ID Scanner - When to purchase one

Many businesses wait until their first ticket to purchase an ID Scanner. While this seems to be common, its sort of like buying a fire extingisher after a fire!  Sellers of Alcohol need to understand that they are at risk of fallen into the traps set by the under cover sting operations run in almost every state.  For those who are old enough to remember the old Fram Oil Filter commercial where the mechanic warned, "you can pay me now (i.e. pay for a good Fram oil filter) or you can pay me later (i.e. pay to have the auto engine rebuilt)."  The same is true for ID Scanners.  Either buy one before the first ticket or wait until you get the first ticket.  The smart operators don't wait.  What camp are you in?