Why Brand Name Ink Cartridges are very Costly

Other than sticker shock for real estate, groceries or cars, the
greatest sticker shock we experience is when we walk into the computer
supplies stores in our localities to buy ink cartridges for our
affordable printers.  This is when we realize that two or three
replacement ink cartridges will cost us just as much as brand new
printers.  With numerous websites and a large number of office supply
shops vending generic cartridges that are attuned with the majority of
printer, the need to pay brand name prices for the cartridges no
longer exists.  Nonetheless, the question still remains, why brand name
cartridges are so costly.

Is it because they utilize better ink? No.  In OEM printer ink
cartridges, the ink is usually distributed onto the pages as the
printing process is underway.  The ink for printer which is of superior
quality is very rich in pigment; you can achieve numerous tones and
color shades with it.  However, the thing is generic ink cartridges
also use ink that is of superior quality.  It is also able to give
printouts with an array of colors and shades.  Therefore, it has
nothing to do with the ink.

Is it because the components are of superior quality? No.  Components
used to make the compatible printer ink cartridge and the OEM
cartridge are, often times, almost similar.  As a matter of fact,
compatible and OEM ink cartridges are manufactured in similar
facilities.  So in essence, the disparity is that one comes in a brand
name box as well as a brand name sticker on the cartridge.
Is the quality of the printouts better? No.  Even cynics start thinking
differently after they try the compatible ink cartridges.  The majority
of individuals have realized that discount ink cartridges also give
quality print outs.  There are individuals that swear by the quality of
OEM ink cartridges.  However, there are also lots of other people who
like paying for things for a lot more than they have to.

So what exactly is it? It is a combination of factors.  The reason they
are costly is because printer companies need to make money.  The cost
of printer has decreased such that almost all individuals can afford
to own one.  The companies do not make profits by selling these so they
cash in when selling the ink cartridges.  One other reason has to do
with the fact that they are aware that individuals will buy printer
cartridges.  Until very recently, the people didn’t really have a
choice.  Now, they depend on individuals to associate the brand name
boxes with superior quality and increase their spending even when it
is unnecessary.  As more individuals realize that generic cartridges
functions just as well.  Nevertheless, the manufacturers of printers
may have to re-evaluate their strategies very soon.