It's easy to find a cheap inkjet printer. What's not cheap is the replacement ink. You might be shocked to learn that replacement ink cartridges can cost as much as the printer itself, if not more. This is because printers are often sold at a loss, the company expecting to make its profit on the ink. This strategy, also known as the "razor-and-blades model," is common in consumer goods, including printers, coffee makers (the ones that use disposable pods) and its namesake, shaving razors.
Printer manufacturers, however, claim there are several reasons why ink costs so much, beyond revenue. Here are the main reasons why printer ink is so expensive.
The razor blade business
The razor-and-blade business model provides a continued revenue stream for printer makers after a customer buys the hardware. It also locks that customer into an ecosystem. Just as some razor handles are compatible with only a specific blade, printers support only certain inkjet or toner cartridges. Manufacturers typically offer different printer models, but they likely use different cartridges that aren't interchangeable. The cartridges also aren't refillable by design. While it may seem manipulative, this business model is legal and common practice. It also keeps prices high due to a lack of competition.
It's all proprietary (aka intellectual property)
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Another way consumers are locked into a closed ecosystem is that many ink and toner cartridges contain chipsets that communicate with the printer, like the amount of ink or toner left, so the printer can estimate how many pages it can print, for example. They also verify whether the cartridge is authentic (as in, from the printer maker) or has been refilled. In either case, the printer could reject the cartridge. While some third-party suppliers have found ways around this, printer cartridges are proprietary, the intellectual property of the original manufacturer. Customers are usually limited in replacement options other than buying from their printer's original equipment manufacturer.
This isn't about the cost of research and manufacturing, or at least, not just about that. Printer makers claim that their technology ensures consumers get the best print quality from the ink or toner, as well as proper performance and accurate color or monochrome prints from their machines. For example, inkjet printer ink is formulated to flow smoothly through the tiny printhead nozzles, while laser printer toner powder must be heated and applied evenly. That ink or toner also has to dry quickly on paper, without smudging, to list a few key reasons. The official cartridges also include security features that manufacturers claim protect against malware.
So, although cartridges look simple on the outside, their embedded tech adds to the expense in their manufacturing. Companies say this helps ensure a high standard in print quality, but consumer advocacy groups say this is designed to keep out competition while placing the cost on the user.
If you print often, expect to spend more on consumables
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