Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Berto Up in the Air Over Cartridge Prices
Printer cartridges are notoriously expensive, which has given rise to the aftermarket, which provides more affordable solutions for consumers and also seeks to reuse these precious commodities.
Most printers are sold at a loss. Manufacturers profit not from the sale of inkjet or laser printers, but from the sale of the supplies needed for printing.
The manufacturer controls the technology and the prices. Toner Buzz provides seven reasons why printer inks are so expensive.
So, Berto has had some fun with this one this month…
- Research and Development Costs: Developing toner cartridges involves significant investment in research and development. Manufacturers spend a lot to create high-quality, efficient, and reliable cartridges that produce superior print quality.
- Precision Manufacturing: Toner cartridges require precise engineering and high-quality materials to ensure consistent performance and prevent printer damage. This level of precision in manufacturing increases production costs.
- Intellectual Property and Patents: Many toner cartridges are protected by patents, and manufacturers invest in safeguarding their intellectual property. These costs are often passed on to consumers.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Producing, shipping, and distributing toner cartridges involves complex logistics and supply chain management, which adds to the overall cost.
- Marketing and Brand Positioning: Major brands invest heavily in marketing and maintaining their reputation for quality and reliability. These expenses contribute to the higher price of branded toner cartridges.
An “up in the air” story
Possibly motivated by Berto’s cartoon, our superhero flew high above the city, his red cape flowing majestically behind him. Meanwhile, in a crowded street below, a group of office workers gathered, grumbling about the exorbitant prices of printer cartridges.
“These prices are insane!” one man exclaimed, shaking his head. “It’s like they’re made out of rare materials or something.”
Suddenly, a child in the crowd pointed upwards and shouted, “Look! Up in the sky!”
Everyone looked up and saw a glint of red and blue streaking across the sky. “Is that… Superman?” a woman asked, squinting against the bright light.
“No, it’s got to be one of those costly printer cartridges being delivered by drone,” another man joked, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
Superman cheered up the complaining crowd and then soared back into the sky. Inspired by the unexpected encounter, the crowd dispersed, but the grumbles about printer cartridge prices never disappeared.
Cartoon #135: Berto Up in the Air Over Cartridge Prices
Berto’s previous cartoon, #134: Berto Discovers Ink is as Valuable as Gold or Oil
Who is Berto? And where can you see more of his work? Click here.
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