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ID Card Printer ongoing cost
ID Solutions cost guide
What does it cost to run an ID card printer?
Estimate the cost of the printer, consumables, blank cards, basic maintenance and depreciation.
1
The cards cost the same
Every printer uses the same standard white PVC cards. Select the annual quantity and the correct ID Solutions card price is applied automatically.
2
Consumables make the difference
Direct-to-card printers use a ribbon. The CR805 uses a colour ribbon and retransfer film, so its running cost is calculated differently.
3
Maintenance is usually modest
Entrust ribbon kits include a printer cleaning card and cleaning roller, so routine maintenance cost is usually close to nil. The calculator includes an editable approximate allowance.
Estimate your ownership and card-printing costs
Choose a printer and annual card quantity. Results update automatically and use whole consumable packs.
Printer and setup
Editable, so a quotation or future price can be used.
Shown as a one-off cost, not an annual subscription.
Sigma DSE/DS3: part 529346-001, $825. CR805: part 533761-002, $895.
For a smart-card encoder, network option or other capital equipment.
Available in this guide for Sigma DS3 and CR805 configurations.
Card use
Cards are priced individually but supplied in quantities of 500.
Applies to the correct ribbon, retransfer film and/or laminate for the selected printer. The results show the exact items and part numbers.
Automatically selected from ID Solutions' quantity pricing.
Approximate only and editable. Entrust ribbon kits include a cleaning card and cleaning roller, so routine maintenance is normally minimal.
Depreciation assumptions
Editable. The default 40% is the current IRD rate listed for printers.
Optional current tax treatment
Your estimated costs
Entrust Sigma DS3 - duplex, 1,000 cards per year for 3 years, full colour on one side
Prices exclude GST
Ongoing cost per card$0.70Consumables, card stock and maintenance; excludes the printer purchase.
Total cost per card$1.83Includes the printer, encoder, software, selected options, consumables, blank cards and maintenance.
Ongoing costs$2,100Across 3 years, excluding printer and one-off options.
Total cash outlay$5,495Printer, selected options, software and operating costs.
Cost item
Calculation
Estimated cost
Entrust Sigma DS3 - duplex
One-off printer purchase
$3,395
YMCKT colour ribbon (525100-004-S100)
6 packs x $265 (yield 500)
$1,590
White blank card stock
3 annual orders of 1,000 cards x $0.17 each
$510
Total
3,000 cards over 3 years
$5,495
View indicative depreciation schedule
Depreciable hardware basis: Entrust Sigma DS3 - duplex $3,395 = $3,395. Calculated at 40% diminishing value. Investment Boost is not included.
Year
Opening tax value
Investment Boost
DV depreciation
Closing tax value
1
$3,395
$0
$1,358
$2,037
2
$2,037
$0
$815
$1,222
3
$1,222
$0
$489
$733
Indicative deductions over 3 years
$2,662
Closing value $733
What is an ongoing cost?
Ribbons: required for colour or black printing and replaced when their rated yield is reached.
Retransfer film: required as well as the colour ribbon on the CR805.
Laminate: required only when an optional laminator is fitted and used.
Blank cards: the same white-card price applies across the printer choices and is selected automatically from the annual quantity.
Cleaning: Entrust ribbon kits include a printer cleaning card and cleaning roller, so routine maintenance cost is normally close to nil. The allowance used above is approximate and editable.
Depreciation is not another bill
Depreciation spreads the cost of a capital asset through the accounts. It is shown separately because adding both the complete printer purchase and depreciation to cash costs would count the same printer twice.
Inland Revenue's March 2026 general rates list printers with an estimated five-year useful life at 40% diminishing value or 30% straight line. Eligible new assets may also receive a 20% first-year Investment Boost before normal depreciation on the remaining value.
Important: This calculator is a guide, not a quotation or tax opinion. Prices are based on the supplied April 2026 consumable list and may change. Yields are manufacturer-rated yields; actual results can vary with printer settings, card design, cleaning cycles, rejected cards and operating conditions. Whole ribbon, film and laminate packs are used in the calculation, so the estimate includes any unused capacity remaining at the end of the selected period. Confirm depreciation treatment, Investment Boost eligibility and GST treatment with your accountant or Inland Revenue.
