HP Photo Value Pack Custom 57 Series - print cartridge / paper kit

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• 2 stars

  Deceptive practice by HP--EXERCISE CAUTION!

  by msreduch on August 7, 2009

  Pros: Good quality ink

  Cons: Packaging as "value" extremely deceptive.
  Very poor business practice.

  Summary: The first thing to know is that the "value pack" ink carts are NOT FULL SIZE. In fact, they will print only 100 prints, compared to 500 prints for the ...

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  Summary: The first thing to know is that the "value pack" ink carts are NOT FULL SIZE. In fact, they will print only 100 prints, compared to 500 prints for the standard (17 ml) size.
  
  
  PACKAGING SAYS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THIS--check HP site where I found this little factoid. Read on.
  
  I have used HP inks and printers exclusively and successfully since day #1 of my first computer. I have purchased numerous "value packs," particularly 57's and 58's.. I am not wild about HP photo papers, preferring to use Epson, but as a bonus "add-on," I will take them.
  
  Lately, I began to notice I was using up carts very quickly.
  
  What a shock when before placing yet another order, I actually computed the costs of the items in this "value" package. Figure it yourself and see.
  
  The prices used here were taken directly from HP's site. Here is what I discovered:
  
  #57 regular single pack--does 500 prints--$39.99= $.0799 per print
  
  #57 "value" single pack--does 100 prints--$32.99= $.3299 per print
  
  100 prints x $.0799 per print= $7.99 worth of ink
  $32.99 minus $7.99= $25.00 actual cost of paper included in "value" pack
  
  A pack of 100 4 x 6 photo paper available on same site for $14.99. (And regularly available at big box stores BOGO-making this even a worse deal.)
  
  $25.00-$14.99=$10.01 Cost of taking advantage of this "value."
  
  Finding out I have been getting ripped off by HP=priceless.
  
  Does this company need the money that badly?????????
  
  I am sending a copy of this review to HP--I expect no answer whatsoever.
  
  Just be careful and be sure you know what you are actually buying. In the case of one cart, the rip was not as bad--one was even dead even, but certainly not an extra "value," especially if you prefer other paper brands.

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