Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Sunday, February 16th
Double Inks is probably the most disappointing place you'll ever try to shop for printer ink (if you even bother looking here). We thought it was bad the last time we evaluated this retailer, but it's only gotten worse. Read on and see why.
Difficult-to-use website
First and foremost, this online store makes it about as difficult as it can be to find the right ink or toner for your printer. For both of our sample items, we came up with absolutely zero when searching for the printers by name. It was only when we went into each manufacturer and went through the very lengthy list of printer names that we were able to find out that yes, Double Inks had something in stock.
Prices inconsistent
Canon Pixma MX922 showed up with a 5-pack of high-yield/XL for $16.99 (which is actually a very competitive price), single pack black cartridges for $4.99 each, and double-pack of individual colors for $6.99. HP LaserJet Pro 200 Color M251n came up as $109.99 for a 4-pack of compatible toner cartridges (NOT a competitive price), and single-color cartridges for $29.99 each (also not competitively-priced).
Still in business? Yes and no
When we called the phone number listed on the Double Inks site during its posted business hours, all we got was voicemail (and one that sounded like it was recorded by some average dude in his basement, not by a professional). We guess that shouldn't come as a surprise, given that this company's social media profiles all seemed to go silent after 2019-2020ish, not to mention the link at the bottom of the site to the now-defunct G+. But, five points to Gryffindor for returning our missed call when we didn't leave a voicemail? Still not enough to give Double Inks that sheen of respectability that we'd need to even consider shopping there.
Customer feedback is practically prehistoric
Finally, when it comes to customer feedback, Double Inks has practically none - unless you count the 10-years-old comments on some print cartridges... corresponding to printers that probably have been in the recycling pile for quite a while now. Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, even those social media channels we mentioned - can you hear the crickets there? In fact, if it weren't for the 2023 copyright date at the bottom of the site and the fact that we did get a return phone call, we would think that Double Inks went out of business.
Not enough benefits to tip the scales
Okay, sure, you'll get free shipping if you spend at least $50 and you've got a 180-day warranty on any printer ink you buy here. But who in their right mind would choose to shop for printer ink from a store that doesn't even have a working search function? Or when the prices really aren't anything extraordinary, the free shipping is at the same threshold (or higher) than most rival sites), and there aren't exactly hundreds of people singing the praises of the products or customer service?
Don't bother shopping here
Double Inks gets our absolute lowest ranking. Again. Fortunately for you, there are nearly a dozen other options that will undoubtedly make it easy and cheap to find any printer ink or toner you need.
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 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:
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!
Select any 2 Printer Ink Stores to compare them head to head