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I’m sure you have read, heard or been told that if you use off brand ink in your printer that you will void your warranty. But according to Jeff Bertolucci at PC World, third party printer ink cartridges are as good or better than the original equipment manufacturer ink. “Our tests show that all of the third-party inks in our test group yielded more prints per cartridge–on top of costing less–but that, with some notable exceptions, the printer manufacturers’ ink we evaluated usually produced better-quality prints and proved more resistant to fading,” Jeff’s story said.
There are lots of companies that sell discount ink cartridges – sometimes at 50% of the manufacturer’s price. My favorite is Abacus 24-7. Their inks have always been super cheap and reliable. Another source of discounted products, including printer ink, is Deal Extreme. I have not used their inks, so I can’t vouch for them.
Now, here is the neat bargain trick. Instead of paying $15 or more for a cartridge, I buy drastically reduced-priced third party ink cartridges and when it is empty, I take it into Staples for a $3 per cartridge rebate that you can use towards your next Staples purchase. This can result in a profit.
That, my friends, is how great bargainistas think.
What is your favorite way to reduce ink/toner costs?
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I dont have a printer. But I know the printer in the library at Chico State charges 10 cents per a page. I dont if Im getting ripped off, but I know I constantly put more and more money on my student ID and it adds up. Especially with my major, we need to print a lot of articles, which are 20-30 pages.
John,
Sounds like your printing costs add up quickly! Is there a way you can download the paper, email it to yourself, and read on your computer later – without printing a single page?
Just checked out your referral of Abacus 24-7. The price is $18.75 each for black and colored cartridges for my printer. I used to buy my ink at Costco and then return the empty cartridges to Staples for my $3 recycling rebate to use on office supplies but not longer. I now keep the old ink cartridge and bring it into Costco. They refill it for $7.99 for black ink and $9.99 for colored ink cartridges. That’s a much better deal than anywhere else!
I WAS TAKING MINE TO WALGREENS WHEN THEY REFILL FOR OCCASIONALLY FOR FREE !! UNTIL THEY MESSED UP A INK CARTRIDGE OF MINE.THEY REFILLED IT IMPROPERLY. WHEN THEY DO CHARGE AND IT DOESN’T PASS THE TEST,IT’S YOURS WITH OUT NO CHARGE.THEN I TAKE THEM TO STAPLES!!!
shptilidrop,
I’ll have to check out the Costco deal.
The real savings on Abacus 24-7 is when you buy in bulk. Then the cost per cartridge drops drastically. I usually buy at least three complete sets at a time.
Oh, great tip! I use a Lexmark printer and tried to get my cartridge refilled at Walgreens one time (I even had a coupon!) but evidently Lexmark makes it so that you can’t do that with their regular cartridges so I thought I was stuck buying theirs at $20+ a pop. This is a GREAT option. I’m definitely going to try out your first recommendation. Thanks for sharing!!
Instead of buying refurbished cartridges, like you sugguest, I just refill the ink cartridge myself. On eBay for about $3 (including shipping) you can buy the refill ink and syringe to fill your cartridge.
They have black as well as colored ink.
You might have to drill a small hole into your cartridge as I had to to refill it, but it took less than 5 minutes and is very easy!
There are plenty of YouTube videos on how to do this and the company I purchased the ink from also has a website with instructions.
CAUTION: Ink stains! Make sure you wear rubber gloves and put drop cloths over your working area.
Good luck!
Oh! and this type of ink refill only works with cartridges that are not completely dried out. If your cartricge has been sitting around for a while, it will probably not work.
But, if you just started to run low, chances are, it will work like a charm! 🙂
Valerie,
Here is where I fess up to you.
Even though I know that refilling my cartridges is possible and cheap, I just know I will live my life with ink stains all over my fingers.
So, my hat is off to those of you who survive refilling your cartridges and are still stainless.
try your local inksell or order online, shipping is free and their proudect is actually good, and its cheaper then anywhere i have found
Office Depot also gives $3 for your recyclable toner cartridges. It is reimbursed on your Rewards card.
Oh PLEESE!!!! Printer ink for practically FREE ? !!!! This exageration has got to stop!!! OK WHO HASN”T heard of these third party refill places – people who’ve been living in a cave – thats who! Please stop these bogus has-been articles – you must really be getting desperate – too bad!
Diane,
Thanks for letting us know about Office Depot rebate. I figured that if Staples gave the $3, then Office Depot would as well. Good to know.
Thus far, no problem. I have not bought this product before, so just waiting to see if it last as long as Brother products. Was shipped timely as stated by seller, in great shape upon arrival.
I normally buy remanufactured ink cartridges. I have tried refills, but it never seems to work!
I’d never heard of Abacus 24-7 prior to this blog. I’m seriously considering ordering the office’s next toner cartridges for our HP LaserJet printer based on what Bobbi has reported. If anyone has had a negative experience with either product or service with Abacus 24-7, please share ASAP. Thank you.