Reputable ink supplier?

[Jacques E. Bouchard]

I'm looking for a reputable bulk ink supplier (other than re-inks.com or
its numerous incarnations) that sells quality ink but also refill bottles
with needles. Re-inks currently does not.

Someone else gave me a link to an electronic supplier for bottles, but
shipping would cost me as much as the bottles themselves.

I'd prefer a Canadian supplier, but will deal with a US supplier if price
(after exchange) is competitive. Re-inks.com costs me $12.50 CAN per 8oz
bottle, and shipping is free for orders over $50.

Thanks.


jaybee

 

[Burt]

I'm looking for a reputable bulk ink supplier (other than re-inks.com or
its numerous incarnations) that sells quality ink but also refill bottles
with needles. Re-inks currently does not.

Someone else gave me a link to an electronic supplier for bottles, but
shipping would cost me as much as the bottles themselves.

I'd prefer a Canadian supplier, but will deal with a US supplier if price
(after exchange) is competitive. Re-inks.com costs me $12.50 CAN per 8oz
bottle, and shipping is free for orders over $50.

Thanks.


jaybee

I think that I was the person who gave you the link for the refill bottles,
Jacques. In the US the shipping was around $4 to $5, as I recall. Even if
the bottles cost you $2 US to $2.50 US apiece, they make the workflow for
refilling so much easier that I'd still suggest you buy them. I don't
recall which printer you have, but you certainly don't need all ten bottles
that they sell in each package. The top cap that has the fitting for the
leur lock needles can be damaged if you overtighten the needle base into the
fitting on the cap, so it won't hurt to have a few extras. OR - you can
pass them on to a friend who is interested in refilling their carts. Unless
you have a really cheap (or free) access to syringes and needles (I'm a
retired dentist and picked some up from a friend who is still in practice)
Syringes will cost you something, so spending a few dollars more for the
squeeze bottles is minimal and, in my estimation, is a good investment in
making the refilling process neater and easier. I've been told that the
squeeze bottles that are accordian pleated are not good to use, but I've
never tried them.

I don't know anything about re-inks. I've personally been happy with MIS
and Computer Friends inks. I set up a friend with Hobbicolor inks for his
ip5000 Canon printer and the photos look excellent. I also gave him the
four squeeze bottles I didn't need. Taliesyn, in Canada, presently uses
Hobbicolor inks. Get the phone number from their web site and call them.
They will also sell larger kits or individual ink quantities than they show
on their web site and you can also buy spare carts from them. Their kit
does come with one syringe if you go for the kits.

 

[Jacques E. Bouchard]

I think that I was the person who gave you the link for the refill
bottles, Jacques. In the US the shipping was around $4 to $5, as I
recall. Even if the bottles cost you $2 US to $2.50 US apiece, they
make the workflow for refilling so much easier that I'd still suggest
you buy them.

Shipping to Canada is about $10 US for the cheapest option. Since I also
need to order ink for my new printer, I'd prefer ordering everything
from the same place.

Re-inks has needles for $1 (CAN) a piece, so unless I find an
alternative I'll just buy from them as usual and fashion refill bottles
myself.

I don't know anything about re-inks. I've personally been happy with
MIS and Computer Friends inks. I set up a friend with Hobbicolor inks
for his ip5000 Canon printer and the photos look excellent. I also
gave him the four squeeze bottles I didn't need. Taliesyn, in Canada,
presently uses Hobbicolor inks. Get the phone number from their web
site and call them. They will also sell larger kits or individual ink
quantities than they show on their web site and you can also buy spare
carts from them. Their kit does come with one syringe if you go for
the kits.

I checked them out, and they can't currently beat re-inks for price, nor
do they offer refill bottles (only syringes).

Hobbicolor only has dye ink, and I need pigmented black.

Thanks for your great input! Your link for the refill bottles was truly
appreciated, at least it got me looking around.


jaybee

 

[Taliesyn]

Shipping to Canada is about $10 US for the cheapest option. Since I also
need to order ink for my new printer, I'd prefer ordering everything
from the same place.

Re-inks has needles for $1 (CAN) a piece, so unless I find an
alternative I'll just buy from them as usual and fashion refill bottles
myself.




