This article was originally published on 10/13/09.
I get questions from readers quite often asking how to save on all those ink cartridges we use printing coupons. Sometimes you go through ink so quickly it hardly seems like printing the coupons is even worth it. But there are some techniques you can try to help save on the ink you currently have. And I have some money saving tips on how you can replace them for less.
First, change your printer settings. Go to your computer’s Control Panel. Select the printers icon. Your default printer will be listed with a check mark next to it.
Right click on the printer icon and go to the properties. All printers are different but you should be able to edit the printing preferences. The ink saving features are usually on the “Advanced” tab.
Be sure you select the lowest resolution, quick-print, or “draft” setting. This uses the least amount of ink and does not affect the scanning ability of the coupon.
If your black and white cartridge is separate from your color cartridge, you can opt to print everything in black and white. Then you’ll rarely need to replace the costlier color cartridges.
Once you are out of ink, there are a number of money saving options.
1. Walgreens refills ink cartridges. The black and white are priced around $10. Occasionally you will find an in-ad coupon to make them cheaper. Plus, you can always pay with Register Rewards! You can also refill them at Office Max Costco and other stores.
2. Use the Staples cartridge recycling program. Not only will you be helping the environment but you’ll also get $3 per cartridge. The $3 is a Staples reward so you must have a Staples Reward Card.
3. Invest in a Laser Printer. Laser printers use toner, not ink. And with all the modern technology, they’ve really come down in price. You can likely find a decent one for around $100. I’m not saying run out and buy one, but when you are in the market for a new printer, a laser printer would be an excellent investment. Toner cartridges generally last at least 3000-5000 prints. That’s a lot of printed coupons!
What other ways have you found to save on printer ink?
Shellie loves to share her frugal living tips as well as deals and bargains to help you get more with less. A spender at heart, she balances her frugal lifestyle with the occassional splurge. 
Staples changed their program, it’s now $2 per cartridge.
I recommend buying cartridges from 123inkjets.com, they have low prices and their products work great!
As the printer is printing, I carefully watch to see if there are any of those large wasteful ad photos after the coupon prints. If so, I push the “STOP/RESET” button on my printer so it will not print out that part. Coupons.com does not have these ads, so I know I can print the coupon ONLY.
Also, when cutting out the coupons I try to save as much the rest of the printer paper as I can, to save room for more coupons. This way I get at least 3 maybe 4 per sheet.
I do that too! Works Great!
Just a heads up on printing coupons in black and white. I don’t know if it is this way at all Walmarts but we were told recently by the salesperson at the register that walmart does not accept black and white coupons.