Class-action lawsuit accuses HP of monopolizing aftermarket ink cartridges

[m4a4]

Why no, I didn't understand it. Actually, I like it when companies use predatory tactics, screw over customers, and introduce DRM after customers purchase products they should own.

Fixed that disingenuous reply for you, as that's the end of this pointless conversation for me.

 

[dnous]

The (consumer) printing market is just ruined. People flock to cheap printers, and manufacturers sell 'em under cost to gain market share and compensate their losses via consumables. There is a shift in the corporate market to managed printing, and honestly I believe that is the only way for printing to survive without these kind of dumb self harming tricks.

Ironically, that is what Instant Ink also is. However it is so badly communicated that people do not realise they are signing up for a subscription instead and what it means. Leading to a lot of frustration and anger when users find out that they do not own the cartridges when they cancel. The other option is to just increase the prices in order to not sell at a loss, and ditch ink cartridges in favour of ink tanks. However that's extremely unlikely as it will lead to massive loss in market share.

 

[Endymio]

Fixed that disingenuous reply for you, as that's the end of this pointless conversation for me.

Learn what words mean. My reply was both sincere and on target ... which explains why, instead of rebutting it, you chose to deceitfully edit it and place words in my mouth.

As penalty, I'll repeat the question: why do you need the government to protect you for your own bad decisions? Are you mentally incapable of restraining yourself from purchasing products that, while initially cheap, cost more in the long run?

 

[pmshah]

One reason to avoid HP printers like a plague. Go with Epson tank printers. The printer pricing is not a low price come on BUT the ink cartridges, sorry tanks, are unbelievably low priced for really substantial volume of ink. In the past I used to look up the available range of RotRing German replacement ink cartridges. Then reverse search for the compatible printers and select from there. Never ever bought ridiculously priced replacement cartridge from the printer manufacturer.

 

[heisit]

If you don't like HP printers requiring HP cartridges, buy a different brand. Why do you need the government to solve problems you create for yourself through your own bad decisions?

In the article, they allege that they never agreed to only purchase HP ink cartridges.

 

[heisit]

that model lacks viability.

Sound like they need a different business model then.

 

[Endymio]

In the article, they allege that they never agreed to only purchase HP ink cartridges.

They agreed to purchase the printers, which is all that matters.

Sound like they need a different business model then.

Their business model is fine, and it suits most casual buyers extremely well. These consumers save money up front, in exchange for higher expenses down the line. That's the same business model you use when you finance a home or car. You could save consumers a fortune by banning all home mortgages outright. Do you advocate that too?

 

[pmshah]

The (consumer) printing market is just ruined. People flock to cheap printers, and manufacturers sell 'em under cost to gain market share and compensate their losses via consumables. There is a shift in the corporate market to managed printing, and honestly I believe that is the only way for printing to survive without these kind of dumb self harming tricks.

Ironically, that is what Instant Ink also is. However it is so badly communicated that people do not realise they are signing up for a subscription instead and what it means. Leading to a lot of frustration and anger when users find out that they do not own the cartridges when they cancel. The other option is to just increase the prices in order to not sell at a loss, and ditch ink cartridges in favour of ink tanks. However that's extremely unlikely as it will lead to massive loss in market share.

HP tries the same thing in India. They heavily under invoiced their printers being imported in India and were giving away for free with their PCs and Laptops. Indian customs took a different view and charged them import duty based on prices of similar printers with similar functionalities from other manufacturers. I remember Lexmark selling their printers for 1/4 the price of their competitors. However the replacement cartridge cost the same or more. We simply replaced the whole printer until they ran out of stocks. Subsequently the brand simply disappeared from the market.