Stockpiling printer ink

**shoiji** · 08-16-2009, 02:37 PM

So I am wondering how long printer ink is good for. I am wondering for both new from manufacturer and the cartridges that are refilled. The main reason I ask is that I do not have a car and especially during the winter time I would rather not be walking around to get ink. Plus who doesn't want to take advantage of a good sale! I have two printers right now. One makes copies and scans. It is an epson and you have to buy the cartridge or generic type since refills are not possible. The other one is a lexmark which I will be using to print most of my documents.

What are some good websites that sell printer ink. I tried a search but all I get is a whole bunch of threads not pertaining to my search.

There is a ink store nearby that sells refilled cartridges. I still want to comparison shop though.

Can't wait to see what you all think. Thanks in advance.

**frugalwarrior** · 08-16-2009, 02:50 PM

We buy ahead because I have run out late at night and pooor DH has had to run out to get some so a child could finish a school report. Not Happy in the winter about this. We buy them at least a year ahead sometimes. They are sealed. I have three printers w/ the same cartridge requirements so it works well for me. i would call the company and ask. I have gotten a few dried up ones at garage sales. Who knows how old they were though??

**savvy_sniper** · 08-16-2009, 03:51 PM

I sell online so I use ink to print shipping labels and lots of other stuff. I stock up when there is a sale on top of getting a small credit for turning in my old cartridges. I also refill the black cartridges (but not the color - TOO much trouble and greater risk of problems).

I found a reliable ink seller and bought a small bottle of black ink. He sent instructions on how/where to drill the hole in the cartridge also. The ink worked well. So when that bottle was empty I bought a BIG bottle and saved even more money. I can refill my black cartridges for about $3. I can refill them several times before I start to have problems.

I don't think you can refill Epson ink cartridges. I don't remember for sure.

I had a cheap little Lexmark that came with our original computer that lasted forever. Hubby bought me a new Lexmark for Christmas AT LEAST 4 years ago for $79 - a printer/scanner/copier that has worked flawlessly.

I also print just about everything on the Quick Print setting which uses the least amount of ink. So I don't have to refill or replace the cartridges as often.