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Where to Buy a Used Printer Right Now (Best Value Pick)
eBay is the best place to start your used printer sale search today. It is also where the best deals are. Working monochrome laser printers often sell for under $100. Discount Computer Depot is a strong second choice for buyers who want less risk. It backs its listings with a one-year warranty. Most used printers sell for $50–$300 for home models. Office lasers sell for $200–$1,500.
Warranty coverage is the biggest difference between sellers. eBay listings usually come with a 30-day return window. Refurbishers like Discount Computer Depot and similar resellers offer 30 days to a full year.
Condition labels matter just as much. “Tested” can mean anything. Ask for a page count and a sample print before you pay.
Check the Energy Star label or an EPEAT registered product listing if power costs matter to you. EPEAT certifies electronic products on sustainability. A machine’s life cycle and end-of-life management plan affect total cost.
Local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the cheapest. Prices are often $20–$80, but you get no warranty. Test the printer in person before you hand over cash.
How Much Do Used Printers Sell For? (Used vs. New Price Benchmarks)
Most used printers sell for 30–50% of their new price once they are two to three years old. That is the fair-price rule to start with.
Inkjet printers lose value fastest. A photo inkjet often drops to 20–35% of new. Laser printers hold value better because they last longer, so expect 40–60%. All-in-one models sit in the middle, around 35–50%.
| Model | New Price | Typical Used Price |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | $679.88 | $19.98–$350 |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | $119.99 | $40–$70 |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e | $229.99 | $60–$110 |
How does the used price of an Epson EcoTank ET-8550 compare to its new price on eBay?
The ET-8550 is a wide-format photo printer, and it shows how wide used prices spread. New units sell for $679.88. On eBay, working used units usually bring $250–$350. A listing at $19.98 almost always means a parts-only machine or a bidding starting price. Read the condition line before you bid.
What percentage of new price should a 2–3 year old used laser printer sell for?
Plan on 40–60% of new for a laser printer in that age range. A mono laser with low page count can hit 60%. One with high mileage drops toward 30%. Below 30%, assume it needs a new toner cartridge or drum, and price that in.
How do page count and age affect the resale value of a used Brother HL-L2350DW?
Page count matters more than age for this model. Under 5,000 pages, it holds near $70. Past 20,000 pages, expect $40 or less. A new toner adds about $30 to value. Always ask the seller for the printed page count report.
Which Brands and Models Hold Up Best? (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark)
Five brands fill most used-printer listings: HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Lexmark. They dominate because they sell in huge numbers, so spare parts and cheap toner are easy to find. That support matters more than brand name when you buy second-hand.
Why do Brother HL-L2350DW and Epson EcoTank models retain value in the used market?
The Brother HL-L2350DW holds value because it is a simple mono laser with cheap third-party toner and few moving parts. A working unit often sells for $60–$80, and buyers trust it to keep running.
Epson EcoTank models keep value because you refill ink from bottles instead of buying cartridges. That low running cost makes even an older unit worth $100 or more. Check the ink levels and print head before you pay.
Which HP LaserJet models are most reliable and commonly found used?
Older HP LaserJet mono models are the safest used buy. They are built for office volume, and drums and toner are everywhere. Look for low page counts and no streaks on a test print.
Canon imageCLASS and Lexmark lasers are also common and sturdy, but check toner prices first. Some Lexmark models use costly cartridges, which can erase the savings. Across all five brands, favor models with an Energy Star label and easy-to-find parts.
Inkjet, Laser, or All-in-One: Which Used Printer Type Should You Buy?
Buy a used laser if you print often and want low running costs. Buy a used inkjet if you print photos or rarely print at all. Buy an all-in-one if you also need to scan or copy.
What are the typical used price ranges for inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printers?
Used inkjet printers are the cheapest to buy, often $20 to $80. The catch is ink: cartridges cost more than the printer did. Used mono laser printers usually run $50 to $150, and color lasers $150 to $400. All-in-one and multifunction units (print, scan, copy, sometimes fax) land between $60 and $250 for home use, and $200 to $800 for office-grade models.
How does cost per page compare between used inkjet and laser printers?
Inkjet prints cost about 10 to 20 cents per page with cartridges, or under 1 cent with refillable tank models. Laser prints cost around 2 to 5 cents per page. So a laser’s higher upfront price pays off fast if you print more than a few pages a day. For light home use, a cheap inkjet wins. For school or office volume, a used laser is the better deal.
How to Grade a Used Printer’s Condition (Beyond ‘Tested’ and ‘Refurbished’)
Start with the page count, because it’s the one number a seller can’t fake easily. Ask for a printed configuration report or the printer’s status page.
What page count thresholds indicate a used printer is still in good condition?
Under 10,000 pages on a laser is low mileage. Home inkjets often show under 2,000. Above 50,000 pages on a laser, expect worn rollers and plan for a fuser replacement.
“Thoroughly tested” should mean the seller printed a real page, scanned it, and checked every tray and duplex path — not just that it powered on.
How can you verify a nozzle check result before buying a used inkjet printer?
Ask for a photo of the nozzle check pattern, which shows whether each ink channel fires cleanly. Missing lines or gaps mean clogged nozzles or a dried printhead. On tank models like the Epson EcoTank, also confirm the tanks aren’t stained or low.
Separate cosmetic flaws (scuffs, yellowed plastic) from functional ones (streaks, jams, error codes). Only the second kind should change your price.
