Tip #1: Calculate the Cost of Printing per Page
The first and most crucial factor that you need to consider is the cost of printing per page. It will help you determine the real value of a printer as well as its level of efficiency.
Each cartridge is capable of printing a specific number of pages, known as page yield before it becomes empty. When it comes to calculating the cost of printing per page, the formula is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is to divide the price of the cartridge with its page yield or:
Cartridge Price / Page Yield = Cost Per Page or CPP
For instance, a $24 priced HP 61XL cartridge with a page yield of 480 pages has a CPP of $0.05. That means you’ll only be spending 5 cents for printing one page using an HP 61XL ink cartridge. So if you want to find the right printer, look for the smallest cost per page.
Tip #2: Printers vary in Efficiency
In terms of printing efficiency, laser printers are more superior to inkjet printers primarily because of their cartridges. Laser printers use toners that can print more pages than the ink cartridges of inkjet printers.
A toner cartridge is generally more expensive than an ink cartridge, but its CPP is significantly smaller. And even though laser printers cost more, they are still more efficient than inkjets and thus provide better value overall.
Tip #3: Cartridge Size Matters
Printer ink cartridges are generally available in standard and high yield (XL) cartridge sizes. Usually, high yield XL cartridges can print 2x more pages than standard cartridges. They are also a bit more expensive since they carry a higher volume of ink.
For frequent printing, a high yield XL ink cartridge is the ideal option. You’ll get hundreds of pages more for every round with a lower cost per page, giving you better value overall. That’s why many high yield ink cartridges, like the Brother LC103XL and HP 63XL, are so popular among businesses and offices.
So if you’re looking to buy a budget-saving printer, choose one that uses efficient ink cartridges. It will save you much money and also time since you’ll be doing fewer replacements between rounds.
Some printers also use super high yield XXL cartridges for even more pages and a lower CPP. They are the best options when it comes to high volume printing needs.
Tip #4: Shop for Compatible Cartridges or Remanufactured Cartridge
The majority of OEM cartridges available in the market today are quite expensive. Luckily, you can easily shop for more affordable alternatives online that offer reliable performance and high-quality results.
There are compatible and remanufactured cartridges available that can help lower your printing costs by as much as 75%. They can also replace branded printer cartridges well.
Remanufactured cartridges utilize recycled parts that undergo stringent inspections and industry-standard refilling practices. These remanufactured units can give you the same print quality and performance as OEM brand products at a lower price.
Compatible cartridges, meanwhile, use new and innovative parts alongside industry-standard ink manufacturing processes. They are also as good and reliable as branded cartridges but are much more affordable.
Now, if you’re planning to purchase a printer, make sure that it can use these low-cost cartridge replacements. This way, you’ll cut your printing expenses by 50% while still get the quality and performance you need.