Tell HN: Cancelling HP Instant Ink prevents cartridges from being used

Article summary

The author purchased an HP printer with an HP Instant Ink subscription, which promises to send ink when the user is running low. However, after cancelling the subscription, the printer would not print despite having ample ink left in the cartridges. The issue is due to HP's terms, which state that the ink is always owned by HP, even when in the user's possession. This means that once the subscription is cancelled, the user can no longer use the ink that has been sent to them.

Main themes

• subscription models
• printer ownership
• recurring revenue
• customer expectations
• business practices
• consumer choice

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that the subscription model is a shady business practice that prioritizes recurring revenue over customer needs.
• Others believe that the terms of the subscription were not clearly communicated to the user, leading to unreasonable expectations.
• A few commenters suggest that the issue is not with the subscription model itself, but with the fact that the user is not able to use the ink they have already received after cancelling the subscription.
• Some argue that the problem can be avoided by buying printers from other manufacturers that do not engage in similar practices, such as Brother or Kyocera.
• A few commenters think that the subscription model is not inherently bad, but rather a convenient way to pay for printing services, similar to paying for pages at a local copy center.
• Others disagree, arguing that the analogy to a local copy center is flawed, as the user has a reasonable expectation of being able to use the ink they have in their possession.
• Some commenters propose that consumers should revolt against such practices by choosing not to buy products with similar subscription models or by supporting companies that offer more consumer-friendly options.