Tony here's a great example of that. I'm responsible for the well being of 30 printers and 50 computers where I work. Last week a laser color printer (relatively low cost 4 years ago $499.) I had some major problems with it smearing ink. If I hired a printer repair man it was $100 to walk in the door, plus parts and whatever other labor charges we would have incurred. Short story is I went on line found a refurbished HP 2600n color laser jet for $159 from Staples complete with 4 toner cartridges. Replacement toner for the machine that died as well as the refurb are $84 each. Do the math,well you don't have to, but you hit the nail on the head in your comment. Meanwhile I have 4 unopened toner cartridges that my supplier will take back and credit my account. No wonder why we are in a disposable society.

By the way I have a recycler that I call about once per year to pick up old PCs printers and monitors. He use to charge $150 to come on site to pick up. He doesn't charge any longer because he's making lots of money on recycling precious the metals he extracts rom the PCs.



[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 06-02-2008).]