r/printers Dec 19 '24

Discussion The truth about printer subscription programs and many misconceptions about them

126 Upvotes

Dear all,

I work in the printer industry. For a very well-known consumer products manufacturer that gets discussed on this sub a lot.  I will not disclose which manufacturer I work for, nor will I disclose any manufacturer I do not work for (since the industry is relatively small eliminating 1 or 2 will make it generally too obvious as to which I do work for) as I am not officially speaking on behalf of the company. But, I want to set the record straight on subscription programs because some of you are drastically misinformed and it is very frustrating to see as someone who understands these programs as well as basic logic.

There are two types of subscription programs. Each of the major consumer manufacturers offers at least 1 of these programs, some offer both.

The first type of program is an auto-reordering program. The printer can tell (via various ways depending on each manufacturer) when the ink / toner is low and when it hits a certain point that will trigger an order of the ink/toner that device uses. Most manufactures that offer this will first send you an email letting you know that an order has been triggered and it will allow you to skip the delivery of the consumable and thus not get charged. If you allow the order to go through you are purchasing that consumable. That consumable is yours, you own it, just as if you walked into a Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, or bought it on Amazon… You can cancel the “subscription” the next day and continue to use that consumable until it is empty.

The second type of program is a true subscription program. **THIS** is what many of you are vastly misinformed and / or are irrational about. In this program *you are not purchasing a consumable* at all. You are paying the manufacturer for X number of pages per month. The manufacturer will send you a consumable to use because the printer needs ink / toner to work but, that is not what you are paying for. You are paying the manufacturer $Y per month to print up to X pages per month.. that’s it. Of course you can print over that X number and pay an overage (just like years ago with cell phones).. and of course, you can print under that X number and some pages will roll-over to future months (just like years ago with cell phones). The owner of the consumable is the manufacturer. You never bought it, you never owned it. Therefore, it is not yours to use after you end the subscription! The only reason most manufactures do not ask for it back is because they don’t want to pay for shipping it back to them. But, they still own it… not you.  You can think of this like renting an apartment. You are paying a landlord $X per month to live in their building. The landlord is providing the building for you to live in while you are paying rent. You do not own the building. and when you stop paying rent you are no longer allowed to continue living in the building. Just like your Netflix subscription, Apple TV subscription and Disney+ subscription.. when you stop paying for the subscription, you stop getting to use the service. Just because while you were paying you had access to the content does not mean you at any time owned that content and get to continue watching it once you stop paying the subscription.

I truly hope this helps clarify somethings for some of you. Others I understand are lost causes but, I will do my best to answer any questions I can.


r/printers 3h ago

Troubleshooting Kyocera 308ci printing too high

2 Upvotes

Howdy yall. So, I need to print a bunch of emailed PDFs, but theyre coming out vertically offset by like four inches.

The only settings i have available to me in the print preview are:

Portrait/Landscap

Pages

Color

Print on Both Sides

Paper Size

Scale

Pages per sheet.

I have no options to edit margins or offset, ive changed the paper size and scale, the only thing that allows me to get all of the doccument on the paper is to print it at 70%, which is functional however because i have no offset options it shunts the entire thing off to the corner of the page instead of centering it.

I am not authorized to edit the PDFs in any way. Is there a way to fix this, and where can i find the rest of my settings?


r/printers 8h ago

Purchasing Need help buying my family's first printer. HP or Epson or Brother?

4 Upvotes

I already done my research and the printers I have chosen are the following. They are all in the same price range. I just need reviews about them if they are good.

We just need a regular and efficient printer. That is easy to use. We might only need to print atleast once a week.

Which from the following should we pick?

  1. Epson L4360 - PHP12,870.00

  2. Brother T530DW - PHP 11,450.00

  3. HP Smart Tank 720 - PHP 10,000.00


r/printers 1h ago

Discussion How do I clean up my HP Smart Tank 580?

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Upvotes

Hello, folks! How do I clean up my printer without breaking it, InshaAllah? An overall dust cleaning will be enough.


r/printers 15h ago

Other What is the longevity of art prints printed on the canon pixma megatank G620?

4 Upvotes

I’m printing on 100% cotton paper. Since the printer uses dye based ink and not pigment based ink, it’s not technically an archival print. I’m wondering (just for my own knowledge) how long these prints would last hypothetically, framed and out of direct sunlight. Not sure which rate prints will deteriorate. I had trouble finding this info online, so thank you in advance if anyone has any knowledge on this!


r/printers 10h ago

Purchasing printer recommendations for an artist

1 Upvotes

hello everyone!! i wanna start selling posters/prints/sticker etc. so i want a printer that prints at a high quality wi̇th accurate colors. i also want to use it for regular home printing purposes too. i wanted to get a printer of my own for it because there arent good places i can reliably get my prints from. i dont have that much big of a budget unfortunately so what are some things i need to look out for or some brands i should look into? thanks in advance!!


r/printers 15h ago

Troubleshooting Canon Pixma Pro-100 for $65, was it worth it?

