HP Instant Ink: Difference between revisions

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| Official Website = [https://instantink.hpconnected.com HP Instant Ink]

| Logo = Hp-ii-logo.webp

}}'''HP Instant Ink''' is a subscription service launched by [[HP Inc.]] for ~~their~~ printers in late 2013.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220503181925/https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ ~~"HP launches new Instant Ink programme The Recycler via Internet Archive]" -~~ archive~~.org~~ - ~~archived~~ 2022-~~05-22~~</ref> Consumers with compatible printers can choose from five different plans based on their usage volume and receive a set amount of ink each month to cover that usage. The monthly price includes the relevant ink or toner, delivery, and recycling of used cartridges.

}}'''HP Instant Ink''' is a subscription service launched by [[HP Inc.]] for its printers in late 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Sep 2013 |title=HP launches new Instant Ink programme |url=https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503181925/https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=26 Mar 2023 |website=The Recycler}}</ref> Consumers with compatible printers can choose from five different plans based on their usage volume and receive a set amount of ink each month to cover that usage. The monthly price includes the relevant ink or toner, delivery, and recycling of used cartridges.

In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>[https://~~archive~~.is/~~yFWIQ "HP~~ paper ~~Add~~-~~on Service"]~~ -archive.is - ~~accessed~~ 2025-~~01-28~~</ref>

In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Never run out of paper again! |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/yFWIQ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref>

Also in 2024 [[HP All-In Plan]], a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be ~~print~~, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>[https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html HP ~~All In Plan~~]</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.

Also in 2024 [[HP All-In Plan]], a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.

==Consumer impact summary==

Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to ~~purchache~~ and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref>. Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time <ref name="TOS">[https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms ~~Terms of service~~ HP ~~instant ink~~] ~~see section 3~~</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.

Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.

Of note is also the limitation to use specific brands of ink extending market control of the manufacturer and locking the consumer to an ecosystem entirely under their control.

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HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>[https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq HP ~~Instant Ink FAQ.~~]</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.

HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.

The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was OEM (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.

The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.

HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

===Cancellation or alteration of plans===

HP Instant Ink can be canceled at any time according to the terms of ~~the~~ service<ref~~>[https:~~/~~/instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms HP Instant Ink Terms]</ref~~> with billing stopping at the end of the month. Upon cancellation, all outstanding debts are collected.

HP Instant Ink can be canceled at any time according to the terms of service<ref name="TOS" /> with billing stopping at the end of the month. Upon cancellation, all outstanding debts are collected.

The HP All-in program can be canceled for free if done within 30 days of enrolling, and the printer is returned within 10 days of cancellation. However, if the subscription has been maintained for longer than 30 days and less than 24 months, there are additional fees to cancel (as per the FAQ on Jan 13).

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===HP+ trial activation and limitation of printer usability===

HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>

HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>

All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.

All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.

