The cost of new printer ink cartridges can be exorbitant, especially for newer printer models. There are certainly alternatives out there; by using printer ink refill kits or generic ink cartridges, for instance, computer owners can cut their costs significantly over the life of a printer. However, many consumers don’t trust refillable printer ink cartridge kits, or don’t have time to use them. Generic printer cartridges, while sometimes a great choice, can void your printer’s warranty and can deliver low-quality prints. As such, most computer owners look for brand name printer ink cartridges, and it’s still possible to get some great deals on these brand-name products with a small amount of work.

First of all, every printer owner should look online for ink cartridges. Cartridges from big box retail stores are convenient, but they often cost far more than they would on the Internet for the exact same product. There are a few reasons for this; Internet stores don’t have to set aside shelf space for cartridges, and as such they don’t have as many costs as retail stores. There’s also quite a bit more competition online, which drives down price. Brand name cartridges can be bought at wholesale prices online from stores that specialize in ink and accessories, at prices that are comparable to what retail stores pay for each new cartridge.

Be sure to buy several printer ink cartridges at a time. While cartridges have an expiration date, it’s often many months or even years away, so it’s usually safe to get at least two or three cartridges with every order. This drives down shipping costs, which reduces the overall cost of your ink order on a per-page basis. Look at your printer ink usage, and try to buy a reasonable number of cartridges; while you’re at it, try to find ways to cut down on ink usage, for instance by printing on “draft” settings or by using the “Print Preview” option. Anything you do to conserve ink will save money.

Make sure that you’re buying each printer ink cartridge from a reputable seller. There’s no point in getting a great deal on brand name printer ink cartridges if you’re not able to use any of them when they arrive–check for expiration dates and look at the seller’s customer feedback before buying. You might also look into remanufactured ink cartridges, which are often brand name, but cost much less than standard cartridges because they use recycled plastic. Read each product description carefully and look at as many stores as possible, and you should be able to find some great deals on printer ink. Doing a little bit of research goes a long way.

Ink is a major cost for home computer owners, and buying printer ink cartridges online can be a great way to save money. This is because online stores are more competitive and less limited than big box stores and chains, and consumers have a variety of new choices for affordable printer ink cartridges that may only be available through the Internet. To understand how the cost of a printer ink cartridge is lower when it’s purchased online, it’s very helpful to consider how printer cartridges are priced in the first place.

Every printer ink cartridge manufacturer charges far more on a per-product basis than their cartridges actually cost. They’re able to do this because each ink cartridge for each new printer is completely different, and printer companies patent their designs. This prevents competition–the only companies that can create new ink cartridges are the companies that made the printers in the first place. Therefore, you’ll often see printers sold for well under cost, while the ink cartridges for those same printers cost much more than they’d cost in a typical market. Some other industries such as shaving razor manufacturers use the same general business model. While this is good for the printer companies, it’s not so great for the consumer, as each ink cartridge can cost anywhere from $30-$50, and even more for large, high-capacity printers. Physical retail stores also have to add a small charge to each ink cartridge in order to make a profit.

Online stores don’t have to make shelf space for ink cartridges, and as such, they can greatly lower the cost of selling the cartridges. Those savings are inevitably passed on to the consumer, since, as mentioned earlier, there’s tremendous competition between online businesses. This pushes the overall cost of ink down, and many websites offer affordable printer ink cartridges as a result. Some even offer their customers alternatives to new, name-brand cartridges. For instance, remanufactured ink cartridges are occasionally available, which use recycled parts from old cartridges to deliver the same quality prints at a lower cost.

When buying printer ink cartridges online, be sure to stock up–get two or three cartridges if you go through ink fairly fast, and you’ll improve your savings by limiting shipping charges. However, be careful not to buy more ink than you need. Remember that printer ink does have an expiration date, so buying boxes and boxes of ink cartridges is probably a bad idea. Doing the research definitely benefits anyone trying to find affordable prices. With a bit of careful online shopping and good printing habits, you can greatly reduce your printer ink bill and save money immediately.



Sadly, there are times when a printer simply bites the dust. It may have been the best printer technology of its time, but when it can no longer keep up with the demands of your business, the moment will have come to begin the process of acquiring a new and more efficient replacement. Some printer issues can be fixed and are worth the time and money to do so, especially if the printer has proven to be reliable in the past. However, there are some sure-fire signs that it is time for a printer to retire. Here are four.



The first sign that a printer needs to go is that the printer ink simply does not work as well as it used to. At first, it will simply be a missed letter here, or a slightly faded page there, but over time the symptoms will intensify, until all of the copy coming out of the printer is unreadable. New printer ink cartridges that are placed in the printer will seem to dry up or stop functioning almost immediately.

