How to price a used offset press

A used offset press is priced by a handful of things, and buyers can usually tell within the first phone call whether you know them.

Start with the impression count

The meter reading is the single biggest driver. A machine under 20 million impressions holds its value well; past 60 million the price drops sharply unless the press has been rebuilt.

Colour units and options

Four colours is the market standard. Coaters, perfectors and automatic plate changers add value, but only if the buyer has the shop space for them.

• Serviced ink trains and dampening rollers
• Recent web or bearing replacement
• Original spare parts handed over with the machine

Photograph the meter, the units and the electrical cabinet before you post the ad — listings with real photos get several times more enquiries.