Where to start when purchasing a printer

If you are in the market for a printer, there is much to consider in addition to the brand.  We are often brand loyal or read that XYZ brand is the best, or better than ABC brand.  Today with all the specials and sales and promotions, it’s hard to know what is the best value for the money.  Cartridge World CEO Tom Fricke says, don’t be fooled by price tags that seem “too good to be true.”

Here are some tips from Cartridge World to consider when buying your home printer.

1. Evaluate the “real” cost of ownership. Over the life of a printer you should evaluate the cost of replacing the cartridges and the type of cartridge that is used in the printer before buying. Remember that the higher the page yield count, the less it costs per page to print.

2. Save costs with refillable ink cartridges. Not all cartridges are refillable, so make sure the manufacturer has the ink in stock. You don’t want to be caught in a bind and unable to find your cartridge.

3. Are start-up cartridges included with the printer? Some printer packaging makes you believe that the start-up cartridges are included, only to get home and realize you have to go back to the store to purchase ink which could increase the “cost” of the printer by $75.

4. Evaluate your printing needs…photos, documents, etc.? What are your printing requirements?  What are your home/ or home office needs?   Don’t buy a printer with all the bells and whistles if you won’t use it.

5. Are you getting a good deal on a “free” printer? Be aware of “free” printers offered with the purchase of computers and software. Printer manufactures have the highest price mark-up on the market when it comes to ink cartridges for these freebie items.

Keep this in mind as you read the reviews online, check out the sales in the store and read the outside of the box.  Make smart decisions and be informed before you make that printer purchase.