Summary
Printer ink can be exorbitantly priced, surpassing the costs of vintage champagne or even human blood. This is due to the business strategy of selling inexpensive printers and pricey cartridges. Printer companies profit from selling expensive ink after selling printers at a loss, employing tactics like installing microchips to restrict the use of third-party ink. Consumers can save money by opting for aftermarket or refillable cartridges, as printer ink is commonly overpriced, ultimately searching for alternatives can be more cost-efficient.
Cost of Printer Ink
Printer ink can be extremely expensive, sometimes costing more than vintage champagne or human blood. The high cost is attributed to the business model of selling cheap printers and expensive consumables.
History of Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers were first developed in the 1960s. Early computer inks faded quickly, but in 1988 Hewlett-Packard created a printer with permanent photographic quality, selling for around $1000.
Business Model of Printer Manufacturers
Printer manufacturers make their profit from selling expensive ink cartridges after selling printers at a loss. They use tactics like installing microchips and firmware updates to limit the use of third-party or refilled cartridges.
Manufacturing Cost and Wastage
Manufacturing printer ink involves high costs, but a significant amount goes unused due to maintenance cycles. Printer cartridges are now smaller and contain less ink than before, at higher prices.
Alternative Solutions
Consumers can opt for aftermarket or refillable cartridges to save money, as printer ink is often overpriced. Seeking alternatives can be a more cost-effective solution.
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