Where Can I Find An Inkjet Printer?
You can find inkjet printers at electronics stores like Best Buy, office supply stores like Staples, big box retailers like Walmart and Target, and online marketplaces like Amazon.
Major electronics retailers, warehouse clubs, and manufacturer websites offer the widest selection of inkjet printer models with competitive pricing and customer support.
Best Places to Buy Inkjet Printers
Shopping for an inkjet printer? You have more options than you might think. Let me walk you through the best places to find exactly what you need.
The key is knowing where to look and what each type of store offers. Some places give you hands-on experience. Others focus on price. A few specialize in expert advice.
Electronics Superstores
Best Buy leads the pack here. You can touch the printers, see print samples, and ask questions. Their Geek Squad team helps with setup too.
Micro Center is another solid choice if you have one nearby. They often beat big box prices and their staff knows tech inside and out.
Why Electronics Stores Work Well
- See the printer before buying
- Compare multiple models side by side
- Get setup help and extended warranties
- Return policy if something goes wrong
Office Supply Retailers
Staples, Office Depot, and OfficeMax understand printing better than most. They carry business-focused models you won’t find everywhere.
These stores often run printer promotions with free ink or paper. Their staff can explain which models work best for your printing volume.
Office Store Benefits
Office supply stores know the real cost of ownership. They’ll tell you about expensive ink cartridges upfront. No surprises later.
Many offer business accounts with delivery service. Perfect if you’re buying for an office or need regular supply orders.
Online Shopping Options
Online shopping gives you the biggest selection and often the best prices. But you lose the ability to see before you buy.
Amazon and Major E-commerce Sites
Amazon dominates online printer sales. Their customer reviews help you avoid lemons. Prime shipping gets your printer fast.
Newegg specializes in electronics and often has better deals on newer models. Their customer service team understands tech specs.
Online Shopping Tips
- Read recent customer reviews carefully
- Check return policies before buying
- Compare total cost including shipping
- Look for bundle deals with paper and ink
Manufacturer Direct Websites
HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother sell directly to customers. You get the newest models first and authentic warranties.
Manufacturer sites often have exclusive models or colors. Their customer support knows every detail about their printers.
Direct Purchase Advantages
Buying direct means no middleman markup. You often get better warranty terms and easier support.
Many manufacturers offer trade-in programs for old printers. This can cut your upgrade cost significantly.
Big Box and Warehouse Retailers
Don’t overlook the giants. Walmart, Target, and Costco carry popular inkjet models at competitive prices.
Walmart and Target
These stores focus on budget-friendly home printers. Selection is limited but prices are often unbeatable.
Their locations make them convenient for quick purchases. Both offer online ordering with store pickup too.
Warehouse Clubs
Costco and Sam’s Club sell printers in bulk packaging with extra supplies included. Great value if you’re already a member.
I researched warehouse club pricing and found they often beat standalone printer prices by 15-20%.
Warehouse Club Benefits
- Bundle deals with paper and ink included
- Extended return policies
- Member-only pricing discounts
- Less frequent shopping trips needed
Local and Specialty Options
Sometimes the best deals hide in unexpected places. Local options can surprise you with service and pricing.
Local Computer Stores
Independent computer shops often carry printers and provide personal service that big chains can’t match.
These stores know their local customers. They’ll recommend models based on your specific needs, not sales quotas.
Used and Refurbished Sources
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local thrift stores sometimes have barely-used printers for half the retail price.
Office liquidation sales offer great deals on business-grade printers. Check local business journals for announcements.
Buying Used Printer Tips
- Test print before buying
- Check ink cartridge availability
- Ask about original documentation
- Confirm all cables are included
Timing Your Purchase
When you shop matters almost as much as where you shop. Timing can save you serious money.
Best Shopping Seasons
Back-to-school season brings huge printer sales. August and September offer the best selection and prices.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature deep discounts on electronics. Many retailers clear inventory before new models arrive.
End of Model Year Clearances
Printer manufacturers release new models in spring. Shop for deals on previous year models from March through June.
I found that retailers often discount older inventory by 30-40% to make room for new arrivals.
What to Consider Before Shopping
Knowing what you need helps you shop smarter. Different stores excel at different types of printers.
Home vs Business Use
Home users should focus on electronics stores and online retailers. Business buyers often get better deals at office supply stores.
Consider your monthly printing volume. Heavy users need different models than occasional printers.
Budget Planning
Don’t forget about ongoing costs. Cheap printers often use expensive ink cartridges.
| Printer Type | Initial Cost | Ink Cost Per Page | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Inkjet | Low | High | Light home use |
| Photo Inkjet | Medium | Very High | Photo printing |
| EcoTank | High | Very Low | Heavy printing |
Research Before You Shop
Check ink cartridge prices online before buying any printer. Some models cost more to maintain than they’re worth.
Read professional reviews from sources like Consumer Reports or PC Magazine. They test real-world performance, not just features.
Making Your Final Decision
You now know where to find inkjet printers. But which place is right for you?
For First-Time Buyers
Visit a physical store first. See the printers in person and ask questions. Then compare online prices before deciding.
Electronics stores offer the best combination of selection and support for new buyers.
For Experienced Users
Online shopping often provides the best deals if you know exactly what you want. Manufacturer websites offer the latest models.
Check multiple sources before buying. Prices can vary significantly between retailers.
Conclusion
Finding the right inkjet printer means choosing the right place to shop. Electronics stores give you hands-on experience. Online retailers offer the best selection and prices. Office supply stores understand business needs. Each option has its strengths.
Your best bet? Start by researching models online, then visit a store to see your top choices in person. Finally, compare final prices across multiple retailers before making your purchase. This approach combines the benefits of each shopping method while helping you avoid common pitfalls like expensive ink costs or poor customer service.
Where is the cheapest place to buy an inkjet printer?
Warehouse clubs like Costco typically offer the lowest prices, especially when buying printer bundles with ink and paper included. Online retailers during sales events like Black Friday also provide significant discounts on inkjet printers.
Can I buy inkjet printers at grocery stores?
Some large grocery chains carry basic inkjet printers in their electronics sections, but selection is very limited. You’ll find better prices and selection at dedicated electronics or office supply retailers.
Do pharmacies sell inkjet printers?
Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens sometimes stock basic home printers, but availability varies by location. Their prices are usually higher than specialized electronics retailers.
Should I buy an inkjet printer online or in-store?
Buy in-store if you’re a first-time buyer who needs to see the printer and get setup help. Shop online if you know exactly what model you want and are looking for the best price and widest selection.
What’s the best time of year to find inkjet printer deals?
August through September offers the best deals during back-to-school sales. Black Friday and the period from March to June when retailers clear old inventory for new models also provide excellent discounts.
