If you print very often, you know that printer ink is expensive! Those little cartridges can be pricey to replace. In fact, when it comes to issues people have with printers, the #1 complaint is the high cost of the ink. And, if you print very often, this can be even more expensive for you.
Believe it or not, there are some things you can do to reduce your printing costs. Below you’ll find EIGHT awesome money saving tips. Keep in mind that some my require some up front cost, but you might find you save more money in the long run, which is what matters most.
SAVING MONEY ON PRINTER INK
1. Upgrade your printer.
If you are using an older printer, you might have one that still is expensive to maintain. You will need to do some research, but read the manufacturer’s specifications as they will tell you the cost per page (CPP). This is very important as if you get one that is more expensive per page to print, it will cost you more in the long run.
For instance, you can see that this HP Envy 4500 Wireless printer uses HP 61 Ink. HP is very open and shares that you can get 190 pages printed with the black cartridge or 165 pages using color (on average). If the cost of a black cartridge is $21, then the cost per page is $0.11 ($21/190 pages).
Take the time to do the math on the cost per print. If you are paying too much using your current printer, it might be time to take the plunge and upgrade.
2. Skip the 3rd party companies.
There are other companies which will sell cartridges at much lower costs. The problem with this is that they do not really save you money.
While they claim they are compatible, they do not always work. In addition, the amount of ink in the cartridge is usually less than the name brand product. That results in more frequent changes and can actually end up costing you more money.
That is not to say they are all this way. Take the time to research the company and its products including reviews by other customers.
3. The warning is just that – a warning.
When you see the sign come up that you are running low, then you usually are. However, do not replace the cartridge until you get the notice that you are completely out of ink. Keep the replacement cartridge on hand, but don’t replace it until you are unable to print anything further.
4. Recycle your empty cartridges.
Stores such as Office Depot/OfficeMax and Staples offer rewards for empty cartridges. If you return a name brand cartridge, you will get $2 back in Rewards at either store. Use your rewards towards your purchase of new cartridges (in conjunction with in-store sales and promotions).
You can sign up for product alerts so you are notified when your ink goes on sale (use CamelCamelCamel). Amazon usually watches the prices of your big box stores such as Walmart and Target and meets or beats their prices. Plus – no sales tax and free shipping on Amazon saves you money as well.
6. Print in Draft Mode.
If you use your printer for coupons, skip the color. Instead, print them in black and white using your high-quality draft mode. The coupons will still scan without any problem.
7. Use both sides.
If you print a draft of something, don’t toss the paper into the recycling bin — reuse it! Just slide the sheet in so that you can print on the back side of the sheet.
8. Don’t print everything.
When you place an online order, you are always told to print the confirmation sheet upon the finalization of your purchase. DON’T!!!
Just right click on the page and save it to your computer’s desktop or downloads folder. You could even create a folder called “purchases” where you save these images. Then, you have all of the details you need at your fingertips – without using up your precious (and expensive) printer ink.
These are some of the most common (and simplest) ways to really save as much as you can on your printer ink, but there may be more out there. Please share your tips and ideas with us as well (we’ll add them to our post and give YOU credit).
Cathy says
Do you happen to know where on the Walgreens website it tells about refilling toner cartridges? I’ve looked all over and I can’t find it.
Tracie says
Here ya go!
michele says
I’ve started to copy/paste more and more things like recipes and get rid of any unwanted text and pics. They really take a lot of toner. I also bought a Brother that takes a toner tank and it costs a fraction to print compared with our Cannon printers.
tony says
the cheapest way that I have found to do is this site
http://www.ldproducts.com
Cathy says
Darn, no refills for Brother laser printers. 🙁
Not a disaster though. Periodically I find a fantastic sale on toner cartridges, and one cartridge lasts a loooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg time.
It costs me about $1 a month total for toner + paper, and I print a LOT of pages and coupons.
vivian says
Hello, I’m looking for a new printer to replace my ink jet that sometimes grocery stores can’t scan because it’s not clear enough. Could you recommend one? Thank you very much.
Tracie says
I’ve got an HP 2350 and it works good for me. I see deals on them from time to time, so that’d be my best recommendation – to watch for a deal. I’ve heard that same issue with some ink jets – that the coupons don’t scan. I know I’ve never had any problems with mine not scanning – they all print very clearly.
Cathy says
I have a Brother DCP-7040 Printer.
I got it during the back to school sales and saved a chunk of money on it. It has a scanner, so it cost more than a plain one. A monochrome laser printer without a scanner can be had cheap during a good sale. You can catch the cartridges on a good sale for the price of an ink jet cartridge but they last several times longer.
vivian says
Tracie, what kind of printer do you own? Looking for something affordable and the cartridge doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Thanks much.
Tracie says
I have an HP 2350 (I think that is the one)….and my cartridges are around $28 each (for black). I think I change mine out about 2 or 3 times per year.
vivian says
Thanks Tracie, is it the all in one?
Tracie says
yep!!!
Libby says
How do you sign up for the amazon sale emails? I looked all over their website & couldn’t find anything.
Tracie says
Many times it is based upon what you have already purchased. But you can go into my account and click on email settings. Then, you can click on the various departments you want notifications on. If they are offering a great deal, you just might get an email in your inbox. You can also go in and edit my recommendations and check items you want it to watch for for you (based upon prior purchases).
Shira says
Tracie I’m not finding the help link so that I can request my coupons my mail. My favorite store to shop at won’t accept the coupons I print but totally take ones that come in the paper or mail. I’ll keep looking……
Tracie says
It is just on the bricks coupons….at the very bottom there are some links there and one says help.