Printing may feel like a small line item on your office budget, but ink and toner can be surprisingly expensive—often rivaling the cost of the printer itself. Whether you’re running a home office or managing a team of employees, these strategies will help you reduce your printing expenses without sacrificing quality.
Choose the Right Printer for Your Needs
Start with a printer that matches your actual usage. Inkjet printers may be cheaper upfront, but their cartridges tend to run out faster. Laser printers, while more expensive initially, are more cost-efficient over time—especially for text-heavy documents. Brands like Brother, HP, and Canon offer budget models with high-yield toner options available at Best Buy and Amazon.
Buy High-Yield or XL Cartridges
High-yield cartridges print more pages per refill, cutting your cost per page. While they cost more upfront, they reduce how often you need to reorder. You can often earn cashback with a Staples gift card or buy a Target gift card with instant cashback to save on cartridge purchases from top retailers.
Use Ink Subscription Services
Programs like HP Instant Ink and Canon Auto Replenishment automatically ship ink when you’re running low, often at a reduced monthly rate. These services can save up to 50% on ink if your print volume is consistent.
Print Smart and Use Draft Mode
Set your printer’s default settings to “draft” or “economy” mode for internal documents or drafts. This uses significantly less ink while still being readable. You can also print double-sided and reduce margins or font sizes to minimize ink and paper use.
Go Generic (But Carefully)
Third-party or remanufactured cartridges are significantly cheaper than OEM options. Look for trusted names with strong reviews and satisfaction guarantees. Check sellers like LD Products or shop trusted listings on Amazon. Always verify compatibility with your printer model.
Recycle and Refill
Some office supply stores offer cartridge recycling programs with discounts or rewards. For example, Staples Rewards gives you $2 back per recycled cartridge (up to 20 per month). Combine this with a Staples gift card cashback deal to double your savings.
Monitor and Track Printing
Use software to track printer usage by employee or department. Tools like PaperCut or built-in settings from HP or Brother can help identify waste and adjust policies for more efficient printing.