The second printer death knell is when its printing rate slows down. This could be due to low toner, printer ink or incorrect user sections for copy type, but it can also be the sign of a slow breakdown. When the number of pages per minute (PPM) drops significantly, it is time to go printer shopping.



A third sign of printer failure is jamming. Sure, someone could have put the wrong type of paper in the machine, or it could be a copy-heavy day, but if the problem persists, it is the printer’s time to go. Jammed sheets means wasted time and wasted printer ink, both of which are expensive. As well, enough jammed paper or repeat incidents can damage the printer permanently. Fourth, and perhaps foremost, is if the printer begins “losing” jobs or ceasing to print partway through an order. This could be a server-side issue if the jobs are not being properly transferred over from a desktop or network computer, but repeated incidents likely point to something more serious. There are few things more frustrating than running off a 100 page report only to discover that pages 23-100 are mysteriously unaccounted for.



Any of these signs alone or a combination of them can start the clock ticking on a printer’s useful life. Even using top-of-the-line printer ink, technology, and printer ink cartridges, wear and tear on these machines is inevitable. The key is to act early, either by fixing the problem or acquiring a new model. Printer problems are rarely resolved on their own, and a business that cannot print is often a business that cannot operate.


Taking care of your ink cartridge is important. When an ink cartridge is properly cared for it will allow for extended use, thus saving you money in the long run. Once you are in the habit of caring for your ink cartridges, it is a can almost become second nature.

The first thing you must know is how to store the ink cartridges that you are not using to keep them in prime condition. They should remain in their original packaging and be kept in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can negatively affect the printer ink. They must also be stored in the upright position, so the cartridges do not leak. When you are ready to load the ink cartridge into your printer, you may remove the packaging. It is imperative that when you remove it from the packaging and are handling the cartridge to only touch the plastic part of the cartridge located on the sides. Never touch the top of the cartridge, as the top contains the chip that allows the cartridge and the printer to work together. Also, be sure not to shake it as ink may leak. Your printer will have details on how to properly install the cartridge.

Once the cartridge is properly placed in the printer, it can then begin to do its job. Never remove the cartridge until printer ink is gone and no longer being dispensed. Once the cartridge is fully empty, remove the ink cartridge. From here, you may choose to refill the ink in the cartridge. There are many kits for sale in stores and online that allow you to do this. It can be a cost-effective way to restore your ink supply. If you do this, do it in a timely manner. Without ink in the cartridge, leftover ink may dry out, rendering the cartridge non-refillable. Do not shake the cartridge, as ink may go flying, creating a huge mess that is difficult to clean.

If you choose not to refill your cartridge, be sure to properly dispose of it. There are stores, where ink cartridges can be purchased, that also accept them once they are empty. Never place empty ink cartridges with other household trash, as they contain toxic materials that shouldn’t be put in a landfill. You may place the empty cartridge in a sealed zip-lock bag and deposit it any the appropriate location. You can also research places online that will take your empty cartridges and pay you for them.

Properly caring for your printer ink cartridge can save you money and hassle. As long as you take the proper steps, cartridge may last you a very long time.

Go Green by reusing what businesses use: ink cartridges and printer ink cartridges. Instead of throwing out these everyday objects of use, find creative ways to utilize them, as in creating a lamp! Make it one less ink cartridge in a landfill, and one more unique way to light a desk in a home or office with soft light. Promote art that makes a difference.

Newly created ink cartridge lamps sell from between $35 and $200, and demonstrate how waste can be transformed into a one-of-a-kind craft. Don’t shut out an opportunity to be eco-friendly and artistically innovative. These are great gifts for graphic designers, artists, or anyone with a passion for creativity and the environment. They are a quiet, artistic addition to home or room decor, and provide a personal tag that promotes creativity and a healthy atmosphere.

These translucent plastic lamps are pocket-sized and work wonderfully as hanging or desk lamps. Each lamp uses a 6 watt bulb, which has a light output that is equivalent to 4-5 watts. Replacement bulbs can be located at hardware stores.

Though the ink cartridge lamp goes anywhere free of heat, do note that it is still a lamp with a heated bulb. To ensure safety, there are high-impact polystyrene [with foil] heat-shield strips around the bulb and a warning label (pictured) on each lamp to caution against covering the lamp or setting it on a carpet. It should also be noted that these lamps went through extensive testing for the assurance of safety.

Each lamp is made with love by first carefully cracking open the cartridge (220ml ink cartridges for 78 & 9800 series printers) that would have been thrown out. The ink cartridge is drilled, wired up, and turned into a glowing box of light!

Choose a unique color for your personal space. These lamps can be purchased in the following colors: matte black, cyan, light-cyan, magenta, light-magenta, yellow, light-black, and light-light-black. The colors enhance these small boxes of energy and offer a unique aesthetic appeal.

