Whether you’ve purchased it for pleasure or work, buying a printer is just the first step. Once you’ve made that purchase, there are a few important things to think about to make sure your printer continues to serve you well, without causing unexpected costs or headaches down the line. Here’s everything you need to consider now that your printer is making itself at home.
1) Ongoing Ink and Toner Costs
One of the biggest ongoing expenses with any printer is the cost of consumables, namely, ink and toner. Depending on your printer model, those refill cartridges can cost more over time than the printer itself. Before you start printing, take a close look at how much ink or toner cartridges for your specific machine cost. Some high-yield toner cartridges offer a lower cost per page, which can make a big difference if you print regularly. If the cost is extortionate, though, you may want to consider exchanging your printer for one that doesn’t require expensive ink and toner.
2) Where You Can Buy Supplies
Once you know what type of ink or toner your printer needs, it helps to know where to get it. Many major office supply retailers carry common cartridges, but you can often find better prices online. There are websites that specialize in printer consumables and offer great deals on cartridges tailored to your model. Whether you need ink for an all-in-one inkjet or toner for a laser printer, having a go-to source keeps you stocked up without overpaying.
3) Genuine vs Compatible Cartridges
When shopping for cartridges, you’ll typically see two main options: genuine (made by the printer’s manufacturer) and compatible (made by third-party manufacturers). Genuine cartridges often deliver the best reliability and print quality, while compatible options can be significantly cheaper. It’s worth researching reviews or supplier guarantees to decide which makes the most sense for your business.
4) Print Volume and Cost per Page
Think about how much you actually print. A low monthly print volume might mean a standard cartridge is fine, but high volumes often justify investing in high-yield cartridges that cost more upfront but print more pages. Calculate your cost per page (cartridge cost divided by estimated page yield) to compare options and budget accurately. Some websites will already provide this information for you, as shown here for the HP Laser 107W toner. Comparing these prices per page helps you to decide whether this has been a cost-effective decision.
5) Stocking Up Smartly
Running out of ink or toner at a crucial moment is frustrating and slows down productivity. For frequently used printers, consider keeping a spare set of cartridges on hand. This is especially true for high-usage models; you don’t want to wait for shipping when you need to print invoices, contracts, or client materials.
6) Maintenance and Care
A printer that’s cared for lasts longer and is less likely to jam or deliver poor-quality prints. Regular cleaning of the paper path and print heads, using high-quality paper, and updating firmware when available helps maintain its performance. Even proper handling of toner cartridges, like storing them in a dry, cool place, also prevents issues.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a printer is just the beginning. To keep your printing efficient and affordable, factor in ongoing ink and toner costs, choose reliable suppliers, and decide whether genuine or compatible cartridges suit your needs. Being proactive about where you buy supplies and how you manage them helps keep your printer—and your budget—running smoothly.
