Ink, toner, and printing paper are among the most frequently replaced—and expensive—office essentials. Whether you manage a full-scale office or print from home, restocking these items can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to save without compromising on quality, especially if you combine smart shopping with cashback strategies.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to cut costs on printing supplies, and where to find reliable deals.
Start With Store Brands and Subscription Services
Big-name printer brands like HP, Canon, and Brother often encourage buyers to stick with their proprietary ink and toner. While these cartridges guarantee compatibility, they’re rarely the most cost-effective option. Many stores offer their own branded alternatives—often made to the same standards.
- Office Depot and Staples offer store-brand toner and ink for popular printer models, often priced 20–40% less than OEM cartridges.
- LD Products and 123inkjets specialize in third-party cartridges with strong quality reviews.
- HP Instant Ink allow you to automate ink deliveries, often with reduced per-page printing costs.
Don’t Overlook Cashback and Gift Card Discounts
One of the most effective ways to save is to buy gift cards with cashback before making purchases. This is especially useful for retailers like Office Depot and BJ’s Wholesale Club, both of which are supported by Fluz.
Instead of waiting for an in-store promotion, you can earn cashback with an Office Depot gift card and use it during checkout—stacking it with coupons or rewards programs.
Join Store Loyalty Programs
Many office retailers reward frequent purchases of ink, toner, and paper through point-based systems and exclusive coupons:
- Office Depot Rewards offers 2% back in rewards on qualifying purchases and bonus deals for members.
- Staples Rewards members receive up to 5% back and free next-day delivery on eligible items.
Compare Refill vs. Replacement Costs
Sometimes refilling a cartridge can offer better value than buying new. Certain stores offer ink refill stations:
- Costco used to offer in-store ink refills, but the program was discontinued in recent years.
- Independent refill services may offer cost savings but should be vetted for quality.
If you’re printing frequently, consider switching to laser printers. Toner tends to offer lower cost-per-page and is less prone to drying out between uses.
Look for Bundle and Case Deals on Paper
Buying paper in bulk is one of the easiest ways to save. Look for:
- Case packs of 8.5” x 11” multi-use paper (500 sheets per ream, 10 reams per case)
- Hammermill brands, which often come with rebates
- Store-branded bulk packs at BJ’s Wholesale Club or Office Depot
Final Thoughts
Saving on ink, toner, and paper doesn’t have to involve sacrificing print quality. With the right mix of private-label supplies, loyalty programs, and cashback opportunities like buying gift cards through Fluz, you can trim your printing budget and still get the reliability you need for day-to-day operations.
