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Ink Cartridges Review
Tuesday, May 28th
2024 Printer Ink Store Reviews
Ink Cartridges
- Offers OEM, remanufactured, and compatible printer ink cartridges
- 100% guarantee
- Free shipping on all orders in the continental US, no order minimum
Ink Cartridges is one of several companies in our review that got its start back in 1999, and one of two (including 4 Inkjets) that are part of the LD Products brand family. This site offers all three types of print cartridges, so whether you're looking to get OEM or non-OEM printer ink (remanufactured or compatible), your printer will probably have both options here.
No need to pay full price
Give Ink Cartridges your email address and you'll get a 10% discount on your first order (but OEM items are excluded). Just keep an eye out for the pop-up as you browse the site. We also recommend clicking the "Visit Store" button here and then going to the social media links on the Ink Cartridges website: you'll find tons of seasonal discount codes that won't require an email subscription to save money on your order. Plus, there are often coupon codes featured at the top of the site; during our recent visit, Ink Cartridges was offering 15% off their store brand of ink and toner plus free shipping - but, PS, this store offers free shipping all the time on orders in the continental US.
You might save compared with rival stores
We used two printer models to compare printer ink stores apples-to-apples. The first, a Canon Pixma MX922, had options here that included both compatible and OEM cartridges. Ink Cartridges' 5-pack of compatible high-yield/XL was a little more expensive than most at $28.96, along with single-color cartridges for $5.99 each (also more $$ than some rival stores). OEM options started at $53.45 for a multipack. The second printer, the HP LaserJet Pro 200 Color M251n, came in at $79.96 for a 4-pack of remanufactured toner cartridges or single-color cartridges for $26.99 each. OEM cartridges started at $86.12 for black and $100.97 for single-color. Again, these prices weren't the cheapest we found, but they weren't over-the-top expensive either.
Reputation has dropped
Ink Cartridges is another company in our evaluation that used to rank near the top, but ranks lower now because of a drop in reputation. Even though the retailer's site was still bragging about an "A+" Better Business Bureau rating when we visited recently, clicking that link to the BBB showed that Ink Cartridges' parent company, LD Products, only had a "C" . There were 18 complaints filed in the most recent one-year period, and a total of 32 over the last three years.
Customer service is on the decline
One of the most frequently-seen complaints was about customer service, and we get it: when we clicked on the live chat button, expecting to reach a representative, we were redirected to the store's online contact form instead. Even using the toll-free number seems to have people leaving voicemail messages that go unanswered. That makes it pretty hard to access the 100% guarantee that Ink Cartridges proudly advertises.
Some shoppers still like ordering ink here
And yet, when you look at over 1100 store reviews on Google, Ink Cartridges has nearly 80% of customers leaving a 4- or 5-star rating, and there were many recent compliments for the products and the shipping speed. Go figure.
Not our favorite option for printer ink
We're on the fence when it comes to Ink Cartridges. Some people would enthusiastically recommend this store, as shown by the praise that came in as recently as a few weeks prior to this review. Pricing here isn't terrible, and we love that everyone gets free shipping regardless of order size. But, we have a hard time getting past the "C" rating from the Better Business Bureau - and the fact that Ink Cartridges is still telling people that they have an "A+" . We won't tell you not to shop here for printer ink, exactly, but we would tell you to look at other options before you settle for Ink Cartridges.
More Printer Ink Store Reviews
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What's the Best Place to Buy Printer Ink Online?
Do you find yourself running out of printer ink? It always seems to happen at the worst times. While a variety of local stores carry printer ink, They probably don't carry it for all brands of printers - and stocking issues mean they may not have any available at all.
Fortunately, there are numerous online retailers that offer cost-effective toner and ink cartridges that still allow you to maintain high print quality. These retailers cater to both personal and business printing needs. And you can typically save significant money buying your printer ink from these online stores.
Printer Ink Store FAQ
Continued from above...
Printer Ink cartridges come in three primary categories: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), remanufactured, and compatible. OEM cartridges, produced by brands like Canon or HP, are the priciest option. However, purchasing OEM printer ink from an online retailer can save a considerable amount compared to local stores.
Remanufactured cartridges are refilled OEM products, offering the right fit for printers at a lower price than brand-new ink. Most remanufactured ink and toner retailers that you'll find online offer pre-filled cartridges, but sometimes they'll provide you with a kit and you do the filling yourself (which can get messy).
Compatible printer ink cartridges are made by third-party companies that guarantee the same fit and print quality as OEM cartridges after rigorous testing. These cartridges are often the most cost-effective option, as they don't require a brand-name premium. But, you'll want to make sure that the retailer offers some kind of quality guarantee - since you also run the risk of damaging your printer or voiding the warranty by using products outside of the OEM/remanufactured spectrum. Worth the risk? That's up to you, but many customers have used compatible cartridges for years with zero problems.
Choosing any of these options could lead to savings between 30-70% over the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Many online retailers provide promotional discounts, free shipping on qualifying purchases, and bulk discounts. Ready to save? As you shop for your printer ink online, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Compatibility. Make sure the ink you're buying is compatible with your printer model. Most printer manufacturers provide specific ink cartridges for each printer model, so check your printer manual or manufacturer's website for the correct ink cartridge model number.
- Quality. Look for high-quality ink that will produce crisp and clear prints. Lower quality ink may result in streaks, smudges, or faded prints.
- Price. Ink can be expensive, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Some third-party ink cartridges may be cheaper than OEM cartridges, but be aware that they may not always produce the same quality results or be compatible with your printer.
- Capacity. Ink cartridges come in different sizes and capacities. Larger capacity cartridges can be more cost-effective in the long run but may require a larger upfront cost.
- Refillable cartridges. Some printers allow for refillable ink cartridges. This can be a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option in the long run, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your printer.
- Retailer reputation. Do customers say positive things about the store selling the printer ink you need? How helpful is the store's customer service team if you're not sure if you've got the right toner or your cartridges leak during shipping? Have shoppers reported any problems with their printers after using the store's non-OEM options?
To help you find the right ink and toner cartridges for your printer, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and reviewed today's most popular printer ink retailers. Take advantage of this information to make your printing easy and affordable!
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