Printers are essential tools for home offices, small businesses, and students. However, finding an affordable printer, along with necessary accessories like ink cartridges, paper, and cables, can sometimes be challenging. Here’s a guide to help you discover the best deals on printers and accessories, so you can get what you need without overspending.
1. Shop During Major Sales Events
Seasonal sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales are prime times to find discounts on printers and accessories. Retailers often offer steep discounts and bundle deals during these events, including both the printer and essential accessories.
Key Sale Events for Printer Deals
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November): Known for major discounts, many retailers provide deals on popular printer brands like HP, Canon, and Brother.
- Back-to-School Season (July-August): With high demand for office supplies, this season offers excellent discounts on printers and accessories like paper and ink.
- End-of-Year Clearance: Retailers clear out inventory in December and January to make room for new models, often reducing prices on printers and accessories.
Planning your purchase around these events can help you secure substantial savings, particularly if you’re looking for a high-quality or multifunction printer.
2. Check Online Marketplaces and Retailers
Online marketplaces and retailers offer competitive pricing on printers and accessories. Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart provide a wide selection and frequently run sales, even outside major shopping holidays.
Top Online Retailers for Printer Deals
- Amazon: Known for discounts on both new and refurbished items, Amazon frequently offers deals on printers and accessories like ink and toner.
- Best Buy: Regular discounts and a price-matching policy help ensure you’re getting a competitive price on printers here.
- Office Supply Stores: Staples and Office Depot have dedicated printer sections, with sales and rewards programs to maximize savings.
Online retailers provide convenient shipping and price-match guarantees, making it easier to find the best deal.
3. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Options
Refurbished or open-box printers provide excellent savings without sacrificing quality. These units are usually tested for functionality and often come with warranties, offering a reliable, budget-friendly alternative.
Where to Find Refurbished and Open-Box Printers
- Certified Refurbished Programs: Brands like HP and Epson sell certified refurbished printers directly from their websites, often with warranties.
- Retailers Like Best Buy and Amazon: These retailers offer open-box or renewed printers at reduced prices, backed by return policies and warranties.
- eBay: Many sellers offer refurbished or open-box printers, often at a significant discount, though it’s best to choose sellers with high ratings.
Choosing refurbished or open-box printers can yield substantial savings, with many models nearly indistinguishable from new ones in quality.
4. Look for Bundles with Accessories
Some retailers offer printer bundles that include essential accessories like ink cartridges, paper, or cables. These bundles often provide better overall deals than buying items separately.
Best Places to Find Printer Bundles
- Amazon and Walmart: These retailers frequently offer bundles that include ink cartridges or extra paper.
- Office Supply Stores: Staples and Office Depot sometimes offer bundles for popular printers with included accessories.
- Manufacturer Websites: Brands like Canon and Brother offer special bundles on their sites, often combining printers with useful accessories.
Opting for bundles can lead to savings on initial costs and reduce the need to buy accessories later, ideal for frequent printers.
5. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs
Cashback apps, credit card rewards, and retailer loyalty programs can provide additional savings on printers and accessories.
Popular Cashback and Rewards Options
- Rakuten and Honey: Cashback apps offering rebates on purchases at partner retailers, including major tech and office supply stores.
- Credit Card Rewards: Many credit cards provide cashback or points on electronics purchases.
- Retailer Loyalty Programs: Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot offer rewards programs, allowing points on purchases for future savings.
Combining cashback apps with retailer rewards maximizes your savings and helps you stay within budget.
6. Shop Around for Compatible Ink and Toner
Printer ink and toner can be costly, so it’s worth comparing prices. Third-party companies often sell compatible ink and toner cartridges at lower prices than brand-name options.
Tips for Finding Affordable Ink and Toner
- Third-Party Brands: Companies like LD Products and 123inkjets offer compatible ink cartridges at lower prices.
- Subscription Options: Programs like HP Instant Ink deliver ink on a regular schedule, ideal for frequent printing.
- Bulk Purchases: Buying ink or toner in bulk from sites like Amazon or eBay can lead to additional savings.
Ensure that third-party cartridges are compatible with your printer model to avoid issues with print quality.
7. Use Price-Comparison Tools and Deal Sites
Price-comparison tools and deal sites allow you to see the best current deals on printers and accessories, tracking prices across retailers and notifying you of sales.
Best Price-Comparison Tools and Deal Sites
- Google Shopping: Compare prices across multiple retailers for an overview of the best current deals.
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks Amazon prices over time, alerting you when prices drop.
- Slickdeals and TechBargains: These sites feature deals on tech products, including printers and accessories.
Using these tools helps you track prices, ensuring you buy at the best possible moment.
8. Sign Up for Newsletters and Email Alerts
Retailers and manufacturers send newsletters with exclusive discounts and sale notifications. Signing up keeps you informed about deals on printers and accessories.
How to Make the Most of Email Alerts
- Sign Up for Multiple Retailers: Registering with various stores like Best Buy, Staples, and Office Depot improves your chances of catching deals.
- Promo Codes: Many emails include promo codes for extra savings on online purchases.
- Follow on Social Media: Some brands announce exclusive deals on social media, so following them can also be beneficial.
Taking advantage of these alerts and social media notifications ensures you never miss a deal on the printer or accessories you need.
9. Buy During Off-Peak Times
Although printer sales are common during back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons, off-peak purchases may yield better prices.
Best Off-Peak Times for Buying Printers
- Late Winter or Early Spring: Demand is lower after the holidays, often resulting in discounted prices.
- End of Fiscal Quarters: Retailers may offer promotions at quarter’s end (March, June, September, December) to meet sales targets.
- Mid-Year Clearance: Look for June or July clearance sales as retailers make space for back-to-school items.
Timing your purchase for off-peak periods can yield better prices than traditional sales events.
10. Don’t Forget Refurbished Accessories
In addition to refurbished printers, accessories like cables, paper, and cartridges are often available at reduced prices in clearance or open-box sections.
Where to Find Refurbished Accessories
- Best Buy and Staples: Both retailers have clearance sections with open-box or refurbished accessories.
- Amazon Warehouse: Amazon offers discounted accessories, including open-box and returned items.
- eBay and Local Resale Sites: Sites like eBay often have secondhand printer accessories at low prices.
Shopping for refurbished accessories allows you to complete your setup affordably and reduces waste.
Finding the best deals on printers and accessories involves strategic shopping around major sales events, off-peak periods, and using price comparison tools. By shopping smart and considering refurbished options, bundles, and cashback programs, you can secure a great deal without compromising quality.
