How to Compare Printer Subscription Plans

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Calculate your historical print volume

   Access your printer's web interface by entering its IP address in a browser. Navigate to the Reports or Usage History section to identify the total number of pages printed over the last three months. Divide this total by three to establish your average monthly print volume.

   Note: Include both color and monochrome pages in your total count.
2. 2 min

   Analyze tier thresholds and carry-over policies

   Review the pricing tiers offered by your manufacturer. Identify if the plan allows unused pages to roll over to the next billing cycle and confirm the expiration policy for those pages. Prioritize plans that offer at least one month of roll-over to avoid losing value during low-usage periods.

   Note: Some providers offer unlimited rollover, while others cap it at a specific page count.
3. 3 min

   Determine the effective cost per page

   Calculate the price per page for each tier by dividing the monthly subscription fee by the number of included pages. Compare this figure against the estimated cost of purchasing individual high-yield ink cartridges manually. If the subscription cost per page is higher than manual purchasing, only proceed if convenience or automatic delivery is prioritized.

4. 1 min

   Verify hardware compatibility and locking

   Check if the printer model locks to specific proprietary cartridges upon subscription activation. Confirm whether the printer will stop functioning if the subscription is canceled or if the internet connection is lost. Determine if you require the flexibility to use third-party or non-subscription ink in the future.

   Note: Most subscription services require a constant internet connection to monitor page counts.
5. 1 min

   Factor in overage fees

   Examine the cost of exceeding your monthly page limit. Identify the price per set of extra pages and calculate if the cost of an overage tier is higher than simply upgrading to the next monthly plan. Select a tier where your average usage sits at approximately 75% of the total limit to create a buffer.

6. 1 min

   Execute plan enrollment via dashboard

   Log into your manufacturer account portal and select the subscription tab. Input your printer serial number to verify current ink levels and eligibility. Select the plan tier that aligns with your calculated usage and finalize the payment method to activate the automated shipment cycle.

   Note: Disable automatic renewals if you intend to test the service for a limited duration.