inkJet Price per Print (4x6 and 13x19)

[BrandonSi]

Just curious if anyone has figured out their per print cost for color 4x6 and 13x19. Specifics on a i9900 or 1800/2200 would be great, but any estimated cost would be appreciated. I'm trying to get the per unit cost factoring in paper and ink, etc.. Thanks!! :)

[robertwgross]

The figures will vary for each printer brand and model.

Just for rough numbers, I estimate that I put one dollar's worth of ink on each square foot of paper. It's actually a little less than that, but then there is waste each time the printer does a self-cleaning.

Also, with some printer brands, the user is warned when the cartridge is almost empty. I ignore that warning. More warnings will be shown. Finally, when the cartridge is completely empty, it will block further printing, and that is when I change cartridges.

I figure that I go through $100-150 worth of cartridges every quarter.

---Bob Gross---

[BrandonSi]

The figures will vary for each printer brand and model.

Just for rough numbers, I estimate that I put one dollar's worth of ink on each square foot of paper. It's actually a little less than that, but then there is waste each time the printer does a self-cleaning.

Also, with some printer brands, the user is warned when the cartridge is almost empty. I ignore that warning. More warnings will be shown. Finally, when the cartridge is completely empty, it will block further printing, and that is when I change cartridges.

I figure that I go through $100-150 worth of cartridges every quarter.

---Bob Gross---

Thanks, I knew the differences would vary from printer to printer, but I like the $1/sq.ft estimate, that helps, now to research paper prices!

[MTalley]

Sorry I missed this one. I've kept meticulous records on ink and paper usage on my Epson R800. As of right now, ink costs (using Epson inks at $14 a cartridge) run right at $1.29 US per 8x10 page. Using the square foot method, that comes out to $2.32 per sq. ft.

Paper is running me about $0.75 a page for premium glossy or premium luster, buying in 50 page increments from B&H.

[robertwgross]

Paper is running me about $0.75 a page for premium glossy or premium luster, buying in 50 page increments from B&H.

Yes, you can beat that price slightly, but with shipping cost and/or taxes, it is close to 75 cents each. Probaly 98% of all of the printing I do is on Epson Premium Luster.

---Bob Gross---

[MTalley]

I generally try to order paper along with other supplies. I do my proof sheets on premium glossy and final output on the luster paper (which is fabulous, by the way). B&H's price is about $0.60 a sheet for either, before shipping or taxes (though they don't charge me tax).

The only supplies I can buy in town is the premium glossy paper, though Orifice Depot wants $36 for 50 sheets. Add on our local outrageous sales tax of 10% and it's about $0.80 a sheet. Even shipped separately, the paper is cheaper from B&H.

Since I have to buy ink and luster paper mail order, it just makes sense to buy all of it that way. I'll grab a package of glossy locally if I have to get some proofs out. OTOH, I'm getting ready to set up a secure web site to replace the printed proof process as much as I can.

[Poco]

What is the advatage of printing things yourself at this cost when Costco (at least in Canada) does a digital 8x12 for $1.99 and 4x6 for $0.18?

[ejwebb]

You may be happy with the results you get from Costco - if so, that's fine. I let the bulk processors do the 4X6 snapshots and they come out fine. I have also had 8X10's made at Sam's Club and they look great - but I still prefer my prints on the i9100. Also, once you get into larger sizes (11X14 and 13X19) it is cheaper to do it at home than the local photolabs - Sam's Club and Walmart, etc. can't usually do anything that large.

Control over the output is really the reason I like to print at home. I can consistently get what I see on the monitor - and experiment with different crops and adjustments. When you send then out you never really know what you will get back.

Do what works for you...there is no right answer!!

[lostdoggy]

For the wife I'll print a few on the printer, but last time she ask for prints she wanted around 500. I wasn't going to sit around to print 500 picture even if they were 4x6. Without modification I uploaded them to winkflash.com for 0.16 a print and 0.99 shipping. 3 days later they arrive on my door step 500 prints total cost $80.99. And for 8.5x11 Premium Glossy paper I pickup 125 sheet Kirkland Brand from Costco for $15. Works great on my Epson. No puddling like Kodak paper or HP. Pickup 4x6 100 sheet Epson Premium Glossy Photo Paper from Micro Center for $7 and 50 sheet Epson Matte Heavyweight Paper for $5.

[MTalley]

Depends on quality, I guess. I haven't priced WalMart or other similar labs for large print prices. Our local photo lab (who I would trust more with my prints) charges $4.99 for an 8x10. I can print one out for about $2.00.

OTOH, I'm going down to the lab on Monday and set up a Pro account, now that I have my business license and tax numbers in hand.

All around, though, 4x6's are cheapest almost anywhere but from a home printer. As of now, I can only get two 4x6's from a full 8.5x11 sheet of Epson Premium paper, making my per-print cost almost $1.00 each. Even the pro lab can do them for substantially less.

[ejwebb]

As of now, I can only get two 4x6's from a full 8.5x11 sheet of Epson Premium paper

While I don't disagree that most everywhere is cheaper than home for 4X6's, you should be getting 3 4X6's on each sheet of 8.5X11!!