Why are Printer Cartridges so Expensive?

Printer ink is one of the most expensive liquids in the world.

Quick math: A 13mL Canon Pixma cartridge can run you about $15. That translates in a cost of about $4000 for a gallon on ink.

Yes, $4000 a gallon!

Many ink companies will defend their high ink pricing indicating consumers are not just paying for the ink, but for the cartridge and the technology the cartridge uses.

Here are a few alternatives to buying the over priced retail brand named cartridges:

Refill the cartridges yourself. It might seem like a complicated process, but the truth is it can be very easy. Each cartridge refills slightly differently, but once you become familiar with your specific cartridges you will find most are easy to refill.

Buy OEM cartridges. OEM cartridges are new cartridges that are produced from a company other than the printer manufacture. They work and print like any new cartridge but cost less than the brand named cartridges.