Wednesday, June 7th
2023 Printer Ink Store Reviews
Combo Ink
- Remanufactured and compatible cartridges (no OEM)
- Can create custom combos of cartridges
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- 1-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee
Combo Ink is the twin site to Comp and Save (and is even a secret sister brand to our #3 retailer, TomatoInk). That means you'll find almost the exact same pricing and availability between the two (or three) sites, so don't feel spooked if you notice a lot of similarities.
Lowest prices on some printer ink
You won't find a lower price on compatible cartridges for the first printer we used as a basis for comparison, the Canon Pixma MX922. A 5-pack of high-yield/XL sells for just $23.58, plus single-color cartridges for $4.99 each. Our second item didn't fare quite as well price-wise: the HP LaserJet Pro 200 Color M251n, at $91.16 for a 4-pack of replacement toner cartridges (which was about $25 higher than the lowest price we found elsewhere), and with single-color cartridges for $23.99 each. Be aware that even though those toner cartridges are under a header of "compatible products" , the word "replacement" in the item title means that it's a remanufactured OEM cartridge. Other than that, though, there are no OEM printer ink options at Combo Ink.
Build your own combo
But, there's one novel way to shop here that isn't offered by either sister brand or any other retailer: create a custom combo (relating back to the company's name - we see what you did there, Combo Ink!). Maybe you really go through a ton of yellow ink but not as much cyan or magenta? No problem: when you create a user account here, you can build out whatever combination of cartridges you need to save money, instead of buying single cartridges at a higher price. Love that!
Get discounts with or without subscribing
We spotted two additional ways to save as soon as we visited the Combo Ink store recently. A pop-up gave us a 10% discount code we could use right away, or we could subscribe to receive emails and get a 15% coupon. Kudos to Combo Ink for not requiring us to provide our email address in order to get some savings. If you want free shipping, though, you'll have to spend over $50.
Great return policy and satisfaction guarantee
In the event that you are not completely satisfied with your printer ink purchase from Combo Ink, you have the option to return it within 10 days of delivery for a full refund. Even better, they will cover the cost of return postage. However, if you tend to order your refills in advance and end up not using them for a while, you can still receive a refund for defective cartridges or unopened ones within 365 days of delivery. It's important to note that if you opt for a refund instead of store credit for unopened cartridges, a 15% restocking fee will apply. Nonetheless, this policy is quite generous compared to other printer ink retailers.
Only slightly behind first place
Given that both sites are essentially the same, what is it about Combo Ink that puts it in the #2 slot behind Comp and Save? To start, Combo Ink had a "B-" rating from the Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to one customer complaint. Obviously that's not such a big red flag that we'd downgrade this retailer in general, but it was a difference between the two brands. Another difference? Combo Ink seems to get less customer traffic, and that can lead to less information on print cartridges. For example, on the Canon print cartridges we referenced earlier, there were about 30 customer reviews on the Combo Ink site - and 200 on the Comp and Save product.
Thousands of five-star reviews
However, none of that is cause for concern. Combo Ink still averages 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google, 4.5 out of 5 on Reseller Ratings (across 6,200+ customer reviews), you get the idea. People say that their orders come on time and the cartridges work as promised, and for those who experience any issues, the customer service team is responsive and helpful.
Trustworthy for printer ink
Combo Ink, while no longer earning our #1 ranking, still comes in as an excellent choice for printer ink. We love the option of building a custom pack of cartridges, and that might be the one reason you'd choose this brand over any other. Everything else about this retailer is right on point with its sister brands, earning Combo Ink our recommendation and second-place finish among retailers of printer ink.
More Printer Ink Store Reviews
The 10 Best Printer Ink Stores
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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