Why There Are No Universal Printer Ink Cartridges

2010-04-01

There are many types of printer ink cartridges, as any consumer can see by browsing the shelves at a local computer store. Even major brands will have separate printer cartridge types for each model of printer that they offer, and both the cost and ink yield of these cartridges varies greatly from one printer to the next. This can seem impractical; why do not printer companies decide on a universal printer ink cartridge that can be used for any of a number of printer models?

Unfortunately, the entire business model of printer companies is set up around varying cartridge types. Most printer companies make very little money from the printers that they sell; in fact, many take a minor loss with each product sold. They make up their costs by patenting the design of each new type of printer ink and cartridge, ensuring that competitors can not make ink for their printers. The ink cartridge prices are then inflated. It is a sort of monopoly, and it is been the standard practice of every major printer manufacturer for years. This does not do much for consumers--the cost of ink can be exorbitant, regardless of the model, especially if you decide to buy your cartridges from a retail store.

The closest thing to a "universal" ink cartridge is refillable printer ink kits, which can sometimes work for various models of printers, occasionally even for printers with different manufacturers. The main printer companies do not offer these refill kits, as they cut heavily into their profits, and instead refuse to support the warranties of any customers that use ink refill kits. Even so, the savings from refillable printer ink can be enormous; they're made by third party companies that drastically undercut the price of new printer cartridges, and as printers have become more advanced, printer ink refill kits have become easier and easier to use. Some printer companies combat this trend by offering remanufactured ink cartridges, which cost less than brand new cartridges and are made from older, recycled units.

In any case, absolute, universal ink cartridges will probably not be available for years, if they're ever available at all. Such a change in printer companies' business models would require a lot of collaboration between the main manufacturers, and there's not a lot of incentive for these companies to undertake such a drastic overhaul. Consumers can still find low-cost ink by looking online and using the aforementioned refill kits and remanufactured cartridges, and even brand new cartridges can cost much less online than from retail stores. As the cost of ink is fairly high, it's a good idea to know your options before you go shopping.