Reasons Printer Ink Cartridges Are Often Cheaper To Purchase Online

2011-02-24

The price tags on new printer ink cartridges, even in the local "discount" stores, are enough to drive most consumers to actively search for alternative sources that offer more reasonable prices. These days, when almost all consumer goods are available online, the Internet would naturally be a good place to start. An initial search using keywords such as "discount printer ink" will yield many results, and it is very likely that the prices given online for printer ink cartridges will significantly beat the prices that one finds at their local big-box retailer. Some online sellers are able to offer printer ink cartridges by more than 80 percent less than the retail price, and the reasons for that are the advantages an online-only seller has over a physical retail store.

The competition between online sellers is much stiffer than it is between retail stores. In fact, some retailers may have a monopoly in certain areas so the consumer does not have the option of shopping around for the best price or waiting for a delivery. Online sellers keep their prices competitive and their shipping times fast because they realize all it takes is a few clicks of a mouse to comparison shop. Keeping the prices so low may make for a smaller profit margin per item, but they anticipate making up for that by selling in volume. Many online sellers also offer perks for repeat customers and those that buy large quantities, such as discounts, freebies and bonuses. Such offers usually keep customers coming back and referring new customers.

Furthermore, online-only sellers are able to cut down on a lot of the overhead costs that physical retail stores have, and those savings can be passed along to the customer. Online sellers usually just maintain a warehouse with a few employees and limited upkeep, so they can focus on just one type of product. Since printer ink cartridges are small, lightweight and not fragile, a large warehouse with forklifts is not usually necessary and shipping costs and materials can be kept to a minimum. Another way online sellers can keep the costs of printer ink cartridges down is by using remanufactured and refilled cartridges. Some sellers accept used ink cartridges from their customers that they remanufacture and refill themselves, while those that do not have the in-house facilities to do that pass the ink cartridges along to recycling centers and their suppliers.

Buying goods online is not without its risks, but a reputable supplier is not difficult to find with a little research. The adage "you get what you pay for" does not have to mean that if you pay less, you will not be able to obtain the same quality.