How to Buy Cheap Printer InkIf you have a four-color or even a single color inkjet printer, you know how much the individual ink cartridges cost.~~ The first step in looking for cheap printer ink is to go beyond the obvious. Don't pay the high prices for name brand ink replacement cartridges. So, what are the options? Give some thought to third-party ink cartridges. Beware though. The printer ink aftermarket can be a very confusing and risky proposition. Yes, third-party cartridges do cost considerably less than manufacturers' brands, but it is difficult to find a vendor that sells quality ink products. Before you make a purchase, consider these useful tips from PC World Magazine: The safest bet is to buy third-party ink cartridges from an established retailer (either online or brick-and-mortar.) Find a source that guarantees the quality of its ink products. Examples of reputable retailers would be office supply chain stores like 123Inkjets, Cartridge World, Office Depot, OfficeMax and Staples. You have found a good source, but your next problem is finding the third-party ink for your specific printer model. Printers that are very new, very old or not popular may present a problem. Avoid driving all around town by doing a little homework online. Staples.com has an Ink and Toner Finder that can come in handy. Click on the link and search a decent assortment of third-party supplies for major brands such as Lexmark, Brother and Canon. If you find a compatible ink cartridge here, you can purchase it online or check with your local Staples location to see if they have the product in stock. For vendors that you have not heard of or used before, ask questions. Ask for the name and contact information of their supplier. Ask if they inspect their cartridges for cracks and damage. A cartridge may look fine, but invisible damage to an electrical component will render it useless. Happy shopping, and be careful out there. | 
