Instant Ink is a Scam

[rlw0515asg]

Dear HP Customer Support Team,

I am writing to express my extreme disappointment regarding my recent experience with an HP Envy printer and the Instant Ink service. After over 20 years of exclusively using HP products, this experience has led me to decide that I will no longer purchase or recommend your brand.

I recently purchased a customized laptop and an HP Envy printer for personal use. While I was initially satisfied, the Instant Ink trial included with the printer proved problematic. The ink quality was lower than the third-party cartridges I use in my other HP devices, and the delivery schedule did not meet my needs.

After canceling the service, I attempted to use standard cartridges, but received an error message stating they were not communicating. My own research and a conversation with an HP representative revealed that by accepting the Instant Ink trial, the printer became locked to specific HP ink. The representative eventually claimed this was a "system update" to protect the printer, and repeatedly tried to pressure me into reinstating the Instant Ink subscription.

This practice is deceptive and dishonest. It is more cost-effective for me to replace this printer with a different brand than to be forced into a subscription or overpriced proprietary cartridges. Consequently, I will be rescinding my previous recommendations of HP products to my friends and family.

I am sending this to ensure my feedback is documented and to highlight the impact of these business practices on long-term customer loyalty. I will do my best to educate other potential customers so that they can make  and informed decision.

[BeemerBiker]

I do not have an instant ink printer. My understanding is that if you run out of ink, or you cancel your subscription, you can use genuine Hewlett Packard cartridges either original or refilled. They must have an HP chip in the cartridge.
The below type is unlikely to work.

Note that this is a peer to peer forum and I am just the messenger of this bad news: Instant ink cartridges can only be used when the ink subscription is active.   HP is not the only company that wants their own ink used. The last time I checked, Epson, Canon and Brother all do the same.

You did not mention the model of the printer.  While HP Instant Ink printers can be used with no subscription, select HP Plus printers may require a subscription to operate.

Terms of service including phone contact information

Instant Ink - Terms of Service - USA
Instant Ink – Terms of Service - UK
TERMINI DI SERVIZIO DI HP INSTANT INK - Italy
Instant Ink - Terms of Service - Ireland
CONDITIONS GENERALES D’UTILISATION DU SERVICE HP INSTANT INK - France