3 Tips For The Best Discount Printer Ink Products Online

2011-03-30

Keeping the printer running is a necessity in any home or office. This year alone, ink jet printers will lay down $21 billion of ink. When working within a shoestring budget or just looking for somewhere to start cutting costs, discount printer ink could make all the difference. Here are three smart tips to start saving money on printing.

Don't shy away from generics. If your printing needs are relatively light, consisting mainly of black and white text printing, third-party generics have tested comparably to major manufacturer cartridges. Generics have not tested as well for printing high-resolution photographs and intricate image files, but some printers never have occasion to produce these demanding graphics. Naturally, brand name cartridges that match the brand name on your printer will perform more consistently, but at nearly twice the price, the trade off is well worth it.

Another way to save big on printer ink is to purchase in bulk online. When buying for a large business, corporation, school district, or university, buying bulk printer ink online can really add up the savings. Even if purchasing for a small business or household, the bulk option is not necessarily ruled out. If a small-scale print operation handles reasonably regular volume, the cartridges will get used and the savings will be evident. There will be the added bonus of never having to run the errand to the office supply store.

Another popular method of shaving dollars off of printing costs is purchasing refill kits. This pure form of discount printer ink is the embodiment of do-it-yourself savings. Order a kit online at a fraction of the cost of an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridge, and when it arrives, it will be time to give your old print cartridge a boost, literally. By injecting the newly depleted cartridge with a syringe-type applicator, the user not only saves money that would be spent on the brand name, but also saves on the cost of the plastics and metals that compose the actual cartridge. Not to mention, it decreases the waste product that these cartridges can generate. The main drawback to this method is the potential for a catastrophic, nearly permanent mess. When using a refill kit, it is best to lay down a drop cloth, find some disposable garments, a pair of kitchen gloves, and maybe even some protective eyewear. Safety is key.

Whichever the chosen method, make sure to research your options thoroughly. Look for the names of third-party manufacturers and refill kit suppliers in discussion forums. Make sure the purchase is being made from a reputable source. And most importantly, know and understand the warranty information of the printer in question before using any third-party equipment.