Cut Printing Costs, Save On Ink and Paper | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Fresno, CA Consumer Reports Paul Reynolds said, "We found some printers cost three times more to print an eight-by-ten photo and five times more to print this page of text."

No matter which printer you have, there are ways to cut costs. Like the setting to print in "fast" or "draft" mode to save ink.

Also helpful, preview before printing so you can eliminate unwanted pages.

"It's especially important when you're printing Web pages, so you don't end up with a page like this with only a line or two," said Reynolds.

You'll also save on paper if you use a smaller font and set smaller margins to fit more on a page.

With most printers that means looking under printer properties and clicking on "duplex printing." It prints every other page and then you reload the paper to print on the other side. But some printers make it a lot easier. They print on one side and then automatically retract the paper to print on the back.

And one more money-saving move - recycle your empty ink cartridges and get a refund. For example: at Staples you'll get a three-dollar coupon for each HP, Dell or Lexmark cartridge you return.

Some manufacturers offer loyalty programs for repeat buyers. HP's "My Print Rewards" offers discounts and free shipping.