Gas May Cost $2.90, But Printer Ink Is More Than $10,000 per Gallon

By Dominic Sarro



In today's market, inflation is affecting everything; gas prices are soaring, BGE rate hikes are through the roof and milk is nearing $4 a gallon. One expense you probably don't think much about - printer ink - is rising rapidly, as well.

In today's world, almost everyone has a printer and nearly all businesses have at least one printing device, and in many cases three or more. In the early '90s when inkjet printers were just hitting the scene, the big printer manufacturers were making their cartridges relatively large, and they held a lot of ink. As the years went by the printer companies, in an effort to decrease costs and increase profits, made the cartridges smaller. The cartridges held much less, and although the cost was also lower, it did not entirely reflect the decrease in the amount of ink in the cartridge. When priced out to the gallon, early ink cartridges cost between $2,500 and $5,000 per gallon. Today, ink costs run between $8,000 and $13,000 per gallon, a three-fold jump in price. It seems as if the manufacturers are holding everyone over the proverbial barrel.

Today the consumer has many choices. Most of the larger retail outlets such as Office Depot, Staples or Best Buy offer remanufactured cartridges at a slight discount - a savings of a couple of dollars per cartridge. While these are very convenient to pick up at these retailers, the savings just aren't that significant.

Another option consumers have is the multitude of online retailers. The main benefit here is an extremely discounted cartridge, but one might wonder if they are too cheap. Many people still adhere to the old adage of "You get what you pay for." The main downside to these retailers is a complete lack of customer service, inconsistent quality, and in many cases, you still have to pay for shipping, reducing the amount of your savings.

There is another alternative, as well. Small retail stores are popping up all over the country that specialize in refilling and remanufacturing ink and toner cartridges. Their advantage is the convenience of a conventional brick and mortar store with the type of customer service the consumer has come to expect, and while you may be able to hunt down a cheaper price online, the savings at these stores is still substantial, and you don't have to pay for shipping. Also, the quality of these cartridges is as good as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and in some cases, better.

These stores can save you from 30% to 50% off the cost of buying new ink and toner cartridges. They tend to be conveniently located in shopping centers for the consumer and may offer free delivery for businesses. This makes it easier for people to save money and benefits the environment at the same time, allowing folks to recycle their ink and toner cartridges instead of throwing them in the trash.



Dominic Sarro is the owner of Cartridge World of Glen Burnie. He can be reached at 443-749-4881 or e-mail Dominic.sarro@cartridgeworldusa.com.