- ULTRA-PORTABLE PRINTING

ULTRA-PORTABLE PRINTING

While a growing number of agents now own notebook computers, many are missing a key ingredient to becoming truly more productive and offering unparalleled customer service - the portable printer.

If you've ever needed to print an important document or contract for a client, but had to return to the office in order to do so, then you'll immediately understand the value of owning a portable printer.

Not only will this technology save you countless wasted trips to the office file cabinet, but it also provides you with the ability to offer customers and clients with the service they need, when they need it.

In fact, you'll likely find clients so impressed with this technology, that you would be wise to stop carrying paper documents at all. Instead, look for any excuse to use this technology in front of prospects, and you'll surely find their perceptions of your professionalism increasing with every page.

While portable printers will never replace the need to own a desktop model (they are simply too slow for large volume) they are perfectly suited for printing contracts, disclosure forms and highlight sheets on a moment's notice.

The three major brands in portable printing technology are Cannon, Hewlett-Packard and Pentax. While all three will get the job done, you should carefully compare the available models to make sure that you're buying the best model for your needs.

Generally speaking, there are a few features you should pay particular attention to:

Rechargeable Batteries - carrying an extra (and sometimes large) power supply greatly reduces the portability and convenience of portable printing.
Infrared Capabilities - While there's nothing wrong with using a cable, printing through your notebook's infrared port is more convenient, and much more impressive to prospects. Using infrared light your notebook sends documents to the printer through thin air, literally. This is the same technology that is used by your TV's remote control.
Size & Weight - With the various models ranging from as light as 1.1 lbs. to 4.6 lbs. a personal consideration much be just how much weight you're willing to add to your briefcase. Of course, if your climate permits leaving electronics in the car trunk year-round, then this may not be such an issue.

A good portable printer is not a cheap accessory. With prices ranging from $300 to $350 it's easy to understand why not every agent has made the investment. However, when you consider all the ways such a tool will save you both time and money, then a portable printer becomes an indispensable technology for any serious real estate professional.

Exactly how can a portable printer be integrated into your daily business life?

Be prepared to print Open House registry pages on demand. Start printing just as the prospects open the door. Not only will this result in a rather good first impression, but it will be hard for them to refuse to "sign-in" knowing the page was printed just for them.
Use an scanner with an auto document feeder (ADF) so you can quickly capture all of the forms in your listing package, after the Seller signs them. Then, when a prospect or another agent needs the Seller's Disclosure or Lead Based Paint forms before they can write an offer, you will be able to provide the needed information instantly.
Check to see if your local or state association offers an electronic forms package. With this software you will be able to print listing and agency agreements wherever you might be meeting with a client. This will not only impress your clients, but will save you countless trips back to the office just to pick up copies of standard forms.

While you can certainly conduct business without a portable printer (or even a notebook computer, for that matter) the enhancement to your professional image and the time that such tools will save you more than offset the modest investment. If your goal is to do more business, and more efficiently, then acquiring a portable printer should be high on your list.

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