From the consumer perspective, subsidizing the cost of the printer in order to sell more expensive supplies feels like a swindle. Consumers welcome 'loss leader

From the consumer perspective, subsidizing the cost of the printer in order to sell more expensive supplies feels like a swindle. Consumers welcome 'loss leaders' where they can take the bargain and choose to walk away at a profit. But when it turns out the bargain is going to end up costing more (ie. you would have been better off buying a more expensive printer), it is a swindle. It is common, and no way to gain customer loyalty. Many customers actually become hostile. Yet these businesses can survive and thrive, which I find sad.