Toner is the most expensive part of the running cost of a printer and as such, many owners constantly seek ways to save on toner cartridges. In effect, statistics indicate that total pay schedules for toner cartridges are seven times more than the cost of a printer used over a five-year period. With such grim statistics, it is essential that one learn ways to save on toner cartridges. Firstly, knowing what type of toner cartridges one intends to purchase goes a long way towards avoiding marketing pitfalls that grace most modern markets. Based on one's printing needs, one should be able to identify which toner cartridges will work best for his individual situation. Toner cartridge yield is usually a good yardstick to determine the kind one may wish to buy. Educated purchase decisions often lead one towards a cost saving path that helps one avoid impulsive purchase tendencies.

Additionally, one should always strive to purchase toner cartridges that are compatible to one's specific printer. These cartridges are often new toner cartridges manufactured by third parties. With increased technological advances, these replacement cartridges are increasingly being made to match the specificity of most modern printers. This has resulted in high quality replacement cartridges that are often as good in quality those made by the more acclaimed manufacturers. Purchase of remanufactured cartridges also serves as an effective means of saving on toner cartridges. These are often empty cartridges that are filled with new toner for a specific printer. They are also made by third party companies who ensure that a quality test is undertaken. This guarantees that the final product is of good quality and unlikely to burden the buyer with technical problems in future.

Toner refill kits may also be bought as a means of saving on toner cartridges. These toner refill kits provide one with the appropriate instructions that one may require to be able to refill his own toner cartridge. The entire refill process takes a little more than ten minutes if followed carefully. Refills assure the user of at least three consecutive uses of the toner cartridge before eventual replacement is undertaken. To save money, one may also opt to replace the drum that is contained in the printer. This allows one to effectively address the problem of improper prints while avoiding resultant expensive printer repairs. Also, when buying the toner cartridge, one should make sure that he buys a toner with its own drum. This serves as one effective means of cost saving and most toner companies allow one to do this with their printers.

Before making a final purchase decision, a market survey of toner cartridges proves important. Bargains on quality toner cartridges may also be made and thus effectively reduce monetary amounts spent on toner replacements. Online stores are a good avenue to check for discounts and special offers wherefrom one may take advantage of these cost saving opportunities. As with any other purchase, buying toner cartridges in bulk will often cut costs because of economies of scale. Rather than just buying an individual toner cartridge, one may opt to buy several cartridges in a one-purchase event thereby reducing purchase occasions. This will generally translate into time and cost savings on toner cartridges.