Stop the Ink-Sanity! Cartridge World Says New Jersey Bill May Help 200,000 Small Businesses

TRENTON, N.J., March 25, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Everyone knows that printer ink is extremely expensive, costing more per ounce than fine champagne. Now, New Jersey lawmakers are stepping up efforts to protect consumers and businesses against questionable pricing tactics by printer manufacturers. The effort is supported by Cartridge World, a global ink and toner retailer with 31 stores in New Jersey.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=24342

Cartridge World is launching the "Stop the Ink-Sanity" public relations campaign to shed a light on printer manufacturers' pricing tactics. The pending New Jersey legislation will make it unlawful for HP, Lexmark and all other printer manufacturers to sell a printer without indicating the average cost per 1,000 printed pages. Plus, page yield information must be disclosed on all new printer ink cartridges. The bill (A628), sponsored by Rep. Paul D. Moriarty (D), passed out of the assembly committee and is currently awaiting hearing on the full assembly floor in the next few weeks. Per the legislation, if the manufacturers don't comply, they face a penalty of $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for any subsequent offense.

Cartridge World is raising awareness about the overly expensive ink and toner cartridges sold through office supply and big box stores -- and the hidden cost of printers. The cost for New Jersey businesses and homeowners to print is outrageous, says Cartridge World's Greg Carafello. "The 200,000 small businesses in New Jersey easily pay $3,000 per year in printer cartridges, and homeowners can spend $50 or more per year. That adds up to $1 billion in New Jersey alone!" said Carafello. "In a year, the cost for ink can be 5 times the amount of the printer." It's no wonder that Representative Moriarty is sponsoring the bill.

Can businesses fight back? "Absolutely," said Carafello. Businesses and consumers can stop shopping at office superstores for ink and toner and printers. He explained, "They're selling printers that manufacturers incentivize them to stock, and cheap printers that drink ink. The worst printers use tri-color ink cartridges that need fast replacement -- but the superstores never tell you that."

Carafello suggests visiting a Cartridge World store when you need ink, toner or high quality printers. They're local business owners and office printing experts. If you need a printer, they'll offer an unbiased recommendation -- regardless where you buy it. If you need ink and toner, you can save up to 30 percent off full priced cartridges with the Cartridge World brand. "We'll probably suggest you buy high-yield cartridges to double your printing output."

Carafello added Cartridge World can save small businesses $1,000 to $1,500 per year. "This could save New Jersey's business owners $200 million or more every year!"

"So we've stepped up efforts to educate the public about cost-saving solutions and Cartridge World with the 'Stop the Ink-Sanity' campaign," said Carafello. "We clearly understand the support for the bill. Buying printers and ink without consumer labeling information is the equivalent of buying a car without knowing the MPG."

William Swanson, North American CEO of Cartridge World, said, "We will gladly show businesses how to identify printers that use high-yield printer cartridges that match their actual printing needs." In addition to buying the right printer, people need to know there are alternatives to buying full-priced printer cartridges. "Cartridge World's eco-friendly products are great for the environment and your wallet."

For business customers, the company also offers free next-day delivery, easy online ordering and CW Print Manager(TM), a free App that virtually makes it impossible to run out of ink or toner.

To estimate how much your business can save using Cartridge World ink and toner, use an online calculator at www.CartridgeWorld.com. Cartridge World also offers recycling programs for ink and toner cartridges, small electronics and printers. See stores for details.

Cartridge World is the leading ink and toner retailer and franchisor in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company sells printers, paper, printing supplies and services, and uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to build high quality ink and toner cartridges. Cartridge World stores provide a tremendous cost-saving alternative to buying new printer cartridges, offering up to a 30-percent discount over full-priced OEM cartridges. Cartridge World also offers a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee and free delivery to business customers. Ranked in the Top 100 franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, Cartridge World has more than 1,400 retail locations in over 50 countries. For information about Cartridge World products or franchise opportunities, visit CartridgeWorld.com.