One of our large clients (almost Enterprise size, with 2000 users) recently had a number of their old Samsung desktop printers die and they started looking for replacements.
Samsung sold its printer division to Hewlett-Packard about a decade ago and this particular company does not like HP. They had a reseller mention a company named Pantum Printers, which we had never heard of, so we had to do some research for them to find out if they are worth even considering.
This is a brief of the 15 page report on Pantum that we wrote for our client:
Company Background
- Founded: Pantum was founded in 2010
- Manufacturing Location: Pantum printers and toner cartridges are made in China
- Engineering: Pantum’s products are developed with a strong focus on R&D, owning core laser printing technology and comprehensive self-developed patent systems
Financial Stability
- Financial Health: Pantum, as a subsidiary of Ninestar Corporation which is publicly traded on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, which adds a layer of financial transparency and stability
- Growth Indicators: Pantum has shown consistent growth in its market share, revenue and 11.2% increase in unit shipments from 2022 to 2023, indicating a stable financial position. The company’s strategic investments in R&D and global expansion have contributed to its financial health
Competition with Global Brands
- Competitive Edge: Pantum competes with global brands like HP and Canon by offering cost-effective and high-quality printing solutions. Their printers are known for their durability, innovative features, and competitive pricing
- Market Positioning: Pantum focuses on providing value to customers through lower total cost of ownership, which includes affordable printers and competitively priced toner cartridges. This strategy helps them attract price-sensitive customers and small to medium-sized businesses
- Technological Advancements: Pantum’s continuous investment in R&D allows them to introduce new technologies and features that enhance user experience and meet the evolving needs of the market
Product Range
- Laser Printers: Pantum primarily manufactures laser printers, including monochrome and color models, as well as multifunctional devices
- Other Products: Currently, Pantum does not produce inkjet printers, keyboards, or monitors. Their focus remains on laser printing technology and related solutions
Product Quality and Market Presence
- Quality: Pantum printers are known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality output. They feature innovative technologies such as auto-duplex printing, mobile printing capabilities, and high-capacity toner cartridges
- Market Share: Pantum holds a growing market share, with a notable 11.2% year-over-year increase in unit shipments
- Growth: Pantum has been expanding its global presence and product lineup, showing robust growth in various markets
Product Evolution
- First Products: Pantum’s initial products were well-received for their cost-efficiency and reliability
- Current Products: Today, Pantum offers a diverse range of printers catering to both entry-level and high-end markets. Their products include monochrome and color printers, A4 and A3 formats, and multifunctional devices
Market Focus
- Target Market: Pantum serves both consumer and corporate markets. They provide solutions for home users, small offices, and large enterprises
Toner Pricing
- Competitiveness: Pantum’s toner cartridges are competitively priced, offering high page yields and cost-efficiency
Technological Innovations
- Core Technology: Pantum has developed its own core laser printing technology, which includes advanced features like high-speed printing, energy-saving modes, and eco-friendly designs
- Patents: The company holds numerous patents related to laser printing technology, which underscores their commitment to innovation and quality
Global Reach
- International Presence: Pantum has a strong global presence, with products available in over 50 countries. They have established a solid distribution network and service centers worldwide to support their customers
- Asia: In the Asia-Pacific region, Pantum has a significant presence. The region accounted for over 36.0% of the global laser printer market revenue in 2023 Pantum’s growth in this region is driven by rapid economic and e-commerce growth.
- Europe: Pantum is actively expanding its market in Europe. They have been showcasing their latest products and innovations at events like IT Partners 2024, aiming to increase their brand recognition and market share in the region
- Canada and the US: Pantum has been expanding its presence in North America, particularly through online sales channels like Amazon. They have focused on entry-level models and managed print services
- Market Expansion: Pantum continues to expand into new markets, with a focus on emerging economies where there is a growing demand for cost-effective printing solutions
- Statistics: Pantum and it parent do not publish unit sales, making it very difficult to estimate global market share or their growth claims
Customer Support and Services
- Support: Pantum offers comprehensive customer support, including online resources, technical assistance, and warranty servces
- Service Centers: They have established service centers in various regions to ensure timely and efficient support for their customers
Sustainability Efforts
- Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Pantum is committed to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact. This includes the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient designs, and programs for recycling used toner cartridges
- Certifications: The company has received various environmental certifications, reflecting their dedication to eco-friendly practices
Awards and Recognition
- Industry Awards: Pantum has received several industry awards for their innovative products and contributions to the printing industry
- Customer Satisfaction: They have garnered positive reviews and high customer satisfaction ratings for their reliable and cost-effective printing solutions
Future Outlook
- R&D Investments: Pantum continues to invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of printing technology
- Product Pipeline: They have a robust product pipeline with plans to introduce new models and features that cater to evolving customer needs
We are still investigating Pantum, and our large client is also still poking at them. This information provides you with some details you need to determine if Pantum is right for you.
If you do buy a Pantum printer, we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below.
