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Sunday, May 18th
When you're shopping for printer ink online, you want to know who you're buying from, right? Well, this company makes that a bit tricky. They claim to be established in 2003 in the Bay Area, but their website is otherwise pretty bare-bones. What's more interesting (and maybe a bit concerning) is that they seem to be connected to several other ink retailers in our review - kind of like your favorite restaurant that turns out to be owned by the same people as three others in town (and one of them seems like a front for something else).
No OEM cartridges that we could find
Overstock Ink's catalog focuses on remanufactured and compatible cartridges (no original manufacturer cartridges here), which could be great if you're trying to save money on ink for your home office or small business or make a more eco-friendly choice. Their website is actually easier to use than all of their (probable) sister companies - you can see all the inks for your printer brand with just one click, instead of navigating through endless menus. (Though we have to wonder if this means fewer options overall, or if other sites are trying to make it look like they have more options than they do.)
Get 10% off your first order
When you sign up for Overstock Ink's email list, you'll get a 10% discount on your first order. That's not the best deal you'll find, though - at least one of their sister companies offers a more generous 15% off.
Sometimes cheaper, sometimes pricier than sister companies
When shopping for printer ink, you'll want to compare prices carefully since they can vary quite a bit between retailers. Take the HP 94/95 combo pack, for example - you can get it from Overstock Ink for $18.94, which matches their sister companies' price and saves you about $5 compared to competitors. For Lexmark users running a home office, their 17/27 two-pack is priced at $23.50, just slightly higher than their sister sites' price of $23.02. The Canon 250XL/251XL five-pack pricing is a bit of a head-scratcher though - at $23.75, it's cheaper than most competitors' $30.99 price point, but one of their sister companies offers it for just $14.95.
Free shipping on all orders, but no timeline offered
Unlike their sister companies (TomatoInk, ComboInk, and CompAndSave), Overstock Ink doesn't have a shipping/delivery policy listed, and on top of that, their FAQ page is empty. This means we're left in the dark about important details like processing times, expected delivery dates, and shipping carriers. While they do have a banner proclaiming "Free shipping on all orders within the United States," which is nice - and beats their sister companies who require order minimums or email list signups - the lack of a clear shipping policy makes it hard to know when you'll actually receive your order.
We're not sure if customer support will see your ticket
When you need help with your ink order, you might be in for a bit of a frustrating experience. Unlike their sister companies that give you plenty of ways to reach out, this company only lets you contact them through a basic form on their website - no phone number to call, no email address to write to, and no chat feature to get quick answers.
No Trustpilot or BBB listings
Plus, if you're the type who likes to check out a company's reputation before buying, you'll find that they don't have any Trustpilot reviews to give you that extra peace of mind. Overstock Ink is likely connected to the same Better Business Bureau listing as the other Bay Area printer ink companies established in 2003 that we've identified as their probable sister companies; but given that we only know this through our research (as opposed to them telling us outright on their website who their parent company is), we won't count that in their favor.
365 days for returns
You do get the same generous 365-day return policy as their sister companies, which is reassuring when you're stocking up on ink for the year. However, keep in mind there's a 15% restocking fee for non-defective returns if you want a refund instead of store credit. This could be important if you're buying ink for a printer that might not be around long-term, like for a temporary project or aging office equipment.
Not your best option among its high-rated sister companies
If you're a bargain hunter who doesn't mind taking a slight risk on a less established online merchant, Overstock Ink might save you some money - especially with that free shipping offer. But for most people, we'd recommend sticking with their more established sister companies where you'll have better customer service contact channels and a proven track record. (Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil who only communicates through contact forms.) However, Overstock Ink still outranks some of the other companies in our review on price and policies.
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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