Instant Ink options when going on vacation.

[dsttexas]

This is quite a saga...

I bought the instant ink program when I bought the printer in Feb 2016 at the lowest plan to start.  By about May, I started to replace the original cartridges with the Instant Ink ones, and it started the billing.  I then changed the plan to 300 pages/month. With plans to leave in late June on vacation until early October, I talked over options with HP instant ink support, and getting a documented reply, they said I could either drop to the lowest plan while gone, or temporarily suspend and then resume when I got back.  So, I did the latter.  The confirmation email I got said the existing cartridges would not work while not being enrolled and to buy standard ones to use, and to send Instant ones back (recycle).  However, I just turned off the printer, and unplugged it leaving the cartridges installed and decided to deal with any returns later. 

Upon return Oct 18, I turned on computer / printer (with old cartridges) and reenrolled in the 300-page plan using their coupon code "freeink" to get one month free.   I then got an email notice that day saying "I just installed a new Instant Ink cartridge and billing would begin".  The May installed cartridges continued to work fine. Oct 18 I received a new set of 4 cartridges as a "new" instant ink client I guess. On Oct 24 I got another set of 4.  And on Dec 19, I got a set of 3 color cartridges even though current cartridges show about 80% full.

Recently trying to improve a longstanding color print quality problem of reddish tinted color, during 1 hour plus phone call with tech support (Case #3034737718), new cartridges were installed (the Oct 18 ones) and the May ones will be returned / recycled.  So now I have one new set of 4 and one new set of 3 still available.

Also as part of trying to resolve the color issue, and exhausting several diagnostic attempts, support decided to send me a replacement print head and new “Setup” cartridges, even though we proved (I think) that the issue was not with the print head as the printer would copy color pages perfectly, just not print correct color from the computer. I have also since verified that other external print services produce the same red tint issue as printing with my HP, hence I’m more suspicious of a RGB to CMYK conversion issue in the computer software and/or HP device driver.

So therefore:

• I believe I should return the print head to HP, however, if you suggest I install it please verify whether I should install the Setup cartridges that came with it or use the above available 4 cartridge Instant Ink set; and
• I request an explanation of how I got so many new Instant ink sets, along with a recommendation as to how to best handle a 4-month vacation in the future.

Thanks for any assistance!

[E-roq · Accepted solution]

Hi @dsttexas, 

Thanks for posting in the HP Support Forum! ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

I see that you have some questions pertaining to your Instant Ink printer and features of the service. I would like to help, and have some suggestions on how to proceed in addressing each issue. As we'll be discussing your Instant Ink account, I think it's pertinent to make this a private discussion. Accordingly, I'm sending you a private message. If you're not sure how to check these messages click here for instructions. 

If you find my advice leads to a solution, please click the 'thumbs up' icon to say "Thanks" and mark the case as resolved so that others find this post easily. 

Cheers,