Why Does Printer Ink Cost So Much?
There have already been several responses pointing out that printer makers sell printers at a low cost to make up the difference in cartridge sales, and ink is where printer manufacturers make the majority of their money. Well, that is true. There are also manufacturing reasons why the ink cartridge is more expensive than printers. According to them, one of the reasons for the high cost of supplies is the extensive research and development that they invest into their products.
Original brand ink is expensive, and you may find that buying a new printer is less expensive than buying ink cartridges. But, as a consumer, is there any solution or a low-cost option to this?
Alternative Solutions to Expensive Ink
1. Shop for Third-Party Ink or Use Non-OEM Ink Cartridge
When it comes to non-OEM ink cartridges, the word “cheap ink” may come to mind. But the question is the quality is good or whether it will void my printer’s warranty.
Nowadays, a high-quality generic ink cartridge works just as well as its expensive brand-name version equivalent at a massively reduced cost, regardless of whether HP makes your printer, Brother, Canon, Epson, or any major printer manufacturer. On the other hand, compatible ink cartridges are made to meet the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications to ensure quality. Considering that a generic cartridge is less than half the price and the print quality is almost identical, is it worth paying the extra for the brand name? The answer is NO.
FAQ
How Much Can I Save in Buying A Non-OEM Cartridge?
A compatible or remanufactured cartridge often saves you 50–75 percent over purchasing a new OEM cartridge and generally amounts to $15-$30.
How Many Pages Can I Print Using A Non-OEM Ink?
The number of pages you can print varies on the non-OEM ink cartridge you use, as some have higher yields than others. Based on a 5% page coverage, an ink cartridge with a 5,000-page yield will print up to 5,000 pages at 5% coverage per page.
2. Refill Printer Cartridges On Your Own
Refiling inks can save consumers up to 90% off the cost of new OEM cartridges. All you need are the correct tools and instructions on how to do it yourself, or if you prefer to have your empty cartridge refilled, you may go to your local store or retailer that offers refilling services. However, refillable cartridges should not be used more than three or four times. Overuse affects print quality and causes ink leakage and possible permanent damage. If you want to be sure and avoid any printing problems, any empty ink cartridges should be replaced, and you can get inexpensive ink cartridges from your local alternative printer cartridge supplier.
3. Printer Research
Another tip to save money on ink cartridges is to determine whether you have the correct printer type for your needs, and you should also consider how much the item will cost you to run the printer. However, choosing a printer that uses low-cost ink cartridges may take some time, depending on the type of ink used and which has the lowest running costs with the long-lasting ink.
OEM ink makers claim that the high cost of ink cartridges is due to the research and development of technologies to supply high-quality ink. However, it is worth mentioning that generic cartridges exceed OEM standards but are less expensive than their versions. This means that you can have the same print quality and page yield without paying a lot of money. Please remember that using generic, remanufactured, or replacement cartridges will never void your printer’s warranty.
Now that you understand why printer ink cartridges may indeed be pricey, you can take the necessary suggestions and steps to ensure to choose the right printer and cartridges that fit your budget and be sure that the cartridges that come with your desired printer have a high page yield at a reasonable price.
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
Jewel Cortez is a Search Engine Optimization specialist with 3 years of Customer Service Experience in CompAndSave. CompAndSave is a retailer and wholesaler of printing materials based in Union City, California.
Jewel has years of expertise in the ink industry and has extensive knowledge of printers, ink, toner cartridges, and photo papers which may help people gain a better understanding of printers and cartridges.
