We all know about the razors-and-razorblades model.  And, no, it’s not a surprise or news that ink cartridge sales are lucrative for HP, Canon, Epson and Lexmark.  However, it’s rare that anyone gives context to exactly how lucrative this commodity is.

According to a combination of American Consumer Institute, Kodak and MSNBC:

• Consumers spend $6 Billion a year on ink.
• Of the money parents spend during back-to-school shopping, 30% of it is spent on ink
• Ink costs more per milliliter than champagne, perfume or gasoline