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HP Ink Cartridge price differences


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I wasn't entirely sure if this belonged here or in Wheeltappers, but it is (loosely) related to card modelling so bear with me...

 

Having printed off a fair few Scalescenes downloads recently, the yield of my standard HP 304 colour cartridge is rather pathetic. I'm going to bite the bullet and invest some more cash and try the XL cartridge next.

I only ever purchase genuine cartridges having been less than impressed with remanufactured in the past. Tesco are quoting around £36 for a 304XL (it's in stock and I could walk down to my local Tesco and have it instantly). Being a touch on the frugal side when it comes to disposables like this, I usually buy cartridges online and a favourite ebay supplier is based in Jersey... I've used them before and have had no issues. Their price, including P&P for the same cartridge is £19. Delivery time is about 3 days which is fine. The world isn't going to end if I can't print out a sheet of industrial red brick by lunchtime.

 

Is there any reason for the price difference? Is there any advantage to the seller being based in Jersey (as are several other ebay cartridge sellers)? Or is it just another classic example of it paying to shop around?

 

Incidentally, I know my home printer is probably not the best or most ink-frugal (quality is fine though), but the all-in-one machine has proved itself reliable to date. I don't have the luxury or purchasing something far more advanced just for the odd Scalescenes download.

Edited by Pete 75C
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There used to be a VAT loophole that allowed the "import" of items to the value of less than about £17 without VAT being imposed.  If your order was below that then VAT wasn't added.  In a similar manner, if the consignment could be divided into packages that came under the bar, then again VAT wouldn't be levied.  Anything above £17 (or whatever it was) got the VAT.  The loophole was eventually closed and they had to start paying VAT.

 

I think that the Jersey supplier has built up a sufficient customer base that their turnover in stock allows them to buy ink cartridges, memory cards and similar items at a better price than big supermarket chains can achieve, meaning their prices are still cheaper even with VAT.

Edited by Hroth
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I once tried one of those refilled cartridges to fit a Cannon ink jet printer, the quality was awful. Only but 2 or 3 cartridges a year and with the Black ones buy the larger volume ones from Tesco/WHS

 

Never bothered in buying any of these downloadable kits owing to both the cost of ink jet inks and their stability.

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I discovered that the HP on-line shop was cheaper whilst checking that my previous (channel Island) ink retailer still quoted the best price.

 

Might be worth trying there - sorry, I can't locate the relevant communication currently

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I once tried one of those refilled cartridges to fit a Cannon ink jet printer, the quality was awful. Only but 2 or 3 cartridges a year and with the Black ones buy the larger volume ones from Tesco/WHS

 

Never bothered in buying any of these downloadable kits owing to both the cost of ink jet inks and their stability.

 

Totally agree about the refilled or "remanufactured" cartridges - total waste of money.

I don't recall ever purchasing a complete kit to download and print, but I am partial to the various different individual brickwork sheets. I used to swear by emossed plasticard for brickwork but have changed my mind... I used to think the lack of "texture" was a drawback, but from ordinary viewing distances, I don't think it's noticeable. Printing onto self-adhesive A4 label sheets has opened up new possibilities. I really would struggle to replicate the various colours and weathering using paint alone.

Edit: I had wondered about the possible tax implications of the Channel Islands - thanks to all for the replies.

Edited by Pete 75C
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I have an HP printer but not sure which model it is, it uses 301 cartridges, are the 301XL cartridges the same size (dimensions) as the 301?

 

The XL cartridges are the same physical size as the standard ones so they fit into the carrier. Somehow the XL cartridges contain up to 3 times more ink. I'm not sure if the standard ones are underfilled or if there's some bizarre magic going on here.

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The XL cartridges are the same physical size as the standard ones so they fit into the carrier. Somehow the XL cartridges contain up to 3 times more ink. I'm not sure if the standard ones are underfilled or if there's some bizarre magic going on here.

 

I had a Lexmark printer a few years back, I got a duo pack of cartridges from Asda, both cartridges were sealed in their little bags and boxed with an alarm tag on the box, upon installing them in the printer they were both found to be empty!

