If Ink Costs So Much, Why Not Buy Another Printer?
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Our HP All-in-one printer is running out of ink and the search for new ink cartridges has led to the stark realization of how expensive they cost. Yes, everyone has accepted their prices as beating (not in the good way) all other liquids including crude oil and blood.
According to Staples, a black ink cartridge and a tricolor ink cartridge would cost $23.99 and $39.99, respectively. This comes to a total of $62.99. Now looking back at how much we bought the printer three years ago, it didn’t exceed $100. The ink, alone, makes up over 60% of the cost of a printer! So the cool machine that can perform a number of office tasks is only worth about $40?
Since ink costs so much, it would seem like a better idea to just get a newer and more technologically advanced printer. My father is considering this but I always tend to do a little research online before making final decisions.
First, I looked to see if the prices of a similar printer were close to the price of our current printer. Surely, there are many choices out there. Still, it was a major purchase and it could be avoided if we had other options. Next, I gave my good friend eBay a visit. I didn’t look for a deal on printers but I searched for compatible ink cartridges in hopes of finding cheaper prices.
To my amazement, there were black and color ink cartridges for about $10 each, which would come to $20 if I purchased one of each. There is a vast price difference between buying them at Staples. Then again, these ink cartridges are of a generic brand and that might comprise the quality of the ink.
We decided to try out the generic brand ink because:
- If the quality of the ink is bad, then we are out just $20 and we can go on to get a new printer.
- If the quality of the ink is good, then we will know where to buy ink for the next few years.
Graph source: Wall Street Fighter
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Abigail said:
I hate how much inks cost, but my mother and I have found two different ways to save significantly.
My mom collects used ink cartridges from school, friends and family. She then turns them in for $3 credit. Nowadays, she has to wait til the end of the quarter, when she’s issued a store credit in that amount. When it comes, she loads up on ink and other supplies.
Unfortunately, I ran out of ink in the middle of a quarter — right after the stores had instituted the new policy. So I went through ebates.com and found an ink store. I got free shipping and for about $25 got both black and tricolor cartridges (generic). Plus, I get a portion of that money back. About 16% if memory serves.
That’s definitely cheaper than re-buying printers, which tend to last us at least three years, usually closer to five or more.
January 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm -
Corrie @ "Cents"able Momma said:
This week, you can get your ink cartridge refilled at Walgreens for $5 and then submit it on Walgreens site online for a $5 Easy Saver rebate. I got one of mine refilled, and I’m going to try it…beats paying full price for an ink cartridge like I normally do.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
