Print More, Pay Less: How to Save Money on Printer Ink
Printer ink cartridges have been known to cost more than the printer itself. Let’s find out why and learn some tips and tricks on how to print more and pay less.
Why are printers more affordable than their ink cartridges? Believe it or not, the printing industry makes the majority of their money from ink sales rather than printer units themselves. The reason for this? To put it simply, greed. Selling the printers at a cheaper price point and to make up for the loss in profits, sell the consumables at a top-tier cost. With that, here are some helpful tips on how to save money on your printer ink cartridges!
Printer Research
Make sure you’re doing your homework when it comes to purchasing the right printer for your needs. This is all dependent on the frequency and what you’ll be using your printer for. Sometimes the best printer for you isn’t always the cheapest. Take the time to compare the cost of the ink cartridges the printer requires.
As an example, for low to medium home usage, printers using inkjet cartridges would be ideal. However, if you’re looking for a printer in a business atmosphere, LaserJet or a printer that requires toner cartridges would be your best bet. Print jobs using toner cartridges complete at a much quicker pace compared to inkjet printers.
The printing industry has been known to use the “razor and blade” business model. This method is where companies sell a product at a very low and attractive price but sell its counterparts, which are required to make the printer function, at an extremely high cost. You won’t need to buy a printer as often as you’ll need to purchase ink refills, so it’s very important to do your research.
Buy Remanufactured Non-brand Ink and Toner Cartridges
There are many great options out there that don’t cost you an arm and a leg. Buy off-brand products! Some generic inks work just as well as OEM cartridges. They’re eco-friendly, easy to use, and save you a ton of money compared to their name-brand counterparts. Websites like Compandsave.com and ComboInk are just some of the many off-brand ink retail sellers that can save you up to 80% on your printer ink needs!
Refill Your Printer Ink at Home
You can also take charge of refilling your own cartridges at home and save about 87% compared to buying replacements every time you run out. Remember to do your research and find a printer that has eco-tanks that you just refill with an ink bottle or has ink cartridges that can be easily refilled using a DIY kit.
Remember to check if the original cartridge or ink tank is empty before refilling. You will be required to have the proper tools and a manual with clear instructions for the best results. Another option is to have your cartridges refilled for you or purchase remanufactured cartridges to save you from the hassle. If you decide to go with the self refill route, there are online retailers like CompAndSave that offer refill kits with everything you need!
Conserve Your Color Ink and Print Black
You don’t always need to print everything in full color. Whether you’re printing coupons, your kid’s school worksheets, articles, etc., printing using only black ink will keep your printer ink full for much longer. Simply adjust your print settings to grayscale or black and white, and you’re ready to go.
Black ink is also much more affordable across the board compared to colored inks, so this is a quick and easy way to start saving right away!
Recycle for Discounts
Most office supply chain stores offer recycling programs in exchange for a discount. Bring in your empty or used cartridges to save instantly on your next ink purchase. This method is a nice and quick way to receive a discount on OEM ink cartridges.
Here’s a list of a few recycling programs for ink and toner cartridges:
- OfficeMax & Office Depot: Join their free Recycling Rewards program and receive a $2 reward after spending $10 on ink within the same month.
- Staples: $2 off your ink purchase of $30 or more.
- Best Buy: $2 off your next ink purchase of $40 or more.
Disclaimer: Discounts, promotions, and offers may be subject to change or end without notice.
Conclusion
Saving money on printer ink is as easy as making a small setting adjustment and/or choosing the more eco-friendly generic option. Enjoy more time creating and less time making trips to the store. I hope you find these tips and tricks helpful.
For more pointers, check out CompAndSave’s Top 10 Tips on How to Save on Printer Ink.
Thanks for reading and happy saving!
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you have any questions. Looking to save money on your printing projects? Check out www.compandsave.com for some great deals on printer ink and accessories! Remember to follow our blog for more interesting printing-related tips and guides.
About the Author
Bao Moreno is the HR and Operations Manager of CompAndSave. Located in Union City, California, CompAndSave is an online retailer and wholesaler of printing supplies. A proud CompAndSaver since 2016, Bao has extensive knowledge on the printer ink industry and is here to create helpful articles to guide and educate our readers.
