Despite Enhanced Features, Epson Holds the Line on Pricing for Latest A4 Models

The Epson WorkForce Pro EM-C800

The raison d’etre for subsequent releases in a hardware product line is to offer something new of value, an enhancement to the existing unit’s capabilities, or an entirely new feature. For Epson America, the common denominator has long been the PrecisionCore heat-free technology, which is a selling point in its own, but for a client to want an update, there has to be some novel value.

This week, Epson rolled out the WorkForce Pro EM-C800 multifunction printer (MFP) and the EP-C800 printer, which are replacing the WF-C579R and the WF-C529R. Epson Product Manager Dennis Fan believes some of the key upgrades include a security update and paper capacity expansion. But even if the lone line upgrade is the machines are now offered in different colors (they’re not), the pricing remains in step with the predecessor models, which is a compelling value proposition.

“When we designed the pricing for this class, we wanted to make sure dealers continue getting the cost advantages, whether it’s hardware or consumables, with these replacement models,” Fan said during a preview in advance of the release. “Even though there are a number of enhancements, we managed to keep the pricing almost the same as the predecessor models.”

Epson programs further ensure that dealers are poised to make considerable inroads into a number of verticals; it’s Select program allows state and local government, education and non-profit organizations to yield even greater cost savings. While not available in flashy new colors, the upgrades are certainly significant.

The Epson WorkForce Pro EP-C800

The new two new A4 color device additions to its workgroup business print portfolio are powered by PrecisionCore technology, a simple, smart and clean solution, designed to deliver outstanding reliability with low waste, the new compact network MFP and printer offer powerful productivity with fast print speeds, efficient ink usage, low power consumption, and minimal interventions for busy workgroups.

The WorkForce Pro EM-C800 and EP-C800 feature print speeds up to 25 ISO ppm† (black/color), a fast first page out and a Replaceable Ink Pack System offering extra high-capacity replacement ink pack options that come with enough ink to print up to 50,000 ISO pages black/20,000 ISO pages color before changing the packs.1

“As the demand for A4 MFPs continues to increase, many businesses are requiring both cost-effective and environmentally conscious products to support workflow efficiency and environmental initiatives,” said Elliot Williams, director of product marketing, Business Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “Offering the highest ink yields in the Epson business print desktop portfolio, the EM-C800 and EP-C800 with Replaceable Ink Pack Systems boast incredible productivity and environmental benefits.”

The EM-C800 and EP-C800 support PCL2/Adobe PostScript 3 for ideal shared printing on a network, while open platform allows for seamless workflow integration with industry-leading third-party solutions and enterprise applications. They are compatible with the full Epson Solutions Suite, which simplifies printer installation, device configuration and workflow management, and allows for remote diagnosis and operation. Plus, a full suite of advanced security features make it easy to control access.

More About the WorkForce Pro EM-C800 and EP-C800

  • Engineered for reliable performance: Recommended monthly print volume of 2,500 to 10,000 pages
  • Energy efficient: Low power consumption
  • Minimal user intervention required: Feature unique Replaceable Ink Pack System; paper capacity up to 1,830 pages with optional trays
  • Ultra productive: The EM-C800 features a 50-page ADF and auto two-sided printing, copying, duplex scanning up to 60 ipm, and faxing; also supports scan to email and more
  • Compact design for streamlined, efficient workstations
  • Remarkable image quality: DURABrite Ultra fast-drying, water-resistant pigment ink delivers vivid color and crisp black text

Availability

The WorkForce Pro EM-C800 and EP-C800 are now available through authorized BusinessFirst Platinum partners and select authorized BusinessFirst Platinum and Gold distribution partners. Click here for more information.

About Epson Business Inkjet

Epson’s portfolio of high-performance business printing solutions forges the future of office printing and sets the new standard for minimal intervention, affordability and low energy consumption. Engineered with Epson’s innovative PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, Epson’s groundbreaking business printing solutions – from desktop printers and workgroup printers for hybrid work-from-home and in-office small businesses to WorkForce Enterprise MFPs – deliver high performance with few moving parts to exceed market needs. Click here to learn more about Epson’s portfolio of business inkjet printing solutions. Click here To learn more about Epson PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology.

###

About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.

Epson America Inc., based in Los Alamitos, California, is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

* Designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs.

† Black and color print speeds are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 24734. Actual print times will vary based on factors including system configuration, software and page complexity.

1 Replacement ink pack yields are estimated based on ISO/IEC 24711 test in default mode printing continuously. Ink pack yields vary considerably for reasons including images printed, print settings, temperature and humidity. Yields may be lower when printing infrequently or predominantly with one ink color. All ink colors are used for printing and printer maintenance, and all colors have to be installed for printing. For print quality, part of the ink from the included ink packs is used for printer startup and a variable amount of ink remains in the ink pack after the “replace ink pack” signal.

2 Not all media types are supported for PCL printing.

Erik Cagle
About the Author
Erik Cagle is the editorial director of ENX Magazine. He is an author, writer and editor who spent 18 years covering the commercial printing industry.