If you live in select areas of Wisconsin (Merrill, Manitowoc, and La Crosse) you can now get your inkjet printer cartridges refilled at ACE Hardware stores. ACE has struck a deal with inkjet cartridge refill machine company INK-O-DEM to put the refill machines in their stores.

This is an interesting move for ACE, who seems to be putting franchises in within shopping centers located with in suburban communities. The smaller stores fit nicely in to the small scale retail shops in neighborhood strip malls. ACE has also taken to trying to be that all-in-one source for all things hardware related. Granted their prices are considerably higher than a Home Depot or Lowes, but I can be at ACE within 1-2 minutes. It will take me 10-15 to get to Home Depot. For small purchases, ACE is the place!

Okay, back to printer cartridges. The partnership with INK-O-DEM would be an example of their move to offer another service to keep those living around the strip mall coming in. Most neighborhood strip malls don’t have any kind of office supply store or electronics store. If I need printer cartridges I need to make the 10-15 minute drive to Staples or Best Buy, or wait 3-5 days if I order online. Now I make my 1-2 minute drive to ACE and get my cartridges refilled, maybe even get my knives sharpened while  am there!

Convenience is king, so this seems to be a smart move by ACE. But wait, maybe we should ask Walgreens or CostCo how they feel? They’ve used INK-O-DEM’s refill machines.

Refill services are sold as a “cash cow”. When you look at the plan on paper it seems to be a no branier. The big expense is the refill machine. Not sure what types of deals, leases, etc large companies like Walgreens, CostCo, or ACE get, but after you pay for that machine your only cost is to keep it filled with ink. When you are charging $9.99 – $14.99 to refill a cartridge that cost you pennies in ink, you are making some great margins. Maybe the corporate executives are not the best to ask. Let’s talk about what the customers are saying.

First, there are those that swear by these refill machines. They love the financial and environmental savings. The print quality works for them.

Second, there are those that think these machines are the scourge of the earth. Why?

1. The ink used by the refill machines is the not same ink that comes in the original cartridge. Some notice the difference and approve of the print quality.
2. Cartridges are designed to wear out. You can’t continually refill a cartridge. Because of the heating and cooling elements that make it function the cartridge will not print forever. You need to be prepared for this day.
3. Cartridges clog, especially when they run out of ink, but even when they are full. If you cartridge runs empty, you better get it filled right away. The longer you wait, the more likely it becomes that the print head will clog. When that happens you will need to buy a new cartridge.
4. Refill services are only available for HP, Lexmark, and Dell cartridges. If you have Epson, Canon, Brother, or any other cartridge brands you are out of luck.

If you are willing to take a chance, refill machines might just be the thing for  you. If you’ve got a low tolerance for risk (with your printer cartridges), stay away. What are your thoughts? Let me know. Thanks!