Ink and toner are some of the most expensive consumables in any office—often costing more over time than the printer itself. But there are smart ways to reduce those expenses without settling for low-quality prints or unreliable cartridges. Whether you’re running a small business or working from home, these strategies can help you lower your printing costs while keeping quality high.

Choose the Right Printer

Some printers are more ink-efficient than others. Laser printers, for instance, cost more upfront but use toner that lasts much longer—making them ideal for text-heavy printing.

• Best ink-efficient inkjet: HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e
  
• Best budget laser printer: Brother HL-L2350DW
  

You can compare prices and specs on Best Buy, Amazon, or Office Depot. For extra savings, you can get cashback at Office Depot by using a Fluz gift card.

Enroll in Ink Subscription Programs

Programs like HP Instant Ink automatically ship ink to your door before you run out and often cost less than buying cartridges individually.

These subscriptions often include recycling options, making them eco-friendlier than traditional cartridges.

Use Cashback and Reward Platforms

Before buying ink or toner, check platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz to see which retailers offer cashback or rewards. For example, you can earn cashback with a Staples gift card purchased through Fluz, even when you shop in-store or during sales.

Buy High-Yield or XL Cartridges

High-yield cartridges cost more upfront but lower your cost per page. Brands like Canon, HP, and Brother offer XL or high-capacity options that often print 2–3 times more than standard versions. Be sure to check your printer’s compatibility before switching.

Consider Third-Party or Remanufactured Cartridges (Selectively)

Remanufactured cartridges from reliable providers like LD Products or 123inkjets can offer significant savings—often 30–50% less than OEM versions. Look for products with satisfaction guarantees and strong user reviews.

Avoid extremely cheap listings from unknown sellers, especially if you’re using a high-end or business printer, as they may result in poor print quality or hardware issues.

Print Smarter

• Use draft or economy mode when printing internal documents
  
• Print in black and white when color isn’t needed
  
• Preview before printing to reduce errors and reprints
  
• Use duplex printing to save paper
  

Recycle and Earn Rewards

Staples and Office Depot both offer recycling programs where you can drop off empty cartridges and earn store credit through their rewards programs. Some manufacturers also provide prepaid envelopes for recycling spent cartridges.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to overspend on ink and toner. By combining smart buying habits, cashback tools, and printer optimization, you can cut costs significantly—while still getting the high-quality prints your work deserves.