Why is Toner So Expensive?

There's no doubt about it, laser printers are dominating the printing game. Their quality and speed of printing is a force to be reckoned with and pretty difficult to argue against. However, the one element of purchasing a laser printer which seems to involve continuous disappointment is the astronomical cost of toner cartridges. Toner ranges in price depending on which printer manufacturers you are opting for, but one thing is unanimous - Brother, HP, Lexmark, Epson - no matter what the brand, the cost of toner seems too high. 

So why is toner so expensive? There are many theories floating around on the internet, but here are the plausible reasons why printing companies charge through the roof for their branded toner cartridges.

1. Laser printers are relatively cheap 

Considering the technology implemented within laser printers, the number of functions which they can perform and the quality of the printing job guaranteed when using a laser printer, the actual cost of the machine is extremely cheap. Many of the larger companies such as HP, Brother and Lexmark are actually operating at a loss with the cost of their laser printers when you take into consideration the parts, the technology and the hours required to create one, which is why they make their money from toner cartridges - because a printer cannot run without toner, and you will need a replacement toner cartridge every couple of months or so. 

2. Toner cartridges utililse exceptionally complicated technology

Many printer manufactuers include a special microchip in their toner cartridges which attempts to stop counterfit toner cartridges from working in their printer. This is an added expense to actually make the toner, and consequently the retail cost is much higher. 

So how do we get around the cost of toner?

There are two options. You can try and make your toner last longer by reducing the output resolution, saving your colour cartridges for colour printing, turning on toner save (a function available for most laser printers) and using an eco-friendly font. The alternative is to swap to high-quality alternative compatible toner cartridges, like our exceptional range of cheap toner cartridges by Fotorite. Fotorite make a range of incredibly high-quality toner cartridges and offer different cartridges which are compatible with the majority of printer models and manufacturers. Fotorite toner cartridges offer a significantly lower price without compromising on the quality of your print job. Get your compatible toner cartridges from City Ink Express today.