Updated 6-14-23. Notary Signing Agent supplies include a dependable printer, but what's most important to them? Cost? Capability? We reached out on social media to ask what qualities Signing Agents look for when choosing a printer. Read below for their answers.
Dual tray capability
Several signing professionals said that being able to print both legal and letter-sized paper is crucial for their work.
In Burnham, Maine, Donna J. Runnels finds "ease of use" most important, adding if she could do it over again, she would choose dual trays.
“The most important thing I was looking for was a dual tray with the ability to print legal and letter all at once,” said Rita Cannava of San Diego, California, who recently purchased a new printer based on feedback from other signing agents.
Becky Zazueta Sebreros of Los Angeles, California, says "dual trays," along with "ink, and the number of copies" are the qualities she looks for in a good printer.
Print speed and quality
Signing agents are usually under very tight deadline pressure, so fast printing speed while producing quality, clearly legible documents is essential. Joy Olsen of Lakewood, Washington, needs a "fast, powerful workhorse designed to do 200,000 (pages) a month."
Multifunction capability
Rachel Schock of Soper, Oklahoma, says it's important to her that her printer has "printing and scanner speed, and double-sided capability." Rachel also mentions "wireless printing capability" as an important printer quality.
Theresa Neal of Kent, Washington not only prints loan documents with her printer but also uses it as a scanner and fax machine when companies ask her to fax back copies of loan documents. “Also, the automatic document feeder needs to hold more than 30 pages for fax backs,” she said.
Toner/ink cost
Signing agents work in a highly competitive market where business expenses need to be carefully budgeted. Printers that use affordable toner or ink are essential to keeping costs reasonable.
Susan Petrie of Madison Heights, Michigan, says she always checks how many pages she will get out of a particular brand of toner before buying. “The toner may be inexpensive, but how many actual pages can be printed before shaking is a big cost factor,” she said.
On the other hand, in Greenville, South Carolina, Rebecca Herrera tells us "Cost of replacement ink" is what's important to her.
What qualities do you look for in a printer?
Join the discussion with other Signing Agents on Facebook.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor with the National Notary Association.