So I think I finally got the right person at a company that manufactures the chips for 9180's that basically reset the ink levels. They are OEM replacement chips, sold in lots of 100 per color cartridge.
So, my question is, I'm considering making up "refill kits" with 5-10 chips for each color, syringes and chip tools (to insert the chip in the correct position in the cartridge.)
I don't have pricing yet, but I'm not looking to make money. Only help to put a solution out there for a stupid problem.
I've done so much research into this, consider these facts...
Basing prices on HP.com alone, so if you can get better pricing, even cheaper... but..
HP38 Ink Carts Avg $28.32ea (Buy 2 get 1 @ 50% off from HP.com)
27ml $1.04 per ml
HP70 Ink Carts Avg $49ea (Buy 2 get 1 @ 50% off from HP.com)
130ml of ink, 4.8 Refills per cartridge, $.48 per ml
Value of Refill @ retail: $136 (4.8 * $28.32)
Cost Per Refill: $10.20
HP91 Ink Carts $220ea (no discounts that I can figure out )
775ml of ink, 28.7 Refills per cartridge $.31per ml
Value of Refill @ retail: $812.88 (28.7 * $28.32)
Cost Per Refill: $7.66
I would GLADLY pay for 70 or 91 cartridges. I mean, 91's, if you print a lot like I do would be an incredible value. Even if the chips cost me $3/each.. that's $11 per cartridge if you use the 91, $13 for the 70's.
Would anyone be interested in these? It would take me a LONG while to go through 100 chips, especially for ONE color.. let alone 800!
Again, I'm not looking to make money.. I just want to be able to break even on what I have to spend to buy 100 for each color. I also need to find a source for the blunt syringes and the screws that replace the cap, or caps themselves, which I'll talk to the rep about when they call back today.
