What a deal!

For the business I run from home, I use several large outdated printers. I picked them up, and their backups, off craigslist for next to nothing because of their age. While all the printers I use originally sold in the thousands, I didn't pay more than a couple hundred for them. Naturally, they require inks, specialty paper, etc. The good news there is that since they are so old, I can usually scout out a good deal on the supplies I need on an auction site. And, occasionally, I get lucky and just stumble across a stockpile on craigslist.

HP Color LaserJet 4050N

I have one of these printers I use on a daily bases and one that I keep as a back up for when the other dies on me. Because it happens.

I have to replace the Drum Kit (new from HP $350), the Transfer Kit (new from HP $270), and the Fuser Kit (new from HP $190) once a year on average. The printer uses four toners, that new from HP, run about $80 each - and I go through 6-8 of them a year. Luckily, it takes standard paper.

HP DesignJet 600 - 36" Plotter

I also have one of these in operation and a back up. They use two standard HP ink cartridges that run about $35 each. I have to purchase paper on 36-inch rolls, and locally I would pay about $25 a roll. I go through 2 cartridges a year and 20+ rolls of paper.

Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire

Luckily for me, I never buy anything direct from the manufacture...or I would have already been out of business.

Over the four or so years I've had these printers in service, I've averaged the following prices on my expendables:

HP 4550N (Drum $70, Transfer Kit $50, Fuser $40, Toners $20).
HP 600 (Cartridges $10, roll of paper $10)

Lucky Shit

Since I had to install a new drum and transfer kit last week, I decided to start searching for new ones to keep on hand. I always start my search on my local craigslist. I was shocked to find an add listing a sister printer (the HP 4500) for sale with the following unopened HP items: 2 drums, a transfer kit, a fuser kit, and four toners -- all for only $50.

Now, I need another printer like I need a whole in my head. However, for that price, I figured I could stop off and donate it to Goodwill on my way home from picking it up. When I noticed the ad was dated the first of December I was positive it was already sold, but I inquired about the lot anyway.

A gentleman responded the next day saying he still had every thing and asking what I was interested in. I explained that I didn't actually need the printer, but I'd take it. I really wanted the printer accessories.

His response, was that if I didn't want the printer he'd sell me the other things for only $25. I made arrangements to pick them up; and I did.

Frigging damn luck saved me $1,475 off HP prices ($285 off "Misty" prices).

Yep, I'm a lucky shit.