So you scored an amazing deal on ink cartridges during that clearance sale at Office Depot, didn’t you? Maybe you grabbed a dozen HP cartridges for half price, or stumbled upon a liquidation event where Epson ink was practically being given away. Smart move! But now you’re staring at boxes of unused ink cartridges stacked in your closet, wondering what to do with all that excess inventory.
Here’s the good news: those cartridges sitting in your home office aren’t just taking up space; they’re actually worth money. Let’s show you exactly what you can do with them.
Why People End Up with Extra Ink Cartridges?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about how we all end up here. Maybe you switched to a different printer model. Perhaps your business went paperless faster than expected. Or maybe (like me once upon a time) you got a little too excited about that 70% off clearance sticker and bought way more than you needed.
Whatever the reason, you’re not alone. Thousands of Americans have unopened, unused ink cartridges gathering dust. The key is knowing that these cartridges have value, sometimes significant value, if you know where to look.
Where Can I Sell Ink Cartridges?
This is probably your biggest question, right? The answer is: more places than you’d think. The market for unused ink cartridges is surprisingly robust because printer ink remains one of the most expensive liquids per ounce that people regularly buy. Businesses, schools, and home offices are always looking for ways to save on printing costs.
Online Buyback Programs
Several companies specialize in buying unused ink cartridges directly from consumers. These buyback programs are legitimate businesses that purchase surplus inventory and resell it to retailers or consumers at a discount. Surplus Toner Buyer will actually pay you cash for those cartridges sitting in your closet.
The process is straightforward: you provide information about the cartridges you have (brand, model number, quantity), send us your quote, and when we mutually accept, we go to the shipping stage. Once the cartridges are received and verified, you get paid via check or PayPal or any other method you’d prefer. Easy, right?
Getting Cash for Ink Cartridges: What You Need to Know
Not all ink cartridges are created equal when it comes to resale value. Understanding what makes cartridges valuable will help you maximize your returns.
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
Original manufacturer cartridges (OEM) from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother command the highest prices. These are what buyback programs and resellers really want. Compatible or remanufactured cartridges have little to no resale value.
Popular Models Are Worth More
Cartridges for common printer models sell faster and for more money. Check current selling prices online before accepting any buyback offers—you might be sitting on more valuable inventory than you realize.
Expiration Dates Matter
Yes, ink cartridges have expiration dates, usually printed on the packaging. While expired cartridges can still work, they’re worth significantly less. If your clearance cartridges are approaching their expiration date, sell them sooner rather than later.
Alternative Options Beyond Selling
Maybe selling isn’t your thing, or perhaps you want to feel good about where your cartridges end up. Here are some other options:
Donate to Schools or Nonprofits
Schools and nonprofit organizations always need printer supplies. Your leftover inventory could be a tax-deductible donation that helps a good cause. Plus, you’ll free up that closet space while doing something positive for your community.
Trade with Local Businesses
Got a relationship with a local print shop, office supply store, or small business? Some are willing to trade or barter. Maybe they need the specific cartridges you have and can offer store credit, services, or even cash.
Making the Most of Your Clearance Finds
The whole point of buying on clearance is to save money or make money, right? But, before you buy cartridges on clearance in the future, do a quick market check. Look up what those specific models are selling for on buyback sites and resale platforms. If you can buy them for $5 on clearance and sell them for $15 or $20, that’s a no-brainer side hustle.
Some savvy folks actually make regular income doing exactly this; buying discounted office supplies on clearance and flipping them online. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s legitimate cash for ink cartridges that requires minimal effort.
The Bottom Line
Your leftover ink cartridge inventory isn’t a burden, but it’s an actual opportunity. Whether you choose to sell through buyback programs, online marketplaces, or local platforms, there’s a market waiting for what you have. The key is taking action before those cartridges expire or become obsolete.
So dig out those boxes, check the model numbers, and turn that clearance score into cold, hard cash by sending them over to Surplus Toner Buyer. Your closet will thank you, and so will your wallet.