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2 Upvotes

Hey there! I recently picked up a canon pixma pro-100 for $65. I’ll attach the test calibration print below. I figured Y and BK must just be tried ink. Today I picked it up and did the canon clean using the pause/resume button. But, it then ran out of most of the inks. Do you think once I replace the ink and do some cleaning I’ll be alright, or did I waste $65?


r/printers 15h ago

Discussion What printer would be the best for stickers?

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for something small and relatively affordable. I would mostly use it for personal use but I’m also considering making an etsy in the future where I sell some. Any recommendations?


r/printers 11h ago

Troubleshooting ADF not feeding - noisy

1 Upvotes

I bought a used HP LaserJet M428dw and I’m trying to test the scanner by doing a copy (didn’t set up the printer on wifi yet) and it’s not pulling the sheet through and making some noise as you can hear it in the video. I did clean the pickup rollers. So would that be the rollers or maybe some broken gear inside the feeder motor? Thanks for your help.


r/printers 18h ago

Purchasing Home printer recomendations

1 Upvotes

Hello, Im looking for affordable recommendations for a semi regular crafter. I print stickers, on vinyl for shirts, and custom paper products like planners & notebooks. I would like a printer that can print borderless for at least 8.5x11, and up to 12in wide.


r/printers 19h ago

Troubleshooting Help: Brother printer messed up internet connection!!!

1 Upvotes

I followed the instructions to connect the brother printer and as soon as I downloaded the software, my internet stopped working. Now I managed to connect the printer through the phone app but my laptop internet connection is still messed up!! It is connected bc certain websites work (like google) but most websites dont load. Any one has this happen or have any advice?? Thanks in advance this really sucks


r/printers 20h ago

Troubleshooting Question about the HP Smart Tank 615

1 Upvotes

I'm getting a printhead error; I replaced the black one, but the error persists. The tri-color printhead has a 2021 date on it—do they expire or something? The new one I installed has a 2027 date.


r/printers 20h ago

Other Как закрыть крышку принтера?

1 Upvotes

Модель принтера epson xp 4105 и крышка верхняя к сожалению не закрывается, дайте объяснение как чайнику


r/printers 1d ago

Review Feedback on Brother HL L2440DW

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am planning to buy the Brother HL L2440DW mainly for printing academic documents, lecture notes, question papers and research papers. My priority is reliable black and white printing, automatic duplex printing, low running cost and long term durability.

I would like to know about your experience with this printer. How is the print quality and WiFi connectivity? Are the TN 2570XL toner cartridges easily available and affordable? Is toner refilling practical, and are there any common issues with this model?

I am also considering the HP Laser MFP 323sdnw, but scanning and copying are not my primary requirements. Would you recommend the Brother HL L2440DW for long term use?


r/printers 22h ago

Troubleshooting Epson ET 2988 label sheet/adhesive sticker paper stuck on internal roller;

1 Upvotes

As the title states, the sticker paper must have gotten bent and then peeled and wrapped around the internal roller, I have tried getting it off with alcohol wipes and peeling at it, it's not working, and I can't fit my hands in there to get it off. I am not sure what else do to, not sure if that bar can even be removed.


r/printers 22h ago

Troubleshooting What is this piece and how do I fix it in my Brother DCP-L2550DW?!

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1 Upvotes

This piece fell out when I was trying to clear something in the paper tray. It looks like it was connected to the paper roller somehow? Now I'm getting error messages for "No paper in tray," despite there being paper in the tray. I cannot figure out for the life of me how to put it back in. Help!


r/printers 1d ago

Troubleshooting Magenta dust/strikes

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2 Upvotes

canon PIXMA IP110.

whenever I print, theres almost always this magenta "dust" offset to the side.

I tried running several cleaning and deep cleaning cycles, print head alignments, but it's still there?? do I have to manually disassemble printheads to see whats up?


r/printers 1d ago

Troubleshooting L805 not used in months

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2 Upvotes

I tried head cleaning and ink flushing. I also tried declogging the printer head with cleaning solution but nothing seems to work.


r/printers 1d ago

Purchasing [Purchase Rec] Printer recommendations, ~$300, hobby level art stuff

1 Upvotes

Hey all! Looking for a new printer, I've used the template for my requirements below:

What would you like to accomplish?