 

Your theory on the HP cartridges may well be right.

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I've found that most 'Branded' cartridges have only, in my case Epson, 9ml of ink but from Cartridge Discount their re-manufactured cartridge has 19ml and it's very good ink. I must have saved many hundred of pounds on ink over the past few years and that printer is on it's second re-boot. (Epson owners will know what that means). We have four printers of various makes, two in use almost every day, one as a standby but used occasionally to keep it going and one new WiFi one for madam's laptop. All work perfectly with ink from Cartridge Discount. Sample price, four cartridge set - Epson - £37.00, Cartridge Discount - £10.00 and delivered in 24 hours for free. Plus 19ml in each cartridge so last twice as long. Photos printed on decent photo paper are very good.

Printer ink is a rip off and as long as there are these sort of savings I won't use any original ink. Warranties may well be voided but with the savings one could by half a dozen printers....

One Canon printer which does card can be re-set when the big 29ml black cartridge is refilled which is great when printing card headers for LMS buffers so what's the point of using expensive ink?.

 

Dave.

Edited by davefrk
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Not sure of the make (Lexmark) but at one time (maybe still) it was cheaper to buy a new printer in order to get the replacement cartridges included with it, and then chuck the new printer (or your old one) in the bin. Absolute nuts.

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May have changed now but HP cartridges use to include a fair chuck of electronic components which just caused an unnecessary cost everytime a replacement cartridge was needed. Manufacturers are basically giving printers away these days on the basis people will need cartridges and that is where they can make money, whereas a number of years back a colour laser jet would typically cost £300+ while cartridges were only a few quid. Never had much success with third party cartridges so intrigued by davefrks comments over Cartridge Discount, unfortunately just ordered a set of Epson 18ml cartridges for £20 more than their price.

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For years now I have refilled my part empty cartridges. Simply drill a 3/32 hole and squirt in the ink until it over flows and then leave it to soak in, finely follow up with another squirt. I can usually get three or four refills before the cartridge "Dies".

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For years now I have refilled my part empty cartridges. Simply drill a 3/32 hole and squirt in the ink until it over flows and then leave it to soak in, finely follow up with another squirt. I can usually get three or four refills before the cartridge "Dies".

 

I have used Choice Stationery Supplies printing ink for over six years now and saved a fortune.

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I have had an Epson A3 printer for getting on for 20 years now and the last 15 of those I have buying my cartridges from inkandstuff, I get 5 of each for the price of 1 Epson black cartridge, usually delivered within 48 hours of my order, I think I have had one duff cartridge in that time.

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  • 3 months later...

I use Cartridge World for all the printers in our house; Brother and Canon ink jets and one Samsung laser.  I've used them for many years and never felt the need to buy anywhere else.  They seem to put more ink in than the manufacturers and at a cheaper price.  Very sad when the local store closed last year, so just recently I ordered from Cartridge World directly.  Order came the following day.  One satisfied customer yet again.  I think they supply for all manufacturers. Usual disclaimer.

 

Steve.

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  • 2 months later...

We used to have a printer shop in town, but there were lease problems and they closed down. A pity, as their generic cartridges were excellent and contained more ink than the originals. I have tried 'cheapo' ones from the internet (not e-bay) and have been disappointed with the quality, so buyer beware, as they say... Manufacturers, I think, has a policy of making their money on the consumables - after all, once the printer is sold, no more profit from the sale. I'm sure there is a printer out there which is cheaper than the replacement cartridges! Looks like I will be trying some of the firms mentioned above...

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I've used the Asda replacements for HP301XL with no issues. If you can find the combi pack of 1x colour and 1x black they seem to offer good value - £18 in my local Asda in Sussex.

 

I think (?) there was a problem with HP printers updating to prevent the use of non-original cartridges but I've never updated mine. The machine does know it's not a genuine one though and asks if I bought it believing it to be genuine, and do I wish to continue.

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