Buyer’s checklist: page count report, nozzle check photo, test print sample, all trays and cables included, and a written return window.
Warranty and Return Policies Compared: Amazon, eBay, Discount Computer Depot, PayMore
Buy from Discount Computer Depot if warranty length matters most: it backs used printers with a 1-year warranty, the longest of these four sellers. PayMore gives you 30 days. Amazon and eBay mostly pass along the original maker’s warranty or none at all.
How does Discount Computer Depot’s 1-year warranty compare to PayMore’s 30-day warranty?
Discount Computer Depot covers a full year, and its listings usually state whether parts and labor are included. Ask before you buy, because printheads are often excluded.
PayMore’s 30 days covers you for a dead-on-arrival unit, not much more. After that month, repairs are on you.
What is the return window for used printers on Amazon and eBay?
Amazon allows 30 days on most used items, but only when Amazon ships and supports the order. Third-party sellers set their own rules.
eBay gives 30 days through the eBay Money Back Guarantee, and only if the listing says returns are accepted. Check that line before you pay.
Where Can I Buy Second-Hand Printers? (Online and Local Options)
You can buy a second-hand printer online on eBay, Amazon Renewed, Adorama, or OfferUp. You can also buy one in person at PayMore stores, pawn shops, and Facebook Marketplace. eBay has the widest stock. Used laser printers there run from about $50 to $150. Most listings carry no warranty beyond eBay’s 30-day Money Back Guarantee. Condition ranges from “for parts” to fully tested.
Amazon Renewed items usually come with a 90-day guarantee. Adorama’s used section grades each unit and offers a 30-day return window. OfferUp works like a local classifieds board. You pay cash and skip shipping.
What should you inspect when buying a used printer locally from Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp?
Plug it in and print a test page before you hand over money. Check the page count. Look for streaks or smears. Listen for grinding noises. Ask whether ink or toner is included. A $60 printer with empty cartridges can cost more than a tested one.
How can you safely test a used printer at a PayMore store before purchase?
Ask staff to run a self-test print and a nozzle check in front of you. Confirm the 30-day warranty in writing. Ask whether printheads are covered. Snap a photo of the serial number so you can match it to the receipt.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Buy a Printer?
eBay auctions are the cheapest place to buy a used printer, with working models often closing under $50. Amazon Renewed and local classifieds come next, usually $60 to $150. Most of these sales are final or carry only a 30-day return window.
eBay’s auction format beats fixed prices because few bidders show up for a used printer. Set a max bid and walk away. Local sellers on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp have no fees, so cash offers 20% below asking often work.
How can you find the lowest price on a used printer through eBay auctions?
Search “used printer” and filter by “Ending soonest” and “Used.” Sort by lowest price plus shipping, not lowest price alone. Check sold listings first to learn the real market price.
Watch for hidden costs. Shipping a laser printer can add $30 to $50 because of its weight. A cheap inkjet with empty cartridges needs $40 or more in ink before it prints. Add those numbers before you bid.
Where Can I Sell a Used Printer for Cash?
To sell a used printer for cash, start with PayMore or WeBuyBackElectronics. Both give instant quotes and pay on the spot, with no listing work. eBay earns more but takes time and fees. Local resellers pay fastest but pay least.
Typical payouts run $20–$150 for home printers and up to $400 for business lasers. PayMore pays on pickup; eBay pays after the buyer confirms delivery.
How do resale values on PayMore or WeBuyBackElectronics inform which used printer models to buy?
Check quotes before you buy to learn where to sell old printer models and which ones hold value. Models that resell fast, like Brother lasers and Epson EcoTank tanks, also tend to last longer. Strong resale value is a simple sign of a reliable printer.
Do ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Certifications Matter on a Used Printer?
Yes, they matter. You can check them in minutes before you pay. The ENERGY STAR label and EPEAT registration both stay with the model, not the owner. So a used unit keeps the same rating as a new one.
What does the ENERGY STAR label mean for a used printer’s energy efficiency?
ENERGY STAR is a program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A certified printer uses less power in sleep mode and auto-off. Over a printer’s life cycle, that can save real money on electricity.
EPEAT certifies electronic products on a wider set of points. These include end-of-life management and take-back programs. Look for an EPEAT registered product listing on the EPEAT website. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) covers recycled content in products. grs certified products are rare among printers, so treat that claim as a bonus, not a must.
To verify, search the model number on the ENERGY STAR and EPEAT sites. Ask the seller for a photo of the label on the back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do used printers sell for?
Most used printers sell for $50 to $300. Home inkjets often go for under $100, while office lasers run $200 to $1,500.
Where can I buy second-hand printers?
eBay and Amazon Renewed have the widest stock. PayMore stores and Facebook Marketplace are good for local pickup and testing before you pay.
Where can I sell a used printer for cash?
PayMore and WeBuyBackElectronics buy printers outright. eBay usually earns more, but you handle shipping and fees.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a printer?
eBay auctions often land lowest, sometimes under $50. Add shipping and a new ink or toner set before you call it a deal.
What should I check before buying a used printer?
Ask for the page count, a nozzle check photo, and a test print. Confirm the return window and whether the printhead is covered.
Are used printers worth it?
Yes, if you buy a tested model from a seller with a warranty. Skip untested units with no returns, since repair costs can erase the savings.