It’s no secret that printer companies make most of their profits off of consumables, not the device itself. But it may shock you to learn that, with many entry-level inkjet printers, it costs more to purchase replacement ink than to buy a new printer with the free starter cartridges included in the box.
To illustrate my point, check out the HP DeskJet 2755. On HP’s site, this is currently being sold for $69.99. Located under the ‘Specs’ section there is a field entitled ‘What’s included.’ Here, you’ll find everything that comes in the box, including two HP 67 cartridges- black and tricolor. These are starter cartridges, which contain less ink than the replacement cartridges you’ll need to purchase once the ink inside runs out. Currently, the standard yield cartridges are being sold for $15.99* (black) and $16.99 (color) when purchased separately. The HP 67XL series is the high yield option and these cartridges contain more ink. The 67XL black costs $23.99 and the the color costs $24.99. After replacing the starter cartridges with high yield ink just once, you are spending close to $50. It’s almost like you are buying a new printer every time you buy new ink!
Obviously, nobody wants to spend that much money when they have to replace their ink. The glaring price discrepancy between device and consumable does, however, highlight what printer brands have been doing successfully for years: setting a high price on the consumables so they can make up for the money lost on the printer and then some. Actually, ‘some’ isn’t the right word. It’s a lot.
So be wary of low-costing inkjet printers, typically ones below the $100 range. Even if the cost of replacement cartridges don’t quite exceed the price of the device, you’ll still be paying more than you should for consumables.
What if a printer of $100 or more isn’t within your budget? Try ditching printer brand ink. Independent suppliers of print consumables, like 123inkjets, specialize in providing name brand results at affordable prices.
*Savings based on price comparison between remanufactured/compatible cartridge prices on www.123inkjets.com and OEM cartridge and printer prices from the listed retailers: Amazon and Staples. All products are reviewed independently. All prices effective as of July 19, 2021. OEM names are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are not affiliated with, and do not endorse 123inkjets.