SALTZMAN: 7 ways to save money on printer ink

In today’s tough financial climate, many Canadians are feeling the pinch and looking for ways to save money wherever they can. From searching for deals at the supermarket to seeking mortgage relief from the bank, people are trying to cut costs in any way possible. One area where costs can quickly add up is printer ink, especially for those who work from home or have school-age children.

But fear not, there are simple practices that can help you get more out of your printer ink and save some cash in the process. Here are a few tips and tricks to consider when printing at home.

First and foremost, practice selective printing. Before hitting the print button, ask yourself if you really need a hard copy of that document. Can it be signed digitally? Can you find a cheaper alternative, like an activity book from the dollar store, instead of printing out colouring pages for your kids? Being more selective about what you print can help reduce your ink usage significantly.

If you do need to print something from the internet, be web wise. Look for the “Print” button on the webpage itself, as this will often strip away unnecessary images, ads, and banners that you don’t need. This can help save ink and paper in the long run.

Before printing anything, always take a moment to see a preview first. This will allow you to see exactly what will be printed and make any necessary adjustments, such as switching from colour to greyscale or removing unwanted images.

When it comes to buying ink, stick with brand-name cartridges. While generic inks may be cheaper, they often dry out faster and can cause performance issues with your printer. Brand-name inks are tested to last longer and can save you money in the long run.

If you have spare ink cartridges, be sure to seal them up tightly to prevent them from drying out. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your printer unused for an extended period of time.

For those looking to save even more money on ink, consider a cartridge-free printer like the Epson EcoTank. These printers come with a set of ink bottles that can last up to 5,000 printed pages, saving you money and reducing plastic waste.

Finally, consider using Ecofont, a collection of downloadable font styles that have tiny holes in the letters, numbers, and symbols. This unique design can save up to 50% of your ink or toner usage, helping you save money and reduce your environmental impact.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can get more out of your printer ink and save some cash in the process. So next time you go to hit the print button, think twice and consider these cost-saving strategies.