Unit sales of inkjet multifunction printers (MFPs) across Western Europe declined -9% year-on-year in Q3 2017, leading to distributors seeing a similar fall in overall sales of printer hardware, according to data published by Context.
“Sales fell in all categories except for laser MFPs: distributor sales of these devices increased by +2% year-on-year in Q3 2017, driven by the colour laser MFPs subcategory,” says Zivile Brazdziunaite, imaging analyst at Context.
“In contrast, unit sales of laser single-function printers (SFPs) continued to contract, and were down by -15% year-on-year, as a result of the ongoing switch from single-function to multifunction devices.”
Sales of A4 colour laser MFPs increased by +6% year-on-year in Q3 2017. Almost half of all A4 laser printers sold in WE are now MFPs, and the average selling price (ASP) of both mono and colour devices continues to fall: the ASP of A4 mono laser MFPs decreased by -2% and currently stands at €176, while the ASP of A4 colour laser MFPs is €296 (down by -3%).
Following a decline in previous quarters, sales of A3 colour laser MFPs slightly increased across Western European distribution for the quarter, while ASP in the segment continues to fall — down to €2,188 in Q3 2017, a drop of -20% year-on-year.
HP expanded its A3 product portfolio earlier this year and registered a strong performance in the region.
