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Ink Cartridges vs Ink E-Sale

Wednesday, December 4th

2024 Printer Ink Store Reviews

Ink Cartridges Review 2.5 Star Rating

Ink Cartridges

2.5 Star Rating
  • Offers OEM, remanufactured, and compatible printer ink cartridges
  • 100% guarantee
  • Free shipping on all orders in the continental US, no order minimum

Ink Cartridges has a solid inventory of printer ink cartridges, with both OEM and non-OEM options for most printer models. Everyone gets free shipping here, and it's easy to get additional discounts to save on your purchase. But, customer sentiment is mixed, and we don't love that Ink Cartridge falsely claims to have earned a perfect grade from the BBB (when in reality their rating slipped to a just-passing "C”). It might be better to determine if you like what you see with a higher-rated printer ink store instead of shopping at Ink Cartridges.

Ink E-Sale Review 2 Star Rating

Ink E-Sale

2 Star Rating
  • Offers both remanufactured and compatible cartridges
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
  • 24-month warranty on printer ink cartridges
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Free shipping in the continental US

Ink-E Sale talks a big game, saying that lots of large companies use them as their long-term toner supplier and that their compatible cartridges are the most popular brand in North America. But, their limited selection and lack of strong customer feedback leave us begging to differ. If your printer's ink happens to be one that they carry, you might be impressed with the low pricing - but good luck getting any help from Ink E-Sale's support team if you have a problem. We don't recommend this retailer for your next printer ink purchase.

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.

The Best Printer Ink Stores Compare Printer Ink Stores Compare Printer Ink Store Reviews What are the best Printer Ink Stores Best Printer Ink Store Reviews

Printer Ink Store FAQ

That's an easy one: do you like to save money? Who doesn't! Buying your printer ink through reputable online retailers will often save you quite a lot over what you'd pay at a local office supply store or even a big-box warehouse retailer.
The selection online is much broader than what you'll find at a brick-and-mortar store. Plus, you'll usually be able to choose among OEM, remanufactured and compatible options. So yes, chances are very good that you'll have no trouble finding the cartridges you need for your specific printer.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means that they are the ones made by the company itself (i.e. HP, Lexmark, etc.). Remanufactured cartridges are usually originals that have been refilled and refurbished: brand-new quality at discounted prices. Finally, compatible cartridges are off-brand but designed to work just as well as manufacturer-produced models.
That depends on your printer and which option you choose. Most often, you'll spend less if you buy compatible cartridges and more when buying OEM. Generally speaking, you can expect to save anywhere from 30-70% over the everyday retail price. Many online stores offer promotional discounts to save you even more.
Most online printer ink retailers have a satisfaction guarantee that will refund your money or replace your cartridges if they don't function as expected. You're more likely to encounter that with remanufactured and compatible options.
It's a good idea to check customer reviews when buying printer ink, to see how well others say a particular brand or option has worked under actual use. This is especially true if you're buying compatible cartridges: make sure plenty of other people have had good results and that they work consistently with the name-brand models they're replacing. Checking out a company's listing with the BBB is another smart way to make sure you're buying from a reputable business.
That usually depends on the amount of your order. Many retailers of printer ink will give you free shipping if you spend at least a certain amount (e.g. $50), but there are a few that deliver orders of any size at no extra cost.
In the past, it was common to find services that would refill used cartridges, at a fraction of the price to buy new ones. However, it has become increasingly difficult to locate providers who still offer the service. You may be able to buy ink kits to fill them on your own, but it's much more convenient to get inexpensive cartridges that are ready to use.
Compare the Best Reviews

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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The Best Reviews of Printer Ink Stores