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123 Inkjets Review

Thursday, March 20th

2025 Printer Ink Store Reviews

123 Inkjets Review 2 Star Rating

123 Inkjets

2 Star Rating
  • Prices vary widely: some competitive, some cost more than competitors
  • Free shipping on orders over $55 to continental US
  • Operating since 1999 with extensive industry experience
  • Comprehensive product selection including HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and specialty brands
  • BBB rating of "A+"
  • Same-day shipping available for most orders
  • Lifetime warranty against defects on compatible ink and toner cartridges
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

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).

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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.

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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.

Where's the Best Place to Buy Printer Ink Online?

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.

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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.
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Continued from above...

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:

  • Price. OEM cartridges are the most expensive, but compatible and remanufactured options can save you money. Compare prices and look for bulk discounts.
  • Quality and compatibility. Not all third-party ink is created equal. Check reviews to ensure the ink won't clog your printhead or produce low-quality prints.
  • Return and refund policies. A good store will offer easy returns in case the ink doesn't work with your printer. Some provide money-back guarantees or free replacements.
  • Shipping speed and cost. If you need ink quickly, look for stores with fast or free shipping. Some retailers offer same-day processing for urgent orders.
  • Customer reviews and reputation. A printer ink store's reputation can tell you a lot about product quality and customer service. Look for consistently positive reviews and an "A+” Better Business Bureau rating.

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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