I checked them out, and they can't currently beat re-inks for price, nor
do they offer refill bottles (only syringes).

On the positive, the kits for HobbiColors BCI-6 inks come with blank
cartridges included. And my last order arrived in 6 days, right through
Canada Customs duty free.

Hobbicolor only has dye ink, and I need pigmented black.

That's not true, their black is pigmented, I use it. I'd be the first to
know if it wasn't. Check out their kits on eBay - put "HobbiColors" in
the search box.

-Taliesyn

 

[measekite]

I'm looking for a reputable bulk ink supplier (other than re-inks.com or
its numerous incarnations) that sells quality ink but also refill bottles
with needles. Re-inks currently does not.

if you do not want to know what you are buying then you might find a few
relablers.

 

[Jacques E. Bouchard]

That's not true, their black is pigmented, I use it. I'd be the first
to know if it wasn't. Check out their kits on eBay - put "HobbiColors"
in the search box.

Do they have both? My ip4200 has two black tanks for dye and pigmented.


jaybee

 

[measekite]

On the positive, the kits for HobbiColors BCI-6 inks come with blank
cartridges included. And my last order arrived in 6 days, right
through Canada Customs duty free.


That's not true, their black is pigmented, I use it. I'd be the first
to know if it wasn't. Check out their kits on eBay - put "HobbiColors"
in the search box.

they stated they will not disclose what they are selling because they do
not want their customers going to their suppliers. i did not beleive
that excuse

 

[Taliesyn]

Do they have both? My ip4200 has two black tanks for dye and pigmented.

Yes. They actually offer two kits for the iP4200. One with pure pigment
black and one with the black as a mixture of dye and pigment. See
explanation in the ad that uses the mix. Price difference is $1. ($15.95
vs $16.95).

Your inks (iP4200) would be the last two on the below link list. Same
kits except one uses pure pigment black, the other dye/pigment mix. Your
decision. The kit for my iP4000 and iP5000 uses the pure pigment black.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkbay2002QQhtZ-1

I believe shipping is $6 US (to Canada), check with them.

-Taliesyn

 

[Taliesyn]

they stated they will not disclose what they are selling because they do
not want their customers going to their suppliers. i did not beleive
that excuse

Who gives a shit! I buy the ink from them and have no interest in
buying the same ink from their supplier (which may actually be themselves).

-Taliesyn

 

[measekite]

Yes. They actually offer two kits for the iP4200. One with pure
pigment black and one with the black as a mixture of dye and pigment.
See explanation in the ad that uses the mix. Price difference is $1.
($15.95 vs $16.95).

this ink is not designed for the canon ip4200 new formula of ink that is
patented. canon does not have any ink that is a mixture of pigment and
dye. period.

 

[measekite]

Who gives a shit!

very astout buyers

I buy the ink from them and have no interest in buying the same ink
from their supplier (which may actually be themselves).

that is just their excuse for not disclosing what they should disclose
--- the brand of what they sell

 

[Jacques E. Bouchard]

Yes. They actually offer two kits for the iP4200. One with pure pigment
black and one with the black as a mixture of dye and pigment. See
explanation in the ad that uses the mix. Price difference is $1. ($15.95
vs $16.95).

Your inks (iP4200) would be the last two on the below link list. Same
kits except one uses pure pigment black, the other dye/pigment mix. Your
decision. The kit for my iP4000 and iP5000 uses the pure pigment black.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZkbay2002QQhtZ-1

I believe shipping is $6 US (to Canada), check with them.

A bit small at 2oz, as I buy 8oz bottles. I only need the bulk ink,
really, not the kit.

And is ebay the only way to get the ink? I was under the impression one
could order directly from hobbicolors. After a couple of bad
experiences, I swore off ebay's shady grey-market aspect that seems to
be more and more prevalent.



jaybee

 

[Taliesyn]

very astout buyers

Hack troll, who's never used generic inks, telling me - a successful
user of generic inks for about 10 years - how to buy ink! Yawn....

-Taliesyn

 

[Taliesyn]

A bit small at 2oz, as I buy 8oz bottles. I only need the bulk ink,
really, not the kit.

