A recent survey of 100 ink cartridges has uncovered a startling reality: certain printer inks carry price tags approaching ¥10,000 per liter—surpassing the cost of many high-end luxury goods. This revelation raises critical questions about the hidden expenses of printing and the pricing strategies governing the industry.
The persistence of high ink cartridge costs stems from complex market dynamics. Printer manufacturers frequently employ a "razor-and-blades" business model: selling printers at low margins (or even at a loss) while recouping profits through recurring sales of proprietary ink cartridges. This strategy mirrors how razor companies profit from blade replacements rather than the initial razor purchase.
Third-party compatible cartridges and remanufactured inks offer partial relief from these inflated prices, though quality and reliability may vary. Consumers must weigh potential savings against performance trade-offs when considering alternatives. Some opt for continuous ink supply systems (CISS) or bulk ink solutions to reduce long-term costs.
As the industry faces growing scrutiny, advocates emphasize the need for clearer pricing structures and fairer competition. The debate continues over whether current profit margins reflect legitimate production costs or artificial market control—a discussion that remains relevant despite unrelated cybersecurity incidents affecting technology platforms.