Navigating Rising Industrial Ink Prices | InkJet, Inc.

If you’ve ever done business with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ink supplier, there’s a good chance that you’ve experienced an annual price increase before. Whether we’re talking about ink cartridges for continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), or high-resolution, large character case coders, OEM manufacturers are known for raising their prices 10-15% regularly. Given how a single OEM 750 ml CIJ cartridge can cost over $120, these kinds of price hikes can end up costing consumers significant amounts of money. No matter how low the hourly milliliter consumption of the printer.

While this price hike pattern has existed for years, chances are high that it will only grow in the near future. Issues like supply chain volatility and rising raw material costs are already causing major companies like Koenig & Bauer to increase their prices, and this market unpredictability isn’t likely to end soon. 

Fortunately, there is a way to combat rising industrial ink prices—and that’s wi th aftermarket ink formulas. 

Switching From OEM to Aftermarket Ink Supplies

Although rising industrial ink prices have recently increased public interest in more affordable ink alternatives, aftermarket formulas have actually been helping companies lower their operational expenses for decades now. Aftermarket ink suppliers like InkJet, Inc. carry large and diverse ink portfolios that are filled with formulas compatible with some of the most popular printers on the market, including CIJ and TIJ models like:

  • Videojet
  • Markem-Imaje
  • Domino
  • Linx
  • Zanasi
  • Willett

Not only are these aftermarket inks available at lower costs than OEM supplies, but many of them can also provide the same code longevity and resolution as well. Trusted aftermarket partners, like InkJet, Inc., have their own ink development departments that are dedicated to formulating products that lead the market in both cost and efficacy. Further, these formulas can be developed with special properties, including:

  • Porous and non-porous substrate compatibilities
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Alcohol-resistance
  • Humidity-resistance
  • UV-readability
  • Guaranteed food contact safety
  • Fast-drying times (as quick as under 1 second)
  • Retort-resistance

Despite these advantages, many OEM ink consumers are hesitant to make the switch to aftermarket formulas, largely because of unsubstantiated rumors and misconceptions. Here are the most common concerns we hear from new customers at InkJet, Inc.

1. Will an Aftermarket Ink Void My Printer’s Warranty?

While many customers are understandably anxious about breaking the terms of their printer warranty, there is no reason to be concerned about this when it comes to aftermarket inks. Since 1975, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made it illegal for printer companies to void warranties with regards to customer ink choice. To quote the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act:

No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer’s using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade, or corporate name.

In layman’s terms, this legislation states that a printer manufacturer cannot void an entire warranty simply because a user chose to not use an OEM ink formula. 

2. Will an Aftermarket Ink Work As Well as My OEM Formula?

While it is true that not all inks deliver the same quality results, trusted aftermarket ink developers have proven time and again that their products are up to par with the best OEM inks on the market.

3. What if the Aftermarket Ink Won’t Work With My Printer After All?

Companies like InkJet, Inc. can guarantee which printers their aftermarket formulas are compatible with. Moreover, if a customer does run into issues with one of our formulas, our customer support team is dedicated to quickly resolving any possible issues.

How InkJet, Inc. Can Help Lower Your Ink Expenses

Since 1989, InkJet, Inc. has been helping companies become more cost-efficient by providing them with high-quality aftermarket inks. Offering everything from CIJ ink cartridges to hot melt wax supplies, our team understands which products will best align with each client’s unique marking hardware and operational needs. 

In addition to delivering legible and long-lasting product codes, these formulas are also available at a fraction of the price that OEMs charge for their inks. Not only that but unlike many of our competitors, InkJet, Inc. does not perform blanket annual price increases.

To ensure that all of our clients are satisfied with their ink purchases, we also offer ink sample packs and a one-year warranty on fluid purchases. If an issue does arise, we encourage customers to return the ink for a refund (minus a 15% restocking fee).

Tired of Industrial Ink Price Hikes? Lower Your Operational Expenses With InkJet, Inc.’s Aftermarket Supplies

Here at InkJet, Inc., we know firsthand how much OEM ink suppliers can run up costs on their customers. That’s why we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best deals possible on everything from CIJ inks to TTO hot wax and everything in between. If you’re tired of rising industrial ink prices, contact InkJet, Inc. today to learn how we can help. 

To find well-priced industrial ink formulas for a range of coding equipment (including CIJ, TIJ, and high-resolution, large character case coders), contact us online today or call 1(800) 280-3245. 

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