Should you Order Print Cartridges in Bulk

Many online stores offer customers some type of incentive to order print cartridges or replacement ink in bulk. Some might offer a discount on each cartridge when a certain number are ordered, and others might offer other perks like free shipping or bonus cartridges. So, should you order all of those print cartridges at once? To ensure your decision is a wise and prudent one, it's important to take these factors into consideration before you place that ultra-large order.

Your Printing Habits: Is your printer constantly cranking out colored photos and lengthy documents, or do you use it only occasionally? This is perhaps the most important thing to consider. An unopened ink cartridge will last for one to two years, provided it is properly stored. If you open the package (don't do this!), the cartridge will last for a maximum of six months. Therefore, to determine whether ordering in bulk is a good idea, think about how long it typically takes you to use a cartridge. If it's a month at most, by all means, take advantage of the great deal you'll get if you order ten or more. If, on the other hand, it's more like four or five months, you may end up throwing most of the printer cartridges away (along with any savings) before you get a chance to use them.

Number of Printers: While most homes have only a printer or two, many businesses have a large number of these machines, and they are often used on a daily basis. With a single printer, it might be difficult to use those 20 print cartridges before they expire, but a business with 15 printers would likely have no problem at all.

Storage: To ensure your print cartridges last as long as possible, they should be stored upright, in a dry place, and at room temperature. Consider whether you have adequate space to properly store a bulk order of ink cartridges before you make your decision.

The Deal Itself: Before you decide to buy in bulk and clear a storage space for all those cartridges, consider how good of a deal you're really getting. Are you being offered a substantial discount, or just saving a few bucks on shipping? Ultimately, if it's not a deal you're really excited about, it's probably best to keep shopping around. Online stores anxious to clear out their stock frequently offer incentives for customers to buy in bulk, so it's only a matter of time before you come across a killer deal. Until then, just order enough print cartridges to meet your everyday home or business printing needs - no more, no less.