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. Continue reading to know more.

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.

Before owning a printer, many of us would have assumed that replacing ink cartridges was a minor expense that accompanies printer purchases. However, this delusion quickly ends when one starts using printers, and realize that a replacement cartridge can significantly add to one’s budget. Moreover, numerous consumers find themselves purchasing printer ink way too often. Here’s what one can do to keep this stationery need from turning into an expensive monthly affair.

• Buy a reservoir printer
  Investing in a reservoir printer can be a smart move as their cartridges last quite long. Some printer manufacturers claim to have reservoir printer models which continue working for two years on an average. However, there’s one issue! As compared to regular printers, the price tags for reservoir printers can be pretty steep. These printers can cost up to $200 which might not be ideal if you hardly use your printer.
• Ink delivery subscription service
  Depending on your manufacturer, you can sign up for a subscription service that offers ink refills whenever needed. The fee charged will be based on the number of pages you print. However, not all manufacturers follow this approach. Brands and retailers including HP, Canon, Epson, Amazon Dash and Best Buy offer such ink cartridge subscription services.
• Use third-party ink
  Replacement ink cartridges sold by the printer manufacturers can get quite heavy on the pocket, especially if you use the printer frequently. An alternative to this is buying ink cartridges from a third-party seller, who sells it at a much lower price. Although cheaper, these ink cartridges have their own drawbacks. For instance, they may not deliver the expected quality or their ink might clog the printer heads. Therefore, before buying an ink cartridge from a third party supplier, make sure to check their reviews online.
• Switch to draft mode
  When you are using the printer for something insignificant such as coupons or recipes, then use the draft mode. Using this option will not only utilize less ink but will also print the page faster. Depending on the manufacturer, the draft mode in the printer can be called Draft Quality, EconoMode, and Toner Save. Stripping off irrelevant content such as ads or logos will further help you save ink.
• Redeem ink cartridge coupons
  Whenever you are buying replacement ink, make sure to check for any discounts or deals on it. You can find ink cartridges coupon codes on the manufacturer’s website. On the other hand, if you can’t find ink cartridges coupon codes offered by the manufacturer, you can log on to sites like 123Inkjets, Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, Groupon, GoodShop, and Coupon Cabin for offers. Before redeeming the ink cartridges coupon codes from third party platforms, verify their authenticity by perusing online reviews.