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The high price of an inkjet cartridge has had an unprecedented effect on the printer and ink market. Printer manufacturers usually use a sales method closely associated with selling razors. Companies that make shaving razors are known for selling the initial product (the razor itself) for cheaper than it costs to produce and distribute it. Then these companies up charge the refillable part (the changeable razor heads) in an effort to make their money back. The mentality behind this is that consumers have already sunk money into the initial product, so they will pay more to continue using it. Even some video game and audiovisual manufacturers practice this method, but it has led to an unintended effect.

Many consumers are now turning to third party companies to buy an inkjet cartridge, since these companies do not abide by the same economics. Since these companies did not sink money into the initial product, they are able to sell refills for much cheaper. Although this can hurt the original manufacturer, it is extremely beneficial to consumers. This way, consumers are not as likely to repurchase and dispose of the original product, just to save money. Since this is so wasteful, many consumers have found new ways to save on ink prices.

Another trend that this has led to is the recycling or reusing of old cartridges. Consumers can send in old cartridges and receive cash or a discount, or they can refill them themselves. When people choose to refill these cartridges, it can be very annoying. This has also led to people building custom ink distribution systems that supply ink from an outside reservoir. Although this can be time consuming, it essentially means that the process only has to be done a single time and future ink changes are as simple as filling up an external reservoir.