And is ebay the only way to get the ink? I was under the impression one
could order directly from hobbicolors.

I don't know, email them with your special request. Maybe they can sell
you 8oz worth and no syringes.

I always buy direct through eBay. Last order came in just six days after
I clicked "buy". If I ordered by mail it would add another week. Too
long for me in this Internet age of "I want it now".

-Taliesyn

 

[Ian]

Basically any generic black ink will work just as good as OEM in a
Canon printer.

 

[trevor]

I'm looking for a reputable bulk ink supplier (other than re-inks.com or
its numerous incarnations) that sells quality ink but also refill bottles
with needles. Re-inks currently does not.

Someone else gave me a link to an electronic supplier for bottles, but
shipping would cost me as much as the bottles themselves.

I'd prefer a Canadian supplier, but will deal with a US supplier if price
(after exchange) is competitive. Re-inks.com costs me $12.50 CAN per 8oz
bottle, and shipping is free for orders over $50.

Thanks.


jaybee

Hello Jacques,

Maybe you can give the outfit I represent a shot. For your order, I'd
suggest just getting in touch via the toll-free number you'll find on the
Contact Us page at http://thINK4inc.com. You'll be able to describe your
requirements in detail and work out shipping terms at the same time.

-Trevor

 

[measekite]

Jacques E. Bouchard wrote:




Hello Jacques,

Maybe you can give the outfit I represent a shot.

this is not a commercial ng. you should not solicit business here

 

[Ian]

Hello Jacques,

Maybe you can give the outfit I represent a shot. For your order, I'd
suggest just getting in touch via the toll-free number you'll find on the
Contact Us page at http://thINK4inc.com. You'll be able to describe your
requirements in detail and work out shipping terms at the same time.

-Trevor

Are you willing to disclose the ink you use? Or are you a relabler that
hides his problematic ink?

 

[trevor]

Are you willing to disclose the ink you use? Or are you a relabler that
hides his problematic ink?

Hi Ian, I know that "we" use inks from a number of different suppliers.
Unfortunately, some of these are guarded secrets so I can't just come out
and tell you. Often, we source product from the same manufacturers that the
OEMs do, and that puts the source "overseas". That's as much as I can tell
you without getting fired. And shot at sundown. And buried in a shallow
grave where vermin are sure to nibble on me.

What I am interested in is this whole question of "relabeling". The major
OEM manufacturers "relabel" all the time. Have you noticed how cartridges
from one manufacturer fit another manufacturer's printer? It's the same
hardware platform being relabeled and sold as "Lexmark" or "Dell" or
what-have-you. You know this, don't you? Or is this news?

Now as to problematic ink, this is where I am in the odd position of
defending Measekite. I'll admit this on behalf of a company that's been
working since 1991 to deliver value: sometimes it screws up.

In other words, we've been suckered just like many of "you". It happens.
That's where our 100% satisfaction guarantee comes in. If we ship a
defective product, you get your money back. In other words, we don't make
money off selling inferior products. We make money off selling superior
products for less.

That's why "we" like Measekite. If you never, ever go aftermarket, you are
reasonably assured of specified performance. Of course, if you can live
with $.13 per sheet, you have no problems.

I myself have a budget to maintain, just like everybody else. I understand
how the aftermarket can save money and improve quality, but it's on a
case-by-case basis and CAVEAT EMPTOR. Let the buyer beware. This is good
advice no matter where or who you are in life.

Thanks for the question. It was a good one.

-Trevor

 

[trevor]

measekite ran up and shouted:

this is not a commercial ng. you should not solicit business here

Yeah, OK. I guess that one kind of crossed the line. I dunno, it was a
question and I gave a response.

WAIT A MINUTE. Measekite, you sly fox, you did it to me again. If someone
has a question and you think you have an answer, isn't this what Usenet is
all about? Besides, if I have forgot to appropriately warn the user as to
down-sides, there is always you, Measekite, ready to correct me or add
another viewpoint. How can the OP lose?

Swear to God, Measekite, one of these days I'll learn to see your foxy traps
before I stumble into them.

One of these days, Measekite. One of these days

-Trevor