When it’s time to replace your printer ink, it’s tempting to jump straight to Google and type in something like “buy HP ink cartridges online” or “Canon Pixma ink near me”. But here’s the problem: even if you’ve searched for the correct printer model, search engines can still show you results for cartridges from a similar but different printer range. And one small mismatch can leave you with an ink cartridge that simply won’t work.
In this guide, we’ll explain why getting the exact printer model right is so important, why search results can sometimes be misleading, and how to avoid buying the wrong ink cartridges online.
Why Printer Model Compatibility Is Crucial
Every printer is designed to work with a specific range of ink cartridges. Even within the same brand, there are often dozens of ranges with nearly identical names. For example, the Canon Pixma MG series and the Canon Pixma TS series both sound similar, but they use completely different ink cartridges.
Buying the wrong ink can cause:
- Frustration when the cartridge doesn’t fit.
- Lost money if the packaging has been opened and can’t be returned.
- Printing downtime while you wait for the correct cartridge.
- Risk of damaging your printer if you try to force in an incompatible cartridge.
If you want to save money and avoid delays, making sure you have the correct printer model before you order is essential.
Why Google Search Results Can Still Be Wrong
When you type in a search like “cheap Canon Pixma ink cartridges”, search engines try to be helpful by showing you “best match” results. But they don’t always get it right.
Here’s what can happen:
- Searching for “HP Envy ink 6000” might show cartridges for the Envy 5000 series, even though you own an Envy 6000, as it is just 1 character different.
- Typing “Epson XP ink” could bring up XP-2100 cartridges when your printer actually takes XP-4100 ink.
- Typing “Canon iP8750 ink” could bring up TS8750 cartridges which although a similar sounding model, uses a completely different ink range.
The names look similar and some are cheaper than others which becomes more attractive to click. The cartridges can even look alike in pictures, but they’re generally not interchangeable and it can be risky if the description features another printer model to yours. That’s how customers end up buying the wrong printer ink online.
How to Make Sure You Buy the Right Ink Cartridges Online
To avoid frustration and wasted money, follow these simple steps:
- Existing Customers - Use our email links or favourite category function
- Check your exact printer model number
- Cross-check with the product listing
- Be cautious with “similar” search results
- Search for you printer model once on our Website
If you've bought from us before, the easiest method to re-purchase correctly is through a link in our marketing emails. The products shown will either be those you've manually added to your favourite categories, or those products you've previously purchased as they will automatically become a favourite.
We recommend maintaining your favourite categories in order to continue receiving the correct information in your emails. Any old printers you no longer have should be deleted, or advise us and we can do this for you!
Don’t rely on memory. The correct model number is usually printed on the front or back of your printer.
Every ink cartridge product page should list the exact printers it’s compatible with. Make sure your printer model is on that list before you add it to your basket.
If you see an ink cartridge for a printer that looks close but isn’t an exact match, don’t assume it will work.
Our website search facility is so much more accurate than the results of your Google or internet search. We have individual pages for each printer containing only those products that will work in it. Searching "iP8750" will only bring up the iP8750 page, rather than the incorrect TS8750 page for example.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Google Guess for You
Buying ink cartridges online is quick and easy—if you have the correct printer model. But don’t let Google or any other search engine “guess” for you. Printers are fussy machines, and one digit out in a model number can make a huge difference. Also, the likes of Google may provide a variety of search results that it thinks "may" be of interest based on the search term used. This is not always correct!
By double-checking your printer model at the time of search, double-checking the landed page once you're in a website after an internet search and buying from a trusted supplier, you’ll save money, avoid downtime, and ensure your printer runs smoothly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Printer Ink Online
Always search your printer model or cartridge code using the actual cartridge website search facility. Alternatively, check the model number printed on your printer (usually on the front or back). Then, match that model with the compatibility list shown on the ink cartridge product page.
Yes, in some cases. For example, several HP Envy models might use the same cartridge. However, many printers containing the Envy name, may also require different cartridges. Always check compatibility before buying.
If the packaging is unopened, you can return it at your own cost. If you open it and try to install it, the cartridge may not fit or your printer may reject it. That’s why it’s important to confirm your model number before ordering. We're unable to accept back any cartridges ordered in error that have been opened, hence the importance to check everything before ordering!
Yes, if you buy from a trusted retailer like ourselves. Look for suppliers who clearly state which printers their cartridges are compatible with, have a website search facility and offer guarantees or return policies on unopened, incorrect orders.
High-quality compatible and remanufactured cartridges can deliver the same results as originals, often at a lower price. Just make sure they’re designed for your exact printer model. Sometimes there can be a very slight trade off in quality for the huge cost saving, but it is usually undistinguishable to the human eye. All cartridges listed on the correct printer model page are fully compatible in that printer!