If you’re really stingy with your printing at the mo, I don’t blame you. Printer ink prices have skyrocketed, making it almost as precious as gold dust.
We’re all looking for ways to save money on printer ink. It’s one of those expenses that nobody wants to have to bother with, like bottled water and phone contracts.
To add to the confusion, printer ink often varies in price and quality.
It’s a bit like fuel at a gas station – some inks are definitely better than others, and you pay a premium for them. Some are simply overpriced, while you can get some for a great deal if you know where to look.
If you’re looking to spend less for high-quality ink that’ll stand the test of time, you need to follow the expert tips outlined in this guide.
1. Don’t buy direct
If you buy your ink directly from the big brands, you’re definitely spending more than you need to. It’s always best to head to a third-party company first to see what they’re charging. Online shopping is your best friend here – eBay is particularly good for cheap, quality printer ink cartridges.
2. Try remanufactured cartridges
Remanufactured printer ink cartridges, i.e. those that have been cleaned and refilled with ink by the manufacturer, are often a lot more affordable than original cartridges. Yes, the quality can vary here, which is why it’s important to read up on reviews online before you buy something that may not be worth the money. But if you find a good deal, you could save up to 80% on a quality product.
3. Opt for refillable cartridges
Want to refill your printer ink cartridges yourself? You can actually do that nowadays. It’s a bit of a messy process, though, and it’ll probably leave your fingers (and your floor, if you’re not careful) stained. But if you’re up for some DIY, and you don’t need constant refills – which would probably be more hassle than it’s worth – refilling your own cartridges is definitely worth considering.
4. Subscribe
If you use a specific amount of ink per month, you’ll more than likely save money by signing up for a subscription service. This probably isn’t the best option if you only print off the odd thing, as you’ll end up spending unnecessary money and accumulating so much ink that you don’t know what to do with it, but certain subscription plans can be really cost-effective for those who use their printers frequently.
5. Try pourable ink bottles
Several of the most popular printer ink brands have released a new type of ink bottle that allows ink to be poured straight into a reusable tank. This ink tends to be a lot more affordable than other types of ink, but you will need a certain type of printer – and that’s the expensive bit. Still, if you do a lot of printing, it may be worth investing in an expensive printer to reap the benefits of long-term ink savings.
There we have it – a short, handy guide for saving money on your printer ink.
It’s always going to be an expensive home office investment, but there are ways to save tens, even hundreds of dollars on a yearly basis, especially if you’re a frequent printer user.
You can check out a more in-depth guide on printer ink saving at The Penny Hoarder.
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