TV Celebrity Chef Launches HP Ink Subscription Service

According to tech guru Stephen Fenech from TechGuide.com.au, HP is promising a modern printing experience that makes printing easier and more convenient. End-users can also save up to 50 per cent on their ink costs.

Original HP ink will be delivered to the door before end-users run out. “You’ll never have to bolt to the store and work out your printer model number and the cartridge you need,” Fenech said. “Instant Ink also has flexible pricing from less than $2 a month based on the number of pages you print on average.” Fenech also explained Instant Ink customers will receive high volume cartridges that last longer. They can also return used cartridges so they can be recycled.”

“Our home and office needs are continuing to change as we embrace hybrid working and learning, and this is seeing a surge in the demand for printing at home,” says Paul Gracey, Director of Printing Systems, HP Australia and New Zealand.

HP’s new service is now available and goes up against Epson’s EcoTank and Canon’s MegaTank, along with Brother’s range of printing solutions. HP’s Instant Ink subscription launches Australia “to meet the increasing demand for printing and flexibility in hybrid working and learning.”

End-users in Australia can check if their HP printer is eligible to sign up for the Instant Ink by visiting hp.com.au/instantink. with a free two-month trial on offer when they buy a new HP printer and sign up out of the box. Fenech explained, “There is no annual fee and no lock-in contracts with the service and you can change your subscription at any time.” He explained HP’s smart technology will work out the ideal delivery window and ensure ink is delivered to the door before you need it.

It is not clear whether HP will use its existing distributors and points of sale to distribute the inks and toners, or whether they will come directly from HP. Nor is it clear exactly what additional data, if any, HP will collect from end-users printers other than the page and yield information.

How is it Working in the UK?

Darren Turner runs My Total Office Solutions as part of the Fleet Services Group in the UK. He told RT Media, “HP has been offering subscriptions here for a while.” He urges consumers to be aware the basic service only covers a small number of pages. “Extra charges can be racked up very quickly making it quite expensive. Also, it doesn’t include the cost of the printer or a lifetime warranty either.”

“In this model, they cut the dealer out of the loop,” said Turner. “The subscription is direct with HP and you have to purchase one of their printers optimised for this service.”

In the UK, replacement cartridges are also posted directly to the end-user when the printer sends a notification to HP that it’s running low on ink.

Turner also offers a home and small office printing service for £11.99 a month. His servive includes a multifunction printer, lifetime warranty, unlimited printing and guaranteed fixed prices for the life of the agreement. “This is what end-users really want as it provides certainty and peace of mind.”