There is no doubt that printers are necessary for every modern home or office. Application forms that are downloaded from the internet will need to be printed. Even businesses cannot survive without printing equipment. As technology has advanced so quickly in the last few years, you can choose printing devices with multiple functions such as built-in scanners, copiers and fax machines. But before you purchase a multi-functional printing machine, consider its running costs. Read this guide about how to find cheap printer cartridges. Most people believe that when their printer runs out of ink, it is better to buy the cartridge from the manufacturer of the printer. However, this is not the cheapest option as the original equipment manufacturer or OEM will be more expensive. Purchasing OEMs may prove to be more reliable as the ink is of high quality, but if your business depends on large quantities of toners and cartridges, it will be more cost effective to search for cheaper products. One of the simplest ways of keeping the costs of printer cartridges down is by finding affordable suppliers online. As websites do not have any overheads, they can offer these products at cheaper prices than high street shops. Furthermore, some websites sell unboxed toners that would otherwise be unsellable in most shops. There is also free shipping that is part of the deal, and even if delivery is not free, you could order in bulk to save money. If you use a lot of ink, buying new cartridges in packs of ten or fifteen will get you even bigger discounts. It is the postage prices that push the products' prices higher, so watch out for this prior to placing an order. Internet-based sellers do not need expensive shops with sales representatives. They can therefore pass on these savings to customers by offering cheaper products. These online suppliers only deal in printing accessories and their expertise and knowledge enables them to offer assistance and advice to the customer. The aftermarket toners and cartridges cost less than brands, which is why most people buy them. But it can be quite difficult to determine whether the vendor is selling a high quality product or not. The best way to shop is by ordering from an established retailer that can guarantee the quality of its printer toners and other accessories. By opting to shop online, you will not only find cheaper products, but also everything you see is transparent. Retailers that do business on the internet are always trying hard to keep the prices down by offering great discounts to customers. It just takes a little research on your part to locate the most reliable sellers. If you are not yet convinced that you can find cheap printer cartridges online, why not take a look at your local shops' prices and then compare them online. You may see up to 70% price difference on leading brand names. Just make sure you take into account the postage and packing costs before placing an order.