It’s been a long time since I’ve done an “Ask DSM Readers” post. I know I’ve always found these posts valuable because I love hearing your tips, tricks, and perspectives, so this will become a regular Thursday post. If you have a question that you’d like me to share, I’d love to hear from you!
Onto the question for this week — I’d love to hear your favorite ways to save on printer ink and paper. Obviously printable coupons are a fantastic way to save on your grocery bill, but do you ever wonder if the cost of printing them is worth the savings? Printer ink and paper can get downright expensive, especially if you have kids like mine that are always walking off with paper for their “art projects”.
So how do you save on printer ink and paper? Have you tried refilling printer ink cartridges? Has anyone tried some of the downloadable software that claims to reduce the amount of ink used? Do you have any tips for recycling printer paper?
Kathy V
Join Staples Rewards program…..$3 for each returned cartridge (to a max of 3 per month?). You will receive a rebate check to use for future purchases. You will also receive % back for paper and ink purchases.
I agree with all of the above except putting shorter pieces of paper in the printer. I was told the ink still “prints” on itself (on the roller) so no ink is saved.
We inherited an HP LaserJet and print the majority of things in B&W on that printer. Faster and cheaper. Invest in one. The cartridge was $100+ but lasts forever.
I also save the good printer paper for letters and school projects. I use Scrap paper and cheap Staples (“store brand”) paper for coupons and all else.
Never tried re-filling since I heard it doesn’t last as long. Will try Walgreens though.
Also, I don’t let the kids print full page color stuff from the kids’ websites…..what a waste of ink. The picture usually sits for a bit and then gets recycled.
Don
If a store won’t give me a discount without a loyalty card, I don’t shop in that store. Loyalty cards are too intrusive, and they’re used to gather data to help the store raise prices.
BTW, a survey of grocery store chains in Massachusetts found that all of the stores that use loyalty cards are more expensive than all of the stores that don’t.
Larry
For those who are thinking about refilling ink cartridges to save money, I can say that they work, for most people. I’m alittle biased, I own and run an ink cartridge refill store, and I know they work or I wouldn’t be in business anymore.
Now, that being said, not all ink refill stores are equal, just like anything else. I get alot of customers from Walgreen’s and OfficeMax that tried them and had horrible results. The piece of advice that I will give on getting them refilled is to take them in shortly after they go empty. Don’t throw them in the desk drawer and forget about them for 6 months, then take them out and expect them to be refilled without any problems. The ink drys inside the cartridge and they won’t refill properly(usually they won’t last as long). I print all of my own flyers and coupons myself and I can typically refill my own cartridges and my customers cartridges on average of 4 to 5 times before I sell them a remanufactured cartridge.
Sorry about my little rant here, thought I would put in my 2 cents.
Beth D
I use paper that has been printed on one side only. I have used school flyers and papers, scrap paper that my husband brings home from work and various other paper is only paper printed on one side. Lightly colored paper works too. Before I place the paper in the printer I make sure all staples are removed and the sheets have no folds. and not wrinkled.
pitt
do the ink cartridges go on sale at Rite Aid?
Michelle
I order my ink online at inkforsale.net and pay 3.50 per cartridge. I have a brother all-in-one that takes 4 cartridges (black, yellow, cyan, magenta). It totals about $18-20 for a complete set. Been using them a couple years now and have had good luck. I get paper from the $stores for about $1-2.
Sheila
I finally bought a laser printer for
$40.00. I also found a way to “override” the computer chip in the printer to get alot more prints out of the cartridge. Cartridges I can get for $25.00 of the internet. What saves me ALOT is using paper from fax cover sheets, blank forms, junk mail, etc. It’s free and no personal information on it. It keeps me stocked so I never, ever have to buy paper.
dina
How do you do that?
melinda
Try to buy the ink from walmart when you know you are going to have some overage. i once got ink for 3.00, when it really cost 13.98.
.....
my cartridges cost 50 cents each.
I refill plain and simple. it’s so easy I can’t believe anyone wouldn’t, but while i’m saving hundreds of dollars i’m laughing all the way to the bank.