==Lawsuit==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | Official Website = [https://instantink.hpconnected.com HP Instant Ink]
 | Logo = Hp-ii-logo.webp
-}}'''HP Instant Ink''' is a subscription service launched by [[HP Inc.]] for their printers in late 2013.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220503181925/https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ "HP launches new Instant Ink programme The Recycler via Internet Archive]" - archive.org - archived 2022-05-22</ref> Consumers with compatible printers can choose from five different plans based on their usage volume and receive a set amount of ink each month to cover that usage. The monthly price includes the relevant ink or toner, delivery, and recycling of used cartridges.
+}}'''HP Instant Ink''' is a subscription service launched by [[HP Inc.]] for its printers in late 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Sep 2013 |title=HP launches new Instant Ink programme |url=https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503181925/https://www.therecycler.com/posts/hp-launches-new-instant-ink-programme/ |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=26 Mar 2023 |website=The Recycler}}</ref> Consumers with compatible printers can choose from five different plans based on their usage volume and receive a set amount of ink each month to cover that usage. The monthly price includes the relevant ink or toner, delivery, and recycling of used cartridges.
-In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>[https://archive.is/yFWIQ "HP paper Add-on Service"] -archive.is - accessed 2025-01-28</ref>
+In 2024, HP began offering paper as part of the monthly plans, for an additional fee. This was rolled out to countries including the US, the UK, metropolitan France, and Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Never run out of paper again! |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/l/v2/paper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/yFWIQ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref>
-Also in 2024 [[HP All-In Plan]], a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be print, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>[https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html HP All In Plan]</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.
+Also in 2024 [[HP All-In Plan]], a new printer-lease program was announced. This program expanded from just cartridges to include a printer that, depending on the tier of subscription, limited the number of pages that could be printed, effectively removing the ability to use third-party cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy hassle-free printing with the HP All-In Plan |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/all-in-plan/printers.html |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The program at the time of writing offers three different printers, each with various printing plans based on the number of pages to be printed, at different prices.
 ==Consumer impact summary==
-Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchache and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref>. Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time <ref name="TOS">[https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms Terms of service HP instant ink] see section 3</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.
+Use of a subscription service for ink/toner cartridges and/or printers allows HP to maintain post-sale control of a product the consumer used to purchase and own outright. Such practices limit autonomy and freedom of consumer to use the products they pay for as they see fit.<ref> See section on limitation of printer usability</ref> Further using a subscription service means the consumer uses these products under specific terms that can change at any time<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |last= |date=Jan 2024 |title=Instant Ink Terms of Service for Consumer & Business Customers |url=https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> leaving them without recourse in many cases.
 Of note is also the limitation to use specific brands of ink extending market control of the manufacturer and locking the consumer to an ecosystem entirely under their control.
@@ Line 63: / Line 63: @@
 |10.48
 |19.98
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 |}
 </div>
-HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>[https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq HP Instant Ink FAQ.]</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.
+HP claims that "most customers save on ink and many save up to 50% compared to buying traditional ink cartridges."<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Instant Ink FAQs |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/instant-ink/faq.html#faq |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=[[HP]]}}</ref> The cost savings are based on the monthly subscription cost of the 700-pages-per-month "Business" plan of the program, and the results are compared to the cost per page to print ISO/IEC 24711 pages on A4 paper in color.
-The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was OEM (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.
+The printers used in the study that led to these findings in the 2022 and 2023 reports<ref>[https://keypointintelligence.com/HPInstantInk Keypoint Intelligence Study]</ref> were all HP branded, and the ink or toner was Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (i.e. not using third-party inks), as HP notes in their FAQ sections. Comparisons were not made with the XL cartridges, which are cheaper per unit of ink.
+HP Chief Financial Officer Marie Meyers has also publicly stated that HP sees a 20% uplift on the value of a consumer (i.e. a consumer spends 20% more with HP) when they are locked into an ink and paper subscription model vs. a traditional transactional pricing model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kunert |first=Paul |date=4 Dec 2023 |title=HP exec says quiet part out loud when it comes to locking in print customers |url=https://www.theregister.com/2023/12/04/hp_printer_lockin/ |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>
 ===Cancellation or alteration of plans===
-HP Instant Ink can be canceled at any time according to the terms of the service<ref>[https://instantink.hpconnected.com/us/en/terms HP Instant Ink Terms]</ref> with billing stopping at the end of the month. Upon cancellation, all outstanding debts are collected.
+HP Instant Ink can be canceled at any time according to the terms of service<ref name="TOS" /> with billing stopping at the end of the month. Upon cancellation, all outstanding debts are collected.
 The HP All-in program can be canceled for free if done within 30 days of enrolling, and the printer is returned within 10 days of cancellation. However, if the subscription has been maintained for longer than 30 days and less than 24 months, there are additional fees to cancel (as per the FAQ on Jan 13).
@@ Line 80: / Line 82: @@
 ===HP+ trial activation and limitation of printer usability===
-HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>
+HP+ is a free six-month trial of HP Instant Ink that comes with a new printer. It is optional, but it is extremely easy for a user to activate HP+ during installation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=M. David |date=9 Sep 2021 |title=HP Instant Ink vs. HP Plus vs. HP Smart: Which Ink Program Saves You the Most? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/hp-instant-ink-vs-hp-plus-vs-hp-smart-which-ink-program-saves-you-the-most |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=PCMag}}</ref> After activating HP+, the printer is permanently flashed with updated firmware, which causes the printer to only accept genuine HP-branded consumables.<ref>https://www-dodrukarki-pl.translate.goog/blog/dlaczego-drukarki-z-serii-hp-nie-obsluguja-zamiennikow?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=pl&_x_tr_pto=wapp</ref>
-All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.
+All HP printer models ending with an "e" (for example ''HP OfficeJet 8035e'') support activating HP+.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=HP+ printers models ending with the letter "e" does not recognize compatible cartridges |url=https://support.shopperplus.com/en/support/solutions/articles/9000227500-hp-printers-models-ending-with-the-letter-e-does-not-recognize-compatible-cartridges |url-status=live |access-date=26 Mar 2025 |website=Shopper+}}</ref> This has the potential to devalue used HP printers in this class, as the previous owner of the printer may have activated HP+, rendering the printer incompatible with cheaper non-OEM replacement ink cartridges or toner.
 ==Lawsuit==