???When it comes to saving money, students can't wait to find out how. Now they can save some cash by refilling, and therefore recycling, their old printer cartridges.
???For two years, Carol Zaffram, owner of Ink-N-More in Tonawanda, has been trying to make a difference in the Buffalo community.
???"It started when my sister from Florida asked me to do some research on a new store, similar to mine, that was opening there," Zaffram said. "The more I researched, the more it made sense to me."
???While learning about the problems with buying ink and other supplies from major companies Zaffram realized that people were being forced to waste money and recyclable products.
???Consumers are not usually aware of what they are getting when they purchase an ink cartridge for their printers, which can cost up to $50, according to Zaffram.
???"Some are not even full," Zaffram said. "The consumer can't tell. Nowhere on the label does it specify how much ink comes in the cartridge."
???This is one of the main issues Zaffram has with the way companies treat their consumers. She notes that a major dilemma associated with buying office supplies has to do with the printers themselves.
???"People might think it would be cheaper buying a printer on sale rather than buying new ink because they come with ink cartridges," said Zaffram. "What they do not realize is those cartridges are starters. They are never all-the-way filled."
??? Zaffram said that large companies often ask customers to send back their empty cartridges in order to recycle them. When they do this, the companies re-use the empty cartridges but still charge consumers as if they were brand new.
???After researching the types of issues people are faced with when purchasing ink cartridges, printers and other office supplies, Zaffram decided to open up her own store in Buffalo to save people money and help recycle.
???Ink-N-More offers customers a fair price on ink refills when they bring in their empty cartridges. Customers can expect to pay around $10 for black and white refills and around $13 for color refills, according to Zaffram.
???"I always spent so much money on new ink cartridges," said Matthew Malbouf, a UB alumnus. "Now I can stop by and save around $40 when I need new ink."
???According to Zaffram, not only will customers get a great deal on ink at her store, but they will also be recycling at the same time.
???"It allows fewer cartridges to go into the landfills," Zaffram said.
???Ink-N-More also does copies and faxes and carries toner cartridges, cards, jewelry and other products at prices lower than large stores sell them for.
???Not only does Zaffram save Buffalo residents money and the trouble of sending in their old cartridges, but she is also a women's business certified store.
???"In New York State, anybody who does business with the government has to spend a certain percent of money with WBE (Women's Business Enterprises) or M/WBE (Minority and Women's Business Enterprises) certified businesses," Zaffram said.
???By going through the six-month process of obtaining this certification, Ink-N-More can now benefit local establishments, such as UB, when they are looking to purchase office supplies, Zaffram said.
???Ink-N-More is located off of Niagara Falls Boulevard on Glenalby Road.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
