It’s easy to find a cheap inkjet printer. What’s not cheap is the replacement ink. You might be shocked to learn that replacement ink cartridges can cost as much as the printer itself, if not more. This is because printers are often sold at a loss, the company expecting to make its profit on the ink. This strategy, also known as the “razor-and-blades model,” is common in consumer goods, including printers, coffee makers (the ones that use disposable pods) and its namesake, shaving razors.
Printer manufacturers, however, claim there are several reasons why ink costs so much, beyond revenue. Here are the main reasons why printer ink is so expensive.
The razor blade business
The razor-and-blade business model provides a continued revenue stream for printer makers after a customer buys the hardware. It also locks that customer into an ecosystem. Just as some razor handles are compatible with only a specific blade, printers support only certain inkjet or toner cartridges. Manufacturers typically offer different printer models, but they likely use different cartridges that aren’t interchangeable. The cartridges also aren’t refillable by design. While it may seem manipulative, this business model is legal and common practice. It also keeps prices high due to a lack of competition.
It’s all proprietary (aka intellectual property)
Another way consumers are locked into a closed ecosystem is that many ink and toner cartridges contain chipsets that communicate with the printer, like the amount of ink or toner left, so the printer can estimate how many pages it can print, for example. They also verify whether the cartridge is authentic (as in, from the printer maker) or has been refilled. In either case, the printer could reject the cartridge. While some third-party suppliers have found ways around this, printer cartridges are proprietary, the intellectual property of the original manufacturer. Customers are usually limited in replacement options other than buying from their printer’s original equipment manufacturer.
This isn’t about the cost of research and manufacturing, or at least, not just about that. Printer makers claim that their technology ensures consumers get the best print quality from the ink or toner, as well as proper performance and accurate color or monochrome prints from their machines. For example, inkjet printer ink is formulated to flow smoothly through the tiny printhead nozzles, while laser printer toner powder must be heated and applied evenly. That ink or toner also has to dry quickly on paper, without smudging, to list a few key reasons. The official cartridges also include security features that manufacturers claim protect against malware.
So, although cartridges look simple on the outside, their embedded tech adds to the expense in their manufacturing. Companies say this helps ensure a high standard in print quality, but consumer advocacy groups say this is designed to keep out competition while placing the cost on the user.
If you print often, expect to spend more on consumables
Obviously, the more ink or toner used, the sooner replenishment is needed. This is especially the case with inkjet printers, as cartridges often contain a low yield of ink (between 150 to 300 pages). And, if the printer uses multiple cartridges, those costs add up quickly. If you run out of one color, you might not even be able to print black-and-white documents. Worse, new inkjet printers include “starter ink cartridges” that offer even lower yields. Laser printer toner cartridges also require replacing, but they tend to have higher yields than their inkjet counterparts.
Also, if you don’t print often, the ink in the cartridges can dry out, requiring replacement before you can print anything.
How to reduce printer ink costs
There’s no way around it: Inkjet printers need ink, which will eventually run out. But there are a few ways to save some money.
High-yield cartridges
Some printers support high-yield ink or toner cartridges, which double the output of standard options. They cost a bit more, but you may be able to cut down on the frequency of ink replacement. They also might be cheaper per page printed.
Refillable ink
Refillable inkjet printers, also known as supertank printers, have gained popularity. As the name suggests, a user pours ink into tanks built into the printer, similar to how one would refill a soap bottle. Refillable inks are cheaper than ink cartridges and offer a much higher yield. (They also produce less waste in general.) However, the printers themselves are more expensive to purchase upfront.
Subscription programs
HP offers its Instant Ink program, which automatically ships you a replacement when ink runs low (the printer sends this info to HP when connected to Wi-Fi). Starting at $1.79 a month, HP sends new high-yield cartridges only when needed and recycles your old cartridges to reduce e-waste. HP says Instant Ink offers a savings of up to 50% when compared to buying off the shelf, and most Wi-Fi-enabled HP printers support the program.
Epson launched a new service called ReadyPrint, where, for a monthly fee (starting at $15), you get a printer and unlimited refillable ink. ReadyPrint is available only on select models.
Print in draft mode and limit color
Oftentimes, lower-quality draft mode is more than sufficient for most print jobs. This can help increase page yields. Nearly all inkjet printers can output in color, but that doesn’t mean you should. Make sure you disable color in your print settings and enable it only when needed.
Consider a laser printer
Evaluate the amount and type of printing you plan to do. If it’s mostly black-and-white documents, it may be more economical to invest in a laser printer, since toner offers higher yields and doesn’t dry out between infrequent uses. Then, if you need to occasionally print color or photos, print them professionally at FedEx, pharmacies like CVS and any number of local or online photo print shops. In the long run, this might be cheaper than owning your own color printer if you don’t print regularly.
Third-party supplies
Third-party ink supplies can offer significant savings, but printer manufacturers have strongly fought against this option. They’ve even implemented measures to prevent their use. However, it’s not illegal for consumers to use third-party inks. Before you choose this option, know that the savings may come at the cost of print quality, and some third-party inks could damage the hardware. While using third-party ink won’t void the warranty, the printer maker may not cover repairs or replacements if third-party supplies are found to be the source of damage. It’s best to choose a reputable retailer or service known for high-quality third-party inks and that will stand behind them.
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