Printer sales declining for distributors across Western Europe

Distributor sales of printer hardware are down across Western Europe, but the UK is stable says a new report.

According to market research firm Context, unit sales of inkjet multifunction printers (MFPs) across Western Europe declined by nine per cent year-on-year in Q3 2017. This is not limited to MFPs though, with the research saying that overall sales of printer hardware is down as well.

“Sales fell in all categories except for laser MFPs: distributor sales of these devices increased by two per cent year-on-year in Q3 2017, driven by the colour laser MFPs subcategory”, said Zivile Brazdziunaite, Imaging Analyst at Context.

“In contrast, unit sales of laser single-function printers (SFPs) continued to contract, and were down by 15 per cent year-on-year, as a result of the ongoing switch from single-function to multifunction devices.”

Sales of A4 colour laser MFPs increased by six per cent year-on-year in Q3 2017. Almost half of all A4 laser printers sold in Western Europe are now MFPs, and the average selling price (ASP) of both mono and colour devices continues to fall. The ASP of A4 mono laser MFPs decreased by two per cent and currently stands at €176, while the ASP of A4 colour laser MFPs is €296 (down by three per cent). 

Following a decline in previous quarters, sales of A3 colour laser MFPs slightly increased across Western European distribution for the quarter, while ASP in the segment continues to fall – down to €2,188 in Q3 2017, a drop of 20 per cent year-on-year. HP expanded its A3 product portfolio earlier this year and registered a strong performance in the region. 

As previously mentioned, the United Kingdom is one of the few stable countries in the region with no movement at all. The worst country is the Netherlands with a decline of 28 per cent, while the most prosperous for printers is Lithuania at 25 per cent.

Country split

Germany-3%

The United Kingdom0%

Italy-8%

Spain-10%

France-23%

Netherlands-28%

Switzerland-1%

Austria-13%

Portugal-9%

Sweden-8%

Belgium-22%

Finland2%

Denmark-8%

Lithuania25%

Ireland23%

Norway1%

Latvia-5%

Estonia-12%

Baltics12%

Poland -14.7%

Data from Context