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Thursday, March 20th
If you're looking for printer ink and toner supplies, you've likely come across 123Inkjets, a veteran in the online printer supply business operating since 1999. While their experience shows in some areas, recent developments suggest this old dog might be struggling to keep up with new tricks.
Pricing that's all over the map
Our price comparisons among ink cartridge models revealed an inconsistent pattern. While you might score a deal on items like the Canon CLI36 Color Compatible Ink Cartridge ($8.99 compared to competitors' $13.99), other products like the HP Q2344A remanufactured cartridge will cost you more ($23.99 versus competitors' $21.99).
Shipping and savings: some silver linings
The free shipping on orders over $55 to the continental US remains a bright spot. However, as we browsed the site, we didn't get the 10% new customer discount pop-up we used to see, and additional promo codes seem to have vanished, too. That's indicative of a company that is failing to meet its bottom line - which means you should keep your wits about your wallet.
Product selection doesn't seem to have changed
One area where 123Inkjets hasn't lost its edge is variety. They carry products for all major brands including HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and even less common brands like Pitney Bowes and Okidata. Whether you're hunting for an obscure Panasonic cartridge or a common HP refill, chances are they've got it in stock.
Quality concerns are an issue
Printer ink quality issues can make or break your day - especially if you're printing something important like your kid's school project. (You know... the one they were assigned weeks ago, but didn't tell you about until the night before it was due? We've all been there.) The latest feedback from 123Inkjets customers raises some serious concerns that you should know about. Users have reported getting cartridges that print with weird color tints (imagine getting bluish-black instead of true black on your important documents) and even worse, some cartridges have caused printers to malfunction completely. There have also been cases where orders arrived with missing items, which is the last thing you want when you're already running low on ink.
They may try to get you to void your return eligibility
Although their "A+” BBB rating would lead you to believe they're doing okay, 123Inkjets' customer feedback average on other platforms has dropped from 3 stars to 2.5 stars since the last time we reviewed them. We discovered one particularly troubling review by an employee of a nonprofit organization, who reports being pressured to open products they knew were incorrect, which would have made them ineligible for returns. (That's the kind of shady behavior we warned you to be on the lookout for, from a company that isn't meeting its financial quotas.) 123Inkjets also still has not won another Bizrate Insights Circle of Excellence Award since 2020, although they had won it every year in the prior decade.
Not reliable enough to recommend
While 123Inkjets was once a reliable go-to for printer ink, that hasn't been true for a while now. Yes, you might still find the occasional deal here, but the risk of quality issues could cancel out your savings. The current market offers more reliable alternatives with better customer service and more consistent pricing.
If you're searching for the best printer ink store online, you're probably looking for a way to save money, ensure high-quality prints, or avoid the hassle of running out of ink at the worst possible time. With so many retailers to choose from, finding a reliable one can help you get the best deal without sacrificing performance.
Online printer ink stores serve a variety of customers, from students who need to print assignments to small businesses that rely on high-volume printing. Printer ink can be expensive, and choosing the wrong kind can lead to smudged, streaky, or faded documents. A good online ink retailer helps solve these issues by offering affordable prices, fast shipping, and a selection of ink that works well with your printer.
Buying printer ink online is easy because you can shop from the comfort of your home. You don't have to visit a store, and you can quickly compare prices to find the best ink for your printer. This is a big time-saver, especially if you have a busy schedule or live far from stores. Plus, many online stores deliver right to your door, so you won't need to worry about picking it up.
Another advantage is the wider choice of ink available online. Online retailers usually have a larger selection than local stores, including different brands and even recycled or third-party options. This makes it easier to find the exact ink you need, whether it's a specific brand or one for a special printer model.
There are different types of printer ink cartridges you'll find when shopping online. First up are the OEM cartridges: these are made directly by your printer's manufacturer (like HP, Canon, or Epson). While they're the most expensive option, they'll give you the best print quality and are guaranteed to work perfectly with your printer. If you're trying to save money, you might want to consider compatible cartridges instead. These are made by third-party companies and work just like OEM cartridges, but at a much lower price. Just keep in mind that the print quality can vary depending on who makes them.
There are also remanufactured cartridges, which are an eco-friendly option. These are recycled OEM cartridges that have been professionally cleaned and refilled. They're budget-friendly and better for the environment, though they might not print quite as well as brand new OEM cartridges. Lastly, you'll sometimes see "replacement cartridges" mentioned - this is just another term for non-OEM options that can be used instead of the original cartridges.
When shopping for printer ink online, keep these factors in mind:
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best online printer ink stores online. Whether you're looking for brand-name reliability, budget-friendly alternatives, or the most convenient shopping experience, we hope this review helps you find the best printer ink for your needs.
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