If you are near your printer, look at it for a moment and think about the last time you had to replace the ink cartridge. Was it a hassle? Was it expensive? Was it time-consuming? Was it confusing? Probably the answer was yes to all four questions!

People often consider printer ink as a curse rather than a useful product since it never seems to be full when you have a big print job, and it can be very expensive to replace. After all, everybody knows that the printer manufacturers take a loss on their printers and making huge profits on their printer ink! There are alternatives however, instead of having to go out and buy a replacement cartridge each and every time. Here are some options for you.

You can choose to fill the printer ink yourself, which can be messy, but is probably the most cost effective method. Kits are available in most department stores and office supply stores. All you do is remove the cartridge and use a syringe to inject ink into the cartridge… then you put the same cartridges back into your printer. Easy! Messy, but inexpensive and easy!

Alternatively, you can take your printer cartridges to a mall kiosk and they may be able to refill or replace your printer cartridges at a very affordable price.

The only challenge to refilling or replacing your ink cartridges is if you use cartridges that are not made by the manufacturer. They claim that installing off-brand printer ink cartridges will void your warranty. Some people argue, though, that printers are so affordable anyway that it is cheaper to chance the loss of warranty than to replace the ink cartridges.

Another option is to order your ink supplies online. If you find an printer ink supplier online, you may find one who can conveniently offer you inexpensive on-brand ink cartridges that won't void your warranty, or very inexpensive ink cartridges that may void your warranty. The nice thing, though is that many place offer free delivery if you have a minimum order. This takes part of the hassle out of buying your printer ink cartridges.

Printer ink can be a very annoying and expensive process. But it doesn't have to be. There are alternatives for the person who is diligent enough to look around and see how they can save some money and time and aggravation.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Printer Ink Information a website providing information on Printer Ink

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