Supplies & Maintenance

Paper plays a role in our lives' most important moments.

From love letters to diplomas, wedding invitations to birth certificates, a piece of paper documents life's milestones. However, you may not often think about the type of printer paper used to print these documents out. 

It's not until a printing issue arises that paper types become important. A document might appear dull and gray, photos can look washed out, or a printer might jam in the middle of an important job. In many cases, the problem originates from the paper.

The type of paper you choose affects everything from print clarity and color vibrancy to how smoothly your printer operates. Using the wrong paper can lead to wasted prints, paper jams, and unnecessary costs.

Finding the right copier/printer vendor is much like choosing a long-term business partner. You want someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and supports you long after the paperwork is signed. A copier contract isn’t something you enter lightly. Depending on your print setup, you may be working with that vendor for years. So, it makes sense to step back and ask a simple but important question:

“Are we actually the right fit for each other?”

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we value fit just as much as you do. We understand that when expectations, needs, and values align, everything runs more smoothly, from installation to ongoing service.

But when the match is off, even small issues can cause unnecessary frustration and disrupt your entire workflow.

When most people think about cybersecurity, they picture firewalls, antivirus software, or maybe suspicious-looking emails. What usually doesn’t come to mind? The office printer. Yes, that inoffensive device in the corner of your office is actually a computer in disguise, and like any computer, it can be hacked.

That’s a real problem. In fact, a 2024 Quocirca study found that 67% of organizations experienced data loss due to print security failures in just the past year. Many of these stem from common printer security mistakes. That means if your business hasn’t thought about printer security, you’re already at risk.

The cost of paper has increased 25% since 2020.

Like most things, paper costs add up for consumers and businesses alike, and no one wants to waste money on overpriced paper products.

As more and more people move towards a digital world, they are debating the cost and usefulness of paper. Despite environmental incentives and digital document-sharing platforms, most offices and businesses still need paper for daily tasks.

However, the decrease in paper use has its benefits, even for those who still use paper products. Besides being beneficial for the environment, the reduction in paper waste means businesses can cut costs by printing documents on less expensive paper.

Have you ever stood in the office supply aisle, staring at shelves filled with different types of paper, wondering, “Which one do I actually need?” Maybe you’ve experienced the frustration of loading a new ream of paper into your printer only to end up with smudges, jams, or ink that just doesn’t look right. You’re not alone—choosing the right paper can be confusing, especially when faced with options like copy paper and multipurpose paper. They sound and look similar, but they serve distinct functions that can make a big difference in your print quality and efficiency.