Abstract
U.S. factory sales of PC and photo printers in the U.S. in 2005 were $3.8 billion. Despite increased volume sales, dollar sales decreased 25% between 2000 and 2005 at current prices, and decreased 34% at constant 2005 prices. The drop in dollar sales is due to a continued rapid decline in pricing for printers. During the period under review, the average estimated price per unit fell from $294 to $200.
Inkjet printers and inkjet multi-function printers (MFPs) accounted for about 73.5% of unit sales in 2005 and laser printers (mono and color) and laser MFPs accounted for 26.5% of unit sales. However, inkjets are losing share to MFPs of all kinds, and to laser devices. The price of laser units has fallen dramatically, putting color laser printers within reach of many consumers, while MFPs provide more functionality to the customer, reducing the clutter of multiple products. In the near term, demand for laser printers and laser MFPs will help stem the decline in average per unit price.
Based on Mintel research, overall growth in the PC and photo printer market should be flat or decline between 2006 and 2010, with laser printer sales increasing and inkjet device sales decreasing. Looking forward, under threat is the business model that relies primarily on post-hardware sales revenue from ink and paper. Retail ink kiosks, third-party cartridge providers, and online/retail photo printing options can reduce the demand for supplier branded ink and paper. With hardware margins already taxed, any shift in post-sale profits will cause turbulence in the market.
Printers are the focus and concentration of this report. Any printer that can print photos from a PC, digital camera, or memory card is included, provided the product is sold to a consumer or used in a small office/home office (SOHO) environment. Machines intended for professional purposes or primarily sold to corporate entities are not the subject of this report.
Products covered are inkjet and laser printers, including monochrome laser printers, portable and standard inkjet photo printers, and multi-function printers (MFPs) that function as printer, fax machine, scanner and copier. These products are bought through traditional retail channels for home use, including home office applications. Other retail channels include the Internet, mail order, catalogues, and computer resellers. | 
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