Also consider the ink cartridge chandelier or hanging lamp. These are especially unique and difficult to construct. Made with eight K3 cartridges that are used in big printers, they are carefully arranged in the order they were in while in the printer.

Switch on to this new way to light up a room! And feel good about doing your part to help the planet.

Which Printer Ink Cartridge Do You Need?

Deciding which printer ink cartridge you need depends on the type of printer you buy, and what type of projects you’ll be completing. The three most popular types of printers on the market are inkjet, snapshot, and color laser printers. Once you’ve considered your printing needs, and have chosen a printer, you need to consider ink replacement costs. Some replacement printer ink cartridges can cost about as much as the printer itself. There are some important factors to consider when it’s time to replace your printer ink cartridge.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers provide a variety of functions that are usually suitable to home and small-office users. They can print a small volume of materials ranging from driving directions to vacation photos. Low-end models can still be slow, but the high-end models can be impressively fast. Today’s inkjet models come with features such as larger displays, or touch screens, integrated Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and more paper-handling options.

Laser Models

They offer speed, and produce professional looking documents, especially if you print a lot of text such as letters and business documents. Color or monochrome models are available, but for comparable prices, purchasing a color laser printer will allow you more freedom in your projects.

Snapshot Printers

They are the slowest of the three types of printers, and are designed specifically to make photographs. They are usually portable, and allow the convenience of on-the-spot printing. All snapshots have several things in common: a single paper tray, a color LCD, and media card slots so you can print without a computer. If you need to print anything other than photos, you’re better off buying an inkjet.

According to PC World, before you put down the cash on a printer, you want to find out how much the replacement printer ink cartridges cost, and how many pages each cartridge can print. For inkjets, a three-color cartridge can cost $10 to $40, and $5 to $35 for an individual color or black cartridge. The cheaper the cartridge, the less ink it holds. For snapshot printers, the same rule applies; check out the cost of a snapshot printer’s replacement cartridge, and how many pages each cartridge can print. A three-color cartridge will run you $28 to $38 or more. You can go generic, and save money by buying replacement cartridges made by a company other than your printer’s manufacturer, but beware that you risk losing print quality.

If you want cheap printing for short-lived documents, there are affordable options out there. Further, be sure to check out manufacturer recycling programs as some offer discounts on new printer ink cartridges for returning empty cartridges.

One of the best ways to save money on printer ink cartridges is to buy a refill kit and refill old cartridges instead of buying new. Using a printer ink refill kit is easy, but as with anything, sometimes you may run into a bit of trouble. Here are some troubleshooting tips for when you use a printer ink refill kit:

The Page is Blank

First, make sure you are using the right cartridge and didn’t accidentally replace it with an empty printer ink cartridge. Secondly, wipe the nozzle of the cartridge with a damp paper towel to be sure there is no residue clogging it. Lastly, select the “Clean Printer Head” option in your printer software.

The Page is Faded

First, check to see that the printer ink cartridge is installed properly. It may just be misaligned. Next, remove the cartridge and clean the nozzle with a damp paper towel. Then, choose the “Clean Printer Head” option in your printer software. If you still see fading, then make sure you are printing on regular paper, and not glossy paper or some other medium that is not compatible with the type of ink you are using. Also, check to see that you are printing in “Normal” print quality, and didn’t accidentally choose “Fast Draft” or “Draft” in the Printer Properties.

The Page is Blurry

It may sound strange, but first make sure the paper you are using is not wet. Next, select the “Clean Printer Head” option as described earlier, and also clean the nozzle of the printer ink cartridge with a damp paper towel. Also make sure you are printing in “Normal” print quality, and not “Fast Draft” or “Draft.” You will also want to make sure are printing on paper that is not glossy, as it may not be compatible with your ink. Lastly, check to see that the cartridge is not leaking ink inside of your printer.

Problems with printer ink refill kits are quite rare, but if you do have problems these tips should help. But remember, the cartridge you are using may just have been refilled a few too many times and is wearing out. It may be time to buy a new printer ink cartridge.

Even though the price of printer ink cartridges and toner cartridges have dropped over the years, you still want to get the most out of your cartridge, especially in tough economic times. We recommend purchasing ink cartridge refill kit , or buying printer ink cartridges in bulk to save money.

Print Only When You Have To

This step sounds obvious, but its much harder to put into practice than one would think. Try to utilize email and PDF as much as possible to cut down on paper waste. Only print out documents when it is absolutely necessary.

Adjust your Printer Settings

After you click on “Print”, click on the “Preferences” or “Properties” button to access your printer tool box. Here you can choose what sort of “Print Quality” you prefer. Often, the options are Best, Normal, Draft and Fast Draft. Best will use the most ink, while Fast Draft will use the least.

Save Color

Unless you need to print a document in color for a presentation or your boss, avoid using the color ink cartridge as much as possible. Color ink is more expensive. So instead, choose “Print in Grayscale” from the Printer Preferences section. This will only utilize the black printer ink cartridge, and not the color ink cartridge.

Choose Small Fonts

One way to save on printer ink, as well as paper, is to choose smaller fonts and spacing for your documents. Consider printing in 8pt, rather than 12pt, (if you can read that small!). Plus, choose single-spacing to save on paper. Adjust these settings back to your default, though, when printing documents for others to read.

Shake and Wipe

Sometimes the fluid in a printer ink cartridge simply settles on the bottom, or the nozzle gets clogged, making the computer think you are out of ink. To remedy this, take the ink cartridge out and shake it, then wipe the nozzle with a paper towel.

These steps will help you prolong the life of your printer ink cartridge. But when it finally runs out, consider a printer ink refill kit or buy printer ink cartridges in bulk from PrinterInk.com.

Its happened to many of us before. We’re pressed for time, overworked, and we forgot to print out the agenda for the meeting that started five minutes ago. And of course, we go to print, but nothing happens. The printer is out of ink! We scramble for another ink cartridge and they’re all gone. We walk into the meeting embarrassed and complain about the lack of new ink cartridges.

Well, if you or your company purchased your printer ink cartridges in bulk, you’d never run into the problem of printing out blank pages ever again. You could stock the shelves from floor to ceiling with ink cartridges, toner cartridges and any other printer ink you might need.

Buying printer ink in bulk has the following advantages:

- Discounted Cost: When you buy printer ink in bulk, you’ll receive substantial savings, just like buying groceries in bulk at your favorite super store.

- Never Run Out: Once you see that you’re running low on printer ink cartridges, you can place an order and restock before you run out. Or, set up a schedule, and have your cartridges ordered and delivered regularly.

- Cheaper Shipping: You’ll receive substantial discounts on your shipping costs when buying in bulk as well. It costs more to ship several small packages, than it does one large package.

Not only will you save money buy purchasing bulk printer ink, but you’ll also save time. There will be no more running back and forth to the office supply store when you need them. You’ll have plenty in storage.

New website helps consumers find the best quality printer ink at the best prices.

New York, NY September 20, 2008 — In a world saturated with printer ink retailers, comes PrinterInk.com, the most comprehensive printer ink review website on the web. PrinterInk.com is dedicated to helping consumers make informed decisions about their next purchase of printer ink cartridges, refill kits, toner cartridges and more. PrinterInk.com features in-depth reviews of online retailers, plus customer reviews, shipping information, return policies and more. Plus, they offer special discounts to be used with select, respected retailers.

PrinterInk.com rates retailers on four basic areas:

* Price: Rate and compare various retailers based solely on cost and affordability
* Customer Service: Rank ink retailers based on feedback provided to us by their customers.
* Return Policy: See which retailers have customer-friendly return policies, and which do not.
* Shipping Costs: Review the shipping costs, if any, of a variety of retailers. Most offer free shipping now, with a minimum order.

Usually, a customer thinks they have to sacrifice one service area for another. One company may have a lower cost, at the expense of customer service. At PrinterInk.com, we will rank companies on these individual areas, but also on their overall performance. We want customers to be completely satisfied with the company they choose.

Printer Ink relies on customer reviews for feedback on these areas of service, but they also have experts on staff to verity each of the retailers. These experts ensure the companies are friendly, trustworthy and honorable with their return policies. This allows customers to feel safe and comfortable with their next online purchase.

* Visitors will not only find trusted online retailers, they’ll also have access to 10% discount coupons and other special offers.

Not only does PrinterInk.com feature reviews and special discounts, but they also provide the best information on ink cartridges and printer toner cartridges. They have an extensive resources section, with articles on everything you could ever want to know about ink and toner cartridges. Some of the subjects include:

* Advantages of purchasing ink and toner online: Discover the advantages of buying ink, toner cartridges and refill kits online, and how it compares to purchasing from your local store.
* How to determine if you are running low on ink or toner: Read articles on how to check your ink levels, toner levels, and other indicators to let you know when its time to purchase more ink before you run out.
* Buying ink or toner in bulk versus purchasing individually: Learn that there are more advantages to buying bulk than just saving on retail cost.
* Generic cartridges versus name brand: Discover differences, if any, between the name brand ink cartridges and re-manufactured or generic ones.
* And much more…

PrinterInk.com truly is the web’s premier resource for anything and everything related to Printer Ink and Toner Cartridges. Visitors will find trusted reviews of retailers, in-depth research articles, as well as specials deals and discounts for their purchases. Load up on printer ink savings today.