Are computer ink jet cartridges the newest profit scam?

Question

I simply cannot fathom why this little ink box would cost so much.

Answer 1

I know, it's such a scam. I have an all in one printer/fax/copier...not a laser printer, but the kind that uses toner (my mind's a blank). The cartridges cost $70! The worst part is that the machine will display a "Toner Low" message and automatically stop working until you replace the cartridge, even though there is plenty left in the old one!

Answer 2

I agree 101 % . I was reading an article a few months ago about how ink barons were holding the word to ransom, it is ridiculous. And especially all the crap about about using genuine manufacturers cartridges. like you say its a rip off, when i look for a printer i always ask how much the cartridges are and also look around the supermarkets for generic ones which are usually half price. I have even filled up the black cartridge using syringe and a bottle of ink for a fountain pen and it works. Your not the only one who grudges the cost of cartridges!!!

Answer 3

Because without it, your printer is an expensive dust gatherer. You don't so much "buy" a printer anymore, you buy the ink with which to use the printer.

I have an Epson Stylus CX7800. It uses separate cartridges for its four inks. They are cheap-- about $15 each at Best Buy. I recommend when you buy your next printer, that it be an Epson like mine. I've had it nearly a year and am only about 2/3 through its first set of cartridges. If you buy it at Best Buy, they will GIVE you a 500-sheet ream of 24-lb, bright-white paper when you buy two cartridges. I think the paper is about five to six bucks if you buy it on its own. Buy four and you get two reams. What's not to like?

Answer 4

i saw a pt cruiser the other day that was a company car that sold only ink cartridges to companies. it is crazy! you know they are expensive because not only are you paying for the ink, but you have to pay for the driver and the gas the car uses. i see it as a scam, building a business on just ink cartridges. they shouldnt be that much!
my husband needed a black and a color cartridge for his printer and it costed him $55! geeze. we didnt even spend that much on the printer.

Answer 5

It's cheaper to replace the printer than the ink most of the time. It's a total scam.

Answer 6

total scam! they printers are sold at a loss, and the profit is made back in spades with cartridge sales! lazer cartridges can at least be refilled safely, but the colour ones are still quite expensive, and you have to have the whole thing done even if only one colour runs out!

it's like popcorn in a movie theater. the admission is (relatively) cheap, but the popcorn is sold at a 3000% profit. the pop is almost as bad.

Answer 7

Cause that's where the printer makers make their dough.
It's like the clock seller who sold grandfather clocks to the natives, but didn't give them a key to rewind them.
Then every two weeks he would come back and charge them for rewinding the clocks.
That's why I bought a color laser printer. My prints are longer lasting for a fraction of the price.

Answer 8

I think some stores, like office max or office depot, offer a refill for maybe 40% off of the price.
yes, the replacement cost is outrageous but there's nothing we can do if we buy that model.

Answer 9

I know what you mean $80 to fill mine but it is nice because I usually don't have to replace but 1 color at a time out of 6 so then it is only $15

Answer 10

That's why they call it an ink 'Jet' and not an ink 'Greyhound Bus'.