3 different types of ink cartridges
Spending money on ink cartridges can feel like a burden on one’s pocket at times. This is especially true for consumers who use printers regularly. However, there are many ways to regulate your total usage pattern and save big bucks on printer ink. Some strategies to save money include –
- Using draft mode while printing
- Buying a reservoir printer
- Getting an ink subscription service
Apart from the methods mentioned above, you should also be aware of the type of ink cartridge you are ordering.
Types of ink cartridges
At the moment, there are three types of ink cartridges available in the market, i.e., OEM, compatible, and remanufactured. Each of these types has their own set of pros and cons.
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
These types of ink cartridges are made and distributed by printer manufacturers such as Epson, Canon, Brother, HP, and Samsung. Such ink cartridges are high in quality but are quite costly. If you rarely utilize your printer or if the quality of the print matters a lot to you, then you should stick to OEM cartridges. - Compatible
Produced by third-party manufacturers, compatible cartridges offer quality similar to OEM cartridges. They can be bought as replacements to OEM ink cartridges as they are relatively less expensive. Usually, they are of decent quality, but you should read the reviews before purchasing one to be sure. Likewise, you should always purchase compatible cartridges that are a 100% fit with your printer. If you buy a replacement compatible ink cartridge that doesn’t match, it could have some communication issues with the printer. - Remanufactured
Recycled or remanufactured ink cartridges are either used OEMs or serviced and refilled third-party cartridges. As compared to OEM these are quite economical. However, they usually cost more than compatible cartridges because they are suitably cleaned, replaced with some new parts, and tested for sale as well. These cartridges are an excellent option for people who are environmentally conscious.
How to save money on ink cartridges?
When you are shopping for printer ink, browse a little longer and check if there are any ink cartridges coupon codes available with the latest discounts and offers. Ordinarily, you can find ink cartridges coupon codes on the manufacturer’s website or on coupon sites. However, ensure that you redeem your ink cartridges coupon codes from reliable sites. Some of the sites that you can check out for ink cartridges coupon codes are Groupon, 123Inkjets, GoodShop, Coupons.com, and RetailMeNot.