If your frugal heart cries a little every time you print a coupon because printer ink is so darn expensive, we’ve got a cure for that.
We’ve found 5 ways to save money printing coupons at home when that spendy ink struggle is real:
1. Be smart about how you print, and only print the coupons you know you’re going to use.
Follow these smart printing tips:
- Print coupons on the days you plan to shop. Most coupons have an expiration date when you print them out, so plan on using them quickly.
- Print three coupons to one page. You can do this on sites like RedPlum, SmartSource or Coupons.com.
- Never print in color.
- If your coupons fit on one page but there are ads at the end, select “Print Page 1” to avoid wasting paper and ink on ads you’ll toss anyway.
2. Stock up on paper from Staples when it’s only $0.01.
Buy printer paper when Staples has a sale on reams for only one cent. This is an in-store deal that only lasts two days. Buy up to three packs, then get everyone you know to do the same for you.
Expect this deal in August or September — right around back-to-school shopping time.
3. Buy an inexpensive laser printer.
Laser printers may cost a little more up front, but you’ll use less ink in the long run.
It’s easy to find a deal on a laser printer for $40-$50 if you follow the KCL website.
4. Get the most out of your ink cartridges.
Instead of panicking when your ink runs out, try these tips to get a little more out of your cartridge:
- Use your blow dryer to squeeze every drop of ink out of the cartridge. The heat will thin out any remaining ink and clear blockages.
- Shake it. First, cover the opening with a paper towel, then shake the cartridge 15-20 times. This works with laser printers that use black powder instead of liquid or gel ink.
- Get money back when you recycle ink cartridges at Staples, Office Depot & Office Max.
- Refill your own printer ink.
5. Skip printing coupons completely. Use rebate apps instead.
Use rebate apps like Ibotta or Checkout51 instead of printing coupons. You’ll get manufacturer savings without spending a dime on ink.
