If you are a brand-new computer owner and are just getting used to managing the printer, you will soon learn that the ink will run out and you will have to buy a replacement printer cartridge. Depending on the brand and model of printer that you use, a replacement cartridge can cost on average from $60 to close to $200. Each cartridge can provide ink for about 5,000 to 10,000 copies, depending on how many characters are printed on each page.

You can sometimes find cheaper printer cartridges for sale on the Internet. But you have to be careful about purchasing them online, since some deals may not be legitimate, and you also have to worry about making sure your credit card number remains secure. But if it pans out, this can be a convenient way to save shopping time and costs.

The best place to buy replacement cartridges for most people is the local office supply store like Staple’s or Office Max. These stores tend to carry many brands and a good supply, so there’s a good chance they will have what you need when you need it. Other chain department stores may carry a limited inventory of computer supplies, so call ahead before stopping in to make sure they have your brand and model number.

If you find a printer cartridge on sale, you may want to stock up and get two or more. They can be stored at room temperature for a long time, and then you won’t have to worry about running out of ink in the middle of an important printing job. If your favorite office supply store doesn’t carry your brand on the shelf, ask the manager if he can order it for you unless you want to take your chances and shop elsewhere.