3 ms·
It seems like there is enough competition in the printer market that this wouldn't be a thing. Are the margins so thin that all manufacturers depend on ink sale
by kayson 3y ago
It seems like there is enough competition in the printer market that this wouldn't be a thing. Are the margins so thin that all manufacturers depend on ink sales? Otherwise I don't understand why one wouldn't make universal ink compatibility a major selling point and force everyone to follow suit.
- clipsy 3y agoThe margins on home inkjet printer sales are not just low, they are typically negative. Which, coupled with incurious/cheap customers makes it very hard for an honest printer manufacturer to compete.
- wongarsu 3y agoThey sell printers at a loss and make the money back on ink sales. You can get printers with refillable ink tanks from all (three) major manufacturers, but they cost significantly more because they aren't subsidized by ink sales
- janoc 3y agoAnd you have to search for them online or order from various strange places because no major stores where people actually go buy "computer stuff" carry them. Coincidence? I think not. Worse, even the lot more expensive "office" printers (both laser and inkjets) have been sabotaged by such "driver update for your own good" shenanigans in the past. This isn't limited only to the cheapest disposable inkjet junkers.
- throwaway81523 3y ago> competition Oh you sweet summer child. Relevant cartoon, ignoring caption: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-39iprM4Cs/SfZWFzmSQ-I/AAAAAAAAAJI/qWjGVM4M_d0/s1600-h/when.png https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U-39iprM4Cs/SfZWFzmSQ-I/AAAAAAAAA... They ALL do it.