While inkjet printers themselves are quite affordable, from $60 to $400, the ink cartridges are the hidden cost that can run several hundred dollars per year. To determine if the inkjet printer plus the cost of the replacement cartridges is worth it, use some simple calculations to ensure that bargain printer doesn't wind up setting you back a small fortune in ink.
Pages per Week
You'll want to determine how quickly you'll go through ink, so evaluate how many pages you print out per week. If you are looking at a multipurpose inkjet printer, don't forget to include an estimate on fax printouts. For example, assume that you will print out about 100 pages per week.
Pages Per Cartridge
Each printer will reveal how many pages an inkjet cartridge will print. This can generally be found in the owner's manual or displayed on the packaging for the printer. This is an average number that covers basic pages, not graphic-heavy pages or photos from an non-inkjet photo printer. Say that the model you are looking at reveals that the ink cartridge prints 225 pages per cartridge.
Calculate Use
Multiply the number of pages per week (100) by the number of weeks in a six-month period (26). You're estimated to print 2,600 pages each six months. Now, take 2,600 and divide it by the number of pages the ink cartridge will print (225). This means you must purchase 12 inkjet printer ink cartridges during the six-month period.
Determine Cost
When you know how many inkjet cartridges you'll likely need, determine the cost of an individual replacement ink cartridge for the printer you are considering. If the new cartridges cost $28 each, you can plan on spending $336 every 6 months on cartridges (12 x 28 = 336). For an annual cost, just multiply the answer by two.
Alternative Ink Sources
Many people look into refilling ink cartridges, a much more economical choice, especially for inkjet photo printers. Ask around at several office supply stores near you to determine the cost of refilling the cartridges for the brand of inkjet printer you are researching. There are also several online companies that sell discount ink cartridges. These options are worth exploring to save on the bottom line. For example, if it only costs $15 to refill an ink cartridge, your 6-month cost would only be $180, a savings of $156. Do check the manufacturer's warranty on your printer before you try this, as some warranties are voided if you refill cartridges.
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