more about Printing...inks

[iUma]

So, I am beginning to sort out the details of printing on my Epson 2400 which I have had for two years and been too scared to really use!! I replaced all the ink cartridges and that reminded me why I was too scared to use it....so PRICEY!!
Here is my question: Does anybody use the tanks with ink and tubes which run to the printer? OR do you all just buy the Epson (or whoever) refills? I've seen that some professionals use the tanks and wondered if anybody knows about them??

Thanks.

[KerryMac]

I'm scared to use the refills, Patricia. I have an acquaintance who did that one time with his Epson 2200 and ruined the thing. I know others have had better experiences, but that one did it for me. I bite the bullet and buy the pricey ones.

[Amy L]

I buy refills for my Epson R1800 at Office Depot. They are always sending me a coupon for $10 off so it softens the blow just a little!

[AllynD]

I don't have a fancy printer, but I tried "satisfaction guaranteed" recycled ink cartridges from Office Depot in my little HP inkjet and they were absolutely horrible. The colors just turned out weird when I printed a couple of pages. I had bought two of them many months ago and was really upset when I tried them. I was about to pitch them in the garbage and go buy brand name cartridges when I noticed "satisfaction guaranteed" on the boxes. I took them back, even though I didn't keep the receipt, and the store refunded my money and I bought the brand name. At $35 each, they were no bargain. I cheerfully bought the $42 HP cartridges.

I think of printers as "ink delivery systems," as it seems to me the ink is where the real profit probably is for the manufacturers. Anyway, it is the ink that really matters.

[jennyf92]

I often buy my ink (and sometimes paper) from Epson directly. I registered with their site and I get coupons for percentages off and free shipping regularly. If they send me a really good one, I sometimes buy it and stock up. Might be worth checking out.

[digigrandma]

I follow the advice of those that say use the inks manufactured specifically for your printer. I am printing less and less at home because of uploading my pages to Shutterfly and having them printed in albums instead of individually. By waiting for coupons and free shipping offers at Shutterfly I think I come out ahead and it cuts down on the amount of ink I use at home.

Occasionally, I print a page at home to frame and hang on the wall, so, I like having a good printer with good ink. Also, I print digital designs at home to use for greeting cards and tags. For the cards and tags, I print on a good quality cardstock and I think I get really good results with my Canon MP610 and the Canon inks.

[the queen of clutter]

Hi! I'm a bit of a lurker here and get SO much wonderful info from you. My Christmas camera and extra lenses were bought from advice in this community. Y'all have so much experience that I never have anything to add. Until now.

Set up a rewards account with staples. You'll receive 10% back on ink purchases (sometimes a special promo gives you 20% back). Also, if you have a nearby store, you can return up to 10 empty ones and receive $3 each as a rebate (and sometimes a special promo gives you more! That's $30 off a month!) There are many months that I also get an email with a $25 coupon off of a purchase of $75 or $100. With my HP printer that uses 8 carts I can easily put that amount in my cart.

All rebates are for staples purchases, of course

Pat

[digigrandma]

Thanks, Pat. This is good to know about Staples and I do have a store near me.

[anke]

I was thinking about doing that, thanks for the info!

[LisaD]

Thanks Pat for the info, I'll look into it.
I have 3 HP's (one for just everyday printing) but I have 2 Photo printers (regular and large format). I only buy HP ink, I just don't trust the refills. I've heard too many bad things. I believe HP also gives discounts based upon purchases from their website.
But I've gone a similar route as Merrilee, I wait for a good sale, print my individual layouts out (scrapbooksplease for the last 2 times), and use my printer for hybrid/paper scrapping, or homeschooling

[iUma]

What great info. Thank you. I use Epson printers and I'll check and see if our Staples carries the refills. I usually order on line and get pretty good discounts.

[sarahorton]

Patricia,
I'd only use genuine Epson ink. The papers/printers/inks are all manufactured to work together, so you'll always get the best results when you use them together. (Plus, it voids your warranty if Epson finds out that you've used an off-brand or refill.)
The Epson ink formulas are patented and I can guarantee you that Epson has not released their formula "recipes" to these other manufacturers.

That said, if you can get the genuine Epson tanks, it's a good alternative to the little cartridges. It's cost effective and just less hassle with having to change cartridges.
I haven't personally looked into it because I don't feel like I print enough to keep the inks fresh, but if you are going to be printing a lot, I'd say Go for it. I know that a lot of the photographers use them.

Hope this helps a little.

[cstaff]

Staples is the way to go for me... last month had a double rewards program and i have $60 waiting for my next purchase. Online orders over $50 are free shipping with next day delivery.

[Blesus]

Patricia, when I checked at Staples near me I was told they don't carry the higher end Epson inks in store - only online. Just last week I priced Epson R1800 ink and for what I was ordering, Epson had the best deal. Rec'd the package next day, for free, as well. I have never used the refilled products - much too concerned they would clog up the print heads. I am using my Epson with the Lustre paper and love it!.

[iUma]

Thanks again for all your input. I was originally talking about the tanks which Sara referenced above. I'll try to see if I can find those Epson tanks and inks. I"ll just call them directly and let you know what I find out.