Epson is set to launch its subscription printing service called ReadyPrint for use with its high-capacity ink tank printers as well as ink cartridge models.
The service will be launched first in the Netherlands, in early February, and will then be rolled out across Europe. Epson also plans to deploy the service globally, initially in consumer markets in developed economies, in the fiscal year beginning April 2020.
Epson explained that European consumers who wish to use a high-capacity ink tank printer can subscribe to a service plan that meets their particular printing needs and includes the use of a printer.
Three different price plans will be offered respectively for mono and colour printing, with the prices based on monthly print volumes. The plans start as low as about €6.99 ($7.69) per month for 300 monochrome prints and range up to €14.99 ($16.49) for subscribers desiring unlimited colour printing. Customers will be able to change their plan as needed, Epson added.
ReadyPrint detects when ink begins to run low and replacement ink bottles are shipped automatically, so customers never have to worry about running out of ink. Printers are also covered against breakdowns during the period of the contract, providing both convenience and peace of mind.
Epson will also launch a subscription service for users of Epson ink cartridge printers. Subscribers will automatically receive replacement ink cartridges for a fixed monthly fee.
For its ink cartridge printers there are also three fee plans based on monthly print volume starting at less than €2 ($2.20) per month.
Through subscription-based services like this, Epson believes it can capture the needs of an increasingly diverse market and continue to improve convenience and customer satisfaction. The company forecasts an approximately 30% increase in sales of ReadyPrint-compatible models over the next several years in Europe.
This launch for end user subscription services follows on from Epson’s ReadyInk service, which the OEM launched in October 2017 and is sold and distributed through its dealers.
