Straight Talk on the Cost of Printing: The BBB’s NAD Weighs In
Back in April, I wrote about The
Truth about Print and Proper's Cost of Ink Claims and how I think Kodak misleads
the public about the true cost of printing. To recap, I feel their claims just
don't add up. And I'm not the only one who's reached that conclusion. In recent
head-to-head reviews of comparable models, professional reviewers have found
that in tests of varying printouts (comparing black and white document prints and
color photo prints, for example) the cost per page is very close and in some
cases HP
prints can actually be more affordable than Kodak. Check out the objective reviews and tests
by respected media such as The
Boston Globe and Hardware
Geeks.
To bring you up to date: HP filed a complaint with The
National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
On August 31, the NAD issued a press release stating that it had referred
advertising by Eastman Kodak to the Federal Trade Commission for further
review. Earlier today, the NAD released another statement to clarify certain
facts about the inquiry into Eastman Kodak's advertising claims: Although the
company asserted its claims are substantiated, Kodak refused to participate in
the review process or provide evidence in support of its advertising.
To be perfectly honest, I'm grateful to see that the NAD set
the record straight (you can see their release here).
I'm proud to work for a company that
welcomes healthy competition with open arms, but which also respects and
upholds truthful and accurate advertising.
As the market leader for more than 25 years, HP embraces
industry standard testing methodologies. When HP conducted apples-to-apples
testing and comparison of specific HP models vs. comparable Kodak models and
used realistic home inkjet print volumes provided by Lyra Research, we came up
with very different results than Kodak's misleading claims. In fact, when you compare the print volumes of typical home
customers, the savings could actually be as little as $1 a month. *
What's a buck worth to you? From the many conversations I've
had with customers, they overwhelmingly agree that the superior print quality,
reliability, performance and peace of mind you get when you buy HP is worth
much more than a dollar. Want to learn more about the printing
costs of HP printers? Go here.
As always, I invite your questions, comments and
suggestions.
* Comparing HP and Kodak products priced at $199 and $299.
Calculated using page yields provided by HP and Kodak based on ISO 24711 test
methodology, 4x6 photo yields provided by HP and Kodak including the cost of HP
Advanced and Kodak Ultra Studio Gloss media and cartridge prices from HP and
Kodak web sites. Annual document volume assumptions provided by Lyra Research,
Inc.: "Types of Documents Printed on Home Ink Jet Printers: 2006 U.S. Ink
Jet and Laser Home User Survey," published 1/26/2007.
More Truth About Print and Prosper Cost of Ink Claims
In the 2 weeks since I shared my initial thoughts on the Truth About Kodak's Print and Prosper Cost of Ink Claims, I've received a few comments and questions here in the HP Inkjet Printing Blog, over on Twitter, and in other conversations (the old-fashioned kind that can't be hyperlinked). I've been happy to explain why I think HP Printers and Original HP Supplies deliver unrivaled value and quality. But that's just my 2 cents.
- Printing Costs of HP Printers -- Get the uncolored truth about ink.
- Printer Ink Costs and HP Value -- Find what you really save (about a dollar a month) and what HP delivers that Kodak doesn't.
- Eco-Friendly Printing -- HP printers can not only deliver 72.9 million brilliant colors, they also can deliver something beautiful: energy savings.
- Quality Printers & HP Printing Innovation -- Printers may have a similar price tag, but rarely do they sport similar features. Learn more about the innovative standard features on HP printers that you won't find on Kodak's.
As always, if you have a question or comment, I invite you to send it my way.
The Truth about Print and Prosper Cost of Ink Claims
(Update: In the time since this post was first published, HP delivered its official response about the Printing Costs of HP Printers.)
I've been watching the Kodak Print and Prosper ad campaign
unfold during the past few days. In one commercial, it stated that "The world's
most expensive liquid isn't found in the Middle East" -- a playful jab at the
rising cost of oil, but an unfair swipe thrown at competitors regarding the cost of ink. I couldn't help but set the record straight from my perspective.
- We've been down this road before, and it's
very misleading.
Don't take it from me, see what PC Magazine, PC
World, Engadget,
and others had to say about this cost of ink hype
(it earned a "Worst
of 2007" label from PC Mag). - Do the math.
Milk
is more expensive per gallon than crude oil. So is bottled
water. I personally understand that I pay for quality when I buy a
cartridge that delivers up to 72.9 million
possible color combinations and can deliver photo
prints that last for more than 100 years. - Times are tough. We can help.
No gimmicks here. We understand that for many customers cost per page is a
serious purchase consideration. Our take is you should score some serious
savings without sacrificing our legendary
print-at-home quality. That's why last
year HP introduced XL
cartridges, Ink
Combo Packs and Photo Value
Packs. (You can go here to
learn more about easy ways to
save money and continue to get
lab-quality prints at home. ) In addition, we've made it simple for you to
access literally hundreds of free printing projects you can customize and print
at home - whether you need a greeting card and calendar or a professionally
designed flyer or a full-blown marketing kit for your small business, you'll
find it at the HP Creative Studio.
For 25 years, HP's been proud to deliver leading innovation,
unparalleled customer support, and to be the top-ranked printing brand in the
industry according to customers and media alike. We'll keep working hard every
day to bring you the quality, value, and reliability you expect from us --
today, tomorrow, and for a long time to come.
Got a question or comment? I invite you to send it my way.