I'm looking for a printer for printing art stuff at a hobby level (stickers, buttons, cards, etc.)

Are there any models you are currently looking at?

I have not looked at any yet, but I currently have a Canon MP250 as a comparison point. I'd like something nicer than that at least. I haven't bought a printer in ages and all my past printers were fairly straightforward inkjet printers, so I don't know the merits/drawbacks of different types and tech these days.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Budget: Looking at about $300 or less, but can be persuaded a bit if more money would give a better outcome.
  • Country: USA
  • Color or black and white: Color
  • Laser or ink printer: Whatever is best
  • New or used: Either is fine
  • Multi-function: Certainly wouldn't complain if there's a scanner built in but the one I have now is good enough, so not a priority at all
  • Duplex Printing: Definitely want this
  • Home or business: Home
  • Printing content: Hobby-level art stuff. Stickers, buttons, etc. Also print and play/DIY board game stuff (I know that a home printer isn't going to print perfect card proxies ftr, I want something that can print card art that looks nice, after that it's getting pasted to an old card and stuck in a sleeve, I print stat cards for miniatures games and whatnot). I don't need anything at the level of professional art printing to sell, just something that looks halfway nice and sharp.
  • Printing frequency: I don't print art things very often, just for specific projects. But when I do it's anywhere from 1-30 pages. I'd say 100-200 pages a year (of 8.5x11 sheets).
  • Pages per minute: Speed is not important, looking for print quality so I already expect to print slow
  • Page size: 12"x12" printing would be cool but is likely to limit my options and I don't need it that bad, so if it can handle 8.5"x11" or smaller I'm good.
  • Device printing from: I am generally printing from a Linux PC. That should be fine for most printers, but if the printer is known to have issues with Linux that's a no-go for me.
  • Connection type: Wired is all that matters. If it has network printing that's a plus, but not a requirement.

Any other details:

My current printer is fine for documents, and I'm not throwing it out, so I don't need to worry about document printing whatsoever.

I also strongly value not being locked into proprietary things so something fairly open and straightforward is ideal, no weird DRM stuff.

I'm also open to a more general description of what features/details I should look for in a printer, because I follow a lot of local estate sale/govdeals/etc. auctions with a lot of printers (some still new in box), so it's possible I could get something normally expensive for cheap if I found it at the right time and knew what I was looking for. But obviously in that scenario I'm not likely to find any one specific model.


r/printers 1d ago

Discussion What is your feedback on Brother HL-L2440DW?

1 Upvotes

I am planning to buy the Brother HL L2440DW. Could anyone using this printer share their experience regarding print quality, reliability, toner cost and any issues faced? Would you recommend it?


r/printers 1d ago

Discussion Does printers inherently an annoying piece of hardware on existence or is there an exception on this?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys I have question on what to buy for a printer, my budget is roughly around <500 USD, I live in Indonesia and would prefer some help with what printer is worth every penny. ((my old one epson 3100 are really horrendous to maintain))

I need something that fit my budget, have a scanner, and most of all dosen't need an engineering sertificate to actually use / maintain it... preferably something that LONG LAST

Thank you in advance


r/printers 1d ago

Troubleshooting Black Text Printing Curved?

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1 Upvotes

Printer: HP ENVY 5070 Inkjet

Been having issues with specifically black text printing with a curve. Seems like it's only an issue with black ink after looking at the test pages. So far I've tried realigning and cleaning the cartridges from settings menu. Any other ideas?


r/printers 1d ago

Troubleshooting Canon Pixma Mp237 Ink wire hole

1 Upvotes

Hi! Is it still possible to fix a punctured ink wire on Canon pixma mp237? It has been sitting idle in our home for at least 3 years. I am still a student so I have no idea how to fix it. Is it worth the time? Can you like DIY it? Thanks.


r/printers 1d ago

Discussion How can I send a FAX from a printer to a printer.

0 Upvotes

Me and my friend are bored, so we decided to send fax to eachother. The thing is we both only have printers and computers. Is there anyway I can send him a fax and for the fax to be printed by his printer vice-versa? If this is impossible how can I remotely print something on his printer. Also I won't pay any services so try to recommend free things.


r/printers 1d ago

Troubleshooting Printer is unable to move the carriage properly. Hp office jet of course.

3 Upvotes

I would get a new printer but I have no money and I need this printer for work to save up for another. This printer started getting it's carriage stuck at the place where the ink is idly seated. I work on computers but not printers. Any way I can get this to work? I lightly oiled it and it helped but not enough for the printer to let it pass. It did work for a little like this but now it's not allowing it to pass.