Save Money on Printer ink and Toner Cartridges

You can save ink or toner on many different levels and it actually starts with the type of printer and ink you purchase. But let’s assume it’s too late for these decisions and move on to what you can do right now. 

 Printer ink and toner are precious because, well, printing isn’t free and resources have a tendency to run out when you least need that to happen. If you’re concerned with wasting material and spending too much money on ink and toner, you will certainly learn a thing or two from this article.

However, if your main problem is not having a replacement ready when you need it you’re out of luck here. The only advice I can give you is to shop for backup material in time. You can save ink or toner on many different levels and it actually starts with the type of printer and ink you purchase. But let’s assume it’s too late for these decisions and move on to what you can do right now.

On some printers you can reduce the graphic resolution. This option is usually found under advanced settings. 300 dpi (dots per inch) are usually sufficient for most purposes. Besides, regular paper can’t handle very high resolutions anyways. So applying a high resolution only makes sense when you’re using high quality photo paper.
With e-commerce, consumers have more choices for printer supplies, and there are many reputable companies selling printer ink and toner cartridges at significant savings up to 80% less than common retail prices. Most offer a money back guarantee and will ship the same day.

While all of these tips can help you save money on printing, the biggest money saver of all is buying ink and toner cartridges. You can buy new OEM cartridges, if you want, or buy third party new, reused, or refill kits. 

Here are some useful tips for saving money on printer ink and toner cartridges: 

Buy Compatible Ink Cartridges: These are new cartridges made by alternative or third-party producers that meet or exceed OEM specifications for use with their printer. You will generally have good luck with compatible cartridges.
Buy Remanufactured Ink Cartridges: Some companies collect empty printer ink cartridges and refill them. They are tested to verify that they perform properly and they frequently cost a fraction of price you pay for new OEM cartridges.
Buy an Ink Refill Kit: You can buy a kit that enables you to refill cartridges yourself. The kit includes step-by-step instructions, needed tools, and printer ink. Once you get the hang of it you can refill a cartridge in a couple of minutes.
Buy Compatible Ink Cartridges and Refills: Combine the savings by buying new compatible ink cartridges when needed, then refill them using an ink cartridge refill kit.
Use the Printer DRAFT Mode: If you are just printing a personal or review copy, select DRAFT or FAST DRAFT mode on your printer. It uses significantly less ink. Then, when you need the good or best quality, select NORMAL or BEST. This is usually under Advanced or Options in the print window.
Use Black and White Mode: If you don’t need to have color on the early draft of review copies, print it in black and white only. Color cartridges tend to go faster (since primary colors are combined) and cost more, so reducing the amount of color ink used will save money. Then reselect the Color mode when you are ready to print the final copy.
Buy a Compatible Toner Cartridge: Like ink cartridges, third party manufacturers also make new toner cartridges that meet original manufacturer specifications.
Buy a Remanufactured Cartridge: A large number of companies collect and refill empty toner cartridges. They are tested to verify performance and cost much less.
Buy a Toner Refill Kit: With the tools, toner, and instructions provided in toner refill kits you can refill toner cartridges yourself and save even more money. Toner cartridges can be reused about 3-4 times.
Replace the Toner Cartridge Drum: If the toner cartridge does not make quality prints, then replacing just the drum can be less expensive than replacing the whole cartridge.
Buy in Multipack Sets: If you use a substantial amount of ink or toner; buy it in bundles. You can save 15-30% when buying a multipack, and if you buy multipacks online you can save on shipping costs as well.