The dealer you choose can have a big impact on your overall satisfaction with your wide-format printer: service and support are the most important considerations. Whether you need a service technician to come out and repair a mechanical problem, or just have a question you need answered, the support offered by your dealership is critical.

Evaluating support can be difficult, but there are a few important steps you can take. When you visit the dealership, ask to tour the service department to get a sense for the size of their operation. Find out what avenues of support they offer: telephone or email-based help, online knowledgebases, discussion forums, etc. Also, inquire about their hours if you anticipate late-night printing sessions.

Also consider checking references. Any reputable printer dealer should provide you with references to customers who purchased the exact model of printer you’re considering. Ask them how responsive the dealer has been to service calls and how comfortable they feel about the technicians' level of expertise. If the printer has had any problems, find out how these problems were resolved. Of course, the dealer will connect you with their most satisfied customers, but you can still gather useful information this way.

Other dealer considerations
Many large-format printer dealers carry lines from multiple manufacturers, allowing you to compare print quality from different brands for yourself. Getting sample output is essential – but some dealers even go further and will provide an on-site trial, allowing you to test the printer in your environment. If you can't get an on-site trial, a demonstration in the dealer's showroom can also provide useful information.

While size isn’t necessarily the best indication of dealer quality, longevity may be. Small companies that have been around for a long time should be just as dependable as larger companies. Smaller dealers may offer a more personal touch, while larger dealers may have more of a selection, but these differences aren’t critical.

You should look for a dealership that does a steady business in wide-format printers. Many dealers that focus on copiers, scanners, and standard-sized printers also carry a small selection of wide-format printers. Understandably, these dealers' expertise tends to center on the types of equipment they sell most often. You're better off with a dealer who's very familiar with wide-format printers.