Printer ink is the most expensive common household product. The ink used by printers, if bottled by the gallon, would sell for an astonishing 600 pounds. The profit margin manufacturers of printer supplies receive is enormous, and that fact means there is great opportunity for savings when consumers conduct a little research. Printer manufacturers make most of their profit from ink and supplies rather than the machines. Consumers can confirm the facts by comparing printers and the ink they use. Expensive printers use cheaper ink cartridges, but inexpensive models utilize the most expensive cartridges that often have limited capacity and require frequent changing. Consumers can save by shopping online for printer cartridges and toner by adopting a bulk-buying strategy. Manufacturers offer discounts for large orders, and both companies and individuals can save by buying their supplies in quantity. Most printers have two cartridges, and vendors often package black and coloured inks together in a set at discounted prices. The tremendous profit margin allows multiple discounts on the basic price, and people must take advantage of any coupons or specials to obtain the best value available. Consumers can save by replacing faulty equipment with printers that get the most economical yield. Be sure to assess the cost of printing supplies when investigating the expense of new peripheral computer devices. The cheapest printer may not be the best value over time. Bulk buying can cut expenses, but there is a better way to save on printer supplies. Refurbished or alternative printing and toner cartridges provide substantial savings. Remanufactured equipment keeps old cartridges out of landfills and protects the environment from dangerous toxins. These supplies are much less expensive, affording consumers a genuine alternative to the high costs of original manufacturers' products. The process of remanufacturing ink and toner cartridges is simple. Empty cartridges are disassembled and inspected. Workers clean the gadgets and replace any damaged parts and refill them with ink. The finished assembly is then tested to ensure compatibility with brand-name printers. Consumers can buy these products online, and printer cartridges are guaranteed to work for the specified equipment. The decision makes sound economic sense and is environmentally friendly. Millions of spent cartridges are discarded every year, creating a substantial environmental hazard. Consumers can locate remanufactured cartridges for any printer. Some cartridges even have smart chips duplicated to enhance printing results. Toner for laser printers and copiers often commands a premium price, and few discounts are offered for new toner cartridges. Refurbished toner cartridges provide substantial savings for consumers. When these products are combined with bulk-buying discounts, people can operate printing and copying equipment in the least expensive manner. The price for UK residents includes VAT, and many sites offer added incentives such as free shipping or next day delivery. People can find compatible ink or toner for Dell, hp, Epson, Brother, and many other name brands. The popularity of digital cameras, home fax machines, and printers have created a great demand for ink and toner. The price of the equipment has dropped, but ink prices continue to rise. This phenomenon tells the story of where the real profit lies. Educated consumers can save money by carefully choosing where to buy their supplies.