Why are printer inks so expensive?

Printer inks are expensive. In some instances they are so expensive that you can purchase the printer for less than the ink cartridge itself. But why is this so? Why have printer ink companies decided to place such a hefty price on their printer inks?

Printer inks are available in a variety of formats including inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges. Each of these is expensive but only if you purchase the OEM versions. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer cartridge. When you purchase an OEM cartridge you are purchasing an original cartridge manufactured by the manufacturer of your printer.

Printer manufacturers will often reduce the cost of their printers knowing that the purchaser will generally buy OEM printer ink. What manufacturers may lose on the printers they will make up on the printer inks that they sell.

To reduce the amount you spend on printer inks you may consider purchasing remanufactured ink cartridges, compatible cartridges or refill kits. Each of these is a viable alternative if you are trying to save money.

For more information on printer inks or to select from a range of printer supplies and products choose from the following:

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