Printer Supplies

For anyone with a computer, you definitely need a printer attached so you have the tools necessary to print out items. With all the printer manufacturers promoting their own labels or brand of personal computers, there is considerable competition for consumer’s purchases, which often include such items as software programs, paper, ink cartridges, keyboards, speakers, monitors, personal computer parts, and CPUs. These are often bundled into computer/printer/supply packages to make it more tempting and convenient for consumers.

Like a drip coffee maker that is ineffective if there is no water, all printers need ink cartridges/toner cartridges to function and print. Inkjet printers are very popular, especially with people that have personal computers and even with small businesses. The reason for their popularity is that their output is high quality, they are very economical, and they print quietly and have a fast print speed. Professionals often choose inkjet printers to print wide format. The main technologies involved are piezoelectric, thermal and continuous inkjet printers. The principal players today in computer technology development are the large computer companies and they account for the majority of worldwide inkjet printer sales.

Surprisingly Expensive

Many consumers are happy with the cost of their printer but shocked when they go to purchase printer supplies, such as replacement printer or toner cartridges. Many printer manufacturers’ replacement cartridges are almost as costly as the price of the printer itself. They sell the printers at cost or even less than cost but sell the printer toner or ink cartridges at huge markups. They more than make up their losses by selling expensive replacement ink cartridges during the life of the printers. Many cost up to ten times what the ink cartridge actually costs to manufacture and these major companies spend a lot of money trying to convince consumers to use or purchase only their products.

Reducing Costs

There are ways to purchase replacement printer cartridges that are less expensive, such as buying new compatible cartridges for your printer that meet the OEM specifications. Purchase printer cartridges that third-party companies collect, refill and test, so you get the same quality as the original cartridges. There are also black and colored ink refill kits available, which include the instructions, the tools available to refill your cartridges and replacement ink. Not only is this far less expensive than new replacement printer cartridges but give you enough ink to refill the cartridge up to ten times.

Printer supplies such as cartridges, toners, printer paper, and replacement parts are available in office supply stores or retailers that sell printers and supplies. Many online stores carry printer supplies but in order to get a great bargain it is necessary to compare different online stores and prices, as there are many great bargains available if you take the time to shop around.