Getting refund from Currys for HP printer / Instant Ink

[Volcanite]

Oh God, I'm so stressed.

I needed a printer for home schooling so bought a HP inkjet printer. All good(ish - other issues have cropped up), gets through ink quickly but I signed up to instant ink so the costs were going to be much lower than if I was buying cartridges.

Now HP tell me there are no instant ink cartridges to be despatched as the supplier has been hit by Covid issues. I've already had to buy a cartridge from Argos, I can't afford to keep buying them.

I want to return the item but Curry's will only do that if unused. HP are pretty much uncontactable. I've had a WhatsApp chat about something else and they weren't helpful and told me to phone customer services. I haven't called yet about the other issues but I'd imagine it's going to be a long call time, especially now.

Where do I stand legally? I bought this printer specifically to use the instant ink service. I want to now get an Epson EcoTank but need the money back on this piece of shit first.

I did purchase using my credit card if this makes any difference. Just because I didn't trust Curry's.

Is there any hope? If the schools don't go back until September I'll have to remortgage the house just to fund the printer ink habit. I don't know if I mentioned but this is really stressing me out

I had an email the other day saying that my new ink cartridges have been sent out. We're on a free 12 month plan, must be about halfway through the 12 months now and no complaints. They aim to send replacement cartridges before you actually need them so you're not caught short. I think ours (in UK) are sent from France or possibly Luxembourg.

I have a HP printer and I can access the tools menu on the printer itself to check the ink levels.

Is this something you can do?

It sounds like you're not very happy with the printer anyway, is that right? As far as the ink situation is concerned in the long run I expect things will smooth out. So, it was/will be a good idea to use that system.

Go to internet ink.com.

timewastingbutfun oh my, so you're currently £3k out of pocket. I didn't trust Currys, that's why I used my credit card.

@bellabelly that's good to know. It's just a worry that they aren't able to send cartridges out at the moment.

The printer is ok but I don't trust the ink level situation, I just don't want to run out, especially when my print volume is currently higher and I can't just pop to the shops.

All does seem rather a hassle anyway, unless you're not setting it up properly. You probably are within your timescale for a refund. I thought it's at least 28 days, maybe 30. If you keep it I would just get a