Is it Cheaper to Buy a Printer than Ink? Analyzing the Costs in the Context of Brother INKvestment Ink
The question of whether it is cheaper to buy a printer than its ink is a common one among consumers, particularly those who regularly find themselves replacing ink cartridges. At first glance, this might seem like an absurd question, but the economics of printer ownership and the cost of consumables like ink can lead to surprising conclusions. This topic becomes even more nuanced when considering specific printer technologies, such as Brother’s INKvestment Ink system. In this comprehensive analysis, we will break down this question and explore every angle to give you a better understanding of whether the printer or the ink is the more significant investment.
Understanding Printer Costs
The Cost of Printers
Printers vary greatly in price depending on their type (inkjet, laser, or ink tank), features, and intended use. Entry-level inkjet printers can cost as little as $30 to $50, while higher-end models with advanced features like wireless printing, duplexing, and scanning can range from $100 to $400 or more. Laser printers tend to have a higher initial cost, starting at around $100 and going up to several thousand dollars for enterprise-grade machines. Finally, ink tank printers, which are designed for low-cost, high-volume printing, typically cost between $200 and $500.
Despite these differences, budget-friendly inkjet printers are often marketed at exceptionally low prices because manufacturers expect to make up for the low upfront cost by selling ink cartridges at a premium. This marketing strategy is referred to as the “razor-and-blades” model—selling the main product (the printer) cheaply while charging a premium for consumables (ink).
The Cost of Ink
Ink cartridges are notoriously expensive relative to their capacity and the cost of manufacturing. On average, standard ink cartridges cost between $10 and $50 each, depending on the brand and model of the printer. High-capacity or XL cartridges, which provide more ink and a higher page yield, can cost even more.
One of the key metrics to evaluate ink costs is the “cost per page.” This is calculated by dividing the price of the cartridge by its page yield (the number of pages it can print before running out). For example, if a $20 cartridge can print 200 pages, its cost per page is 10 cents. It’s worth noting that ink costs can vary significantly across different printer models and brands.
The Controversial Pricing Dynamics
The reason many people ask whether it’s cheaper to buy a new printer than ink is that in some cases, the cost of replacing all the cartridges in an inkjet printer may exceed the cost of purchasing an entirely new printer that comes with starter cartridges. Starter cartridges typically contain less ink than standard cartridges but are sufficient for light use.
For example, an entry-level inkjet printer might cost $40 and come with starter cartridges that can print 100 pages. Meanwhile, replacing both the black and color cartridges could cost $50 or more, leading some consumers to question whether it makes financial sense to replace the entire printer instead of just the ink.
Introduction to Brother INKvestment Ink
To address concerns about high ink costs, some manufacturers have introduced innovative solutions. Brother’s INKvestment Ink system is one such example. INKvestment printers are designed with affordability and convenience in mind, offering a unique approach to managing consumable costs.
What is Brother INKvestment Ink?
Brother’s INKvestment Ink system revolves around high-capacity cartridges that deliver a significantly higher page yield compared to standard cartridges. These printers are often bundled with enough ink to last for one or two years of typical use right out of the box. This eliminates frequent cartridge replacements and reduces overall printing costs over time.
For example, the Brother MFC-J995DW printer comes with INKvestment tanks that hold enough ink to print up to 3,000 black-and-white pages and 1,500 color pages before needing a refill. Replacement cartridges are also competitively priced relative to their high page yield, resulting in a much lower cost per page compared to traditional cartridge-based systems.
Key Benefits of INKvestment Ink
The INKvestment Ink system offers several advantages:
- Lower Cost per Page: High-capacity cartridges reduce the cost per page, making these printers more economical for users who print frequently.
- Fewer Cartridge Replacements: With larger ink reservoirs, users don’t need to replace cartridges as often, saving time and reducing waste.
- Predictable Costs: Bundled ink supplies provide predictable costs for up to two years of use, making budgeting easier.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Fewer cartridge replacements result in less plastic waste.
Comparing Traditional Printers and INKvestment Printers
Cost Analysis
To determine whether it’s cheaper to buy a new printer than ink, let’s compare traditional cartridge-based printers with Brother’s INKvestment Ink system:
| Feature | Traditional Printer | INKvestment Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Cost | $30 – $100 | $150 – $300 |
| Cost per Page (Black) | 8 – 12 cents | Less than 2 cents |
| Cost per Page (Color) | 12 – 20 cents | Less than 4 cents |
| Ink Replacement Frequency | Every 200 – 400 pages | Every 3,000+ pages |
Environmental Impact
The frequent replacement of cartridges in traditional printers results in significant plastic waste. INKvestment Ink systems are more eco-friendly because they require fewer cartridge replacements and use high-capacity refills instead.
Conclusion
While it may appear cheaper in some instances to buy a new printer rather than replacing its ink cartridges, this approach is not sustainable or practical in the long run. The initial savings from purchasing a new low-cost printer are quickly offset by the high ongoing costs of replacement cartridges.
Brother’s INKvestment Ink system offers a compelling alternative for consumers who want to reduce their printing costs over time without compromising on quality or convenience. By investing in a printer with low-cost consumables and high-capacity cartridges, users can enjoy significant savings and a more eco-friendly printing experience.
