

Some printers don’t work well with MacOS or require separate software purchases. Make sure to check:

• If card design software is included

• Whether it's compatible with your operating system

• If driver support is regularly updated

At ID Printers, we offer Mac-compatible models and include free design software with most bundles.

4. Ignoring Print Volume and Speed

An entry-level printer may be fine for occasional use but could struggle if you're printing 100+ cards regularly.

Consider:

• Print speed (cards per hour)

• Duty cycle (daily/weekly recommended volume)

• Input/output hopper size

Choosing a printer that matches your volume avoids slowdowns and wear over time.

5. Forgetting About Support and Setup

ID card printers can be technical to set up, especially with encoding or network options. Some suppliers leave you to figure it out yourself.

At ID Printers, we include free setup support with every purchase – so you’re not left guessing. Whether it's installing drivers, designing your first card, or configuring encoding, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right ID card printer is about matching your needs to the right features, not just chasing the lowest price. Avoiding the mistakes above can save you from a lot of hassle - and make sure your printer delivers the quality, speed, and reliability your business needs.

Need help finding the right ID card printer?
Explore our full range of ID card printers or contact us for expert advice and free setup support.

Our printer specialists have picked their favourite id card printers here