Do Printers Come With Ink?

When purchasing a new printer, the first question is whether it comes with ink or not. It is a great question and one that many shoppers have, especially because of the confusion about printer bundles, starter cartridges, and buying more ink almost immediately. Do printers come with ink, or is that just a myth? Here are the basics in simple terms.

Quick Overview

There is no doubt that most printers come with ink – but it may not be in the way you think. The ink in a new printer is usually sufficient to set it up. Do not expect to print thousands of pages straight out of the box without overnighting the ink. A starter cartridge is often designed to help you manage the setup and a few initial test prints.

This often leaves people wondering about the next step. How do you deal with a printer that runs out of ink? Let’s look at how ink and toners work for the printer you will buy.

What Are Starter Cartridges?

Starter cartridges are often included in printer packages. They contain less ink than regular cartridges. The concept of starter cartridges is quite simple. You can start using your printer immediately, but it will finish soon.

Key Features of Starter Cartridges

• Starter cartridges tend to have around 50% less ink than standard cartridges.
• Mainly Used For Setup And Test Prints (Test Prints).
• You’ll need to replace them after only a few prints and the first few weeks of use.

It is possible to run the printer right out of the box using the starter cartridges. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is best not to rely on them for large printing jobs.

How Do I Determine Which Cartridge Needs Replacing?

Knowing when to replace your cartridge can be tricky. Many different approaches can be used to figure it out.

• Most printers will alert you when the ink is low or needs to be replaced. 
• It is time to replace the ink if printouts are faint, have streaks, or are poor.
• Some printers let you check manually in their settings or display screens for ink levels.

The key is to watch the print quality and let your printer tell you this when you get the warning.

Do Printers Come With Ink When You Buy Them?

As mentioned, most printers come with ink, but that’s starter ink. While these are meant to lead you off on the right foot, they won’t last long if you print frequently. 

The Things to Consider When Buying Replacement Toner Cartridges

The ink cartridge needs to be replaced whenever it runs out. These things must be considered when buying replacements.

• Check to ensure that the ink you are purchasing is compatible with your printer model. Some printers only work with specific brands of ink.
• Cost: Replacement ink can be pricey, so it is important to consider the original ink and the third-party inks. 
• If you do a lot of printing, it might pay to purchase high-yield cartridges that give more ink for less per-page cost.
• The ink you need depends on your printer (inkjet or laser) – either ink for laser or inkjet.

The process of replacing the toner is simple once you know what needs to be changed. You just need to make sure that you buy the right one for your printer!

Leading Brands and Starter Cartridges

Top brands like Epson, Primera, Afinia, QuickLabel, and TrojanLabel offer high-quality ink cartridges. Epson provides premium inks, Primera suits high-volume printing, Afinia delivers vibrant results, QuickLabel ensures durability for industrial jobs, and TrojanLabel is trusted by small businesses, all with starter cartridges for easy setup.

Will Using Compatible Cartridges Void My Printer Warranty?

There is no voiding of your printer warranty if you use compatible cartridges. Your only responsibility is to check the warranty terms and conditions. Printer manufacturers sometimes require you to use their ink or toner to keep the warranty valid. However, certain manufacturers aren’t so strict.

It is essential that the ink works with your device. If the ink damages the printer, it will void the warranty, but you should be fine if you are using third-party ink that works.

Where Can I Buy Affordable Printer Ink Cartridges?

For Quality printer Inks at a low cost, Timely and Reliable Shipment, TCS Digital Solutions is a great option. With us, you can choose the best ink types and label printer for your needs.

The Bottom Line

Finally, do new printers come with ink? Generally, yes, but there are certain limitations. Most printer-included ink is used up so quickly that you can barely print. Replacing it sooner rather than later is a good idea, especially if you print a lot. When buying ink, make sure that the ink you are buying is compatible and of good quality. Be sure to consider what type of print you’ll be doing.

Do you have any questions on when you buy a printer does it come with ink? Contact our support team via email at orders@tcsdigitalsolutions.com or call us at (678) 824-2304 or +1 (762) 208-6985 to get clarification on all your questions. The TCS Digital Solutions Expert Support Team is there to help you. For further information on Label printers and inks, see our blog section and get answers to all your questions.

Drew Strickland

Drew is the Chief Marketing Officer and E-commerce Director at TCS Digital Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the printing industry. His extensive background in marketing within this sector has deepened his passion and knowledge. He offers valuable tips and reviews on the latest printing products and innovations, dedicated to helping businesses and individuals find the most efficient and high-quality solutions for their printing needs. For a closer look into his insights and experiences, you can connect with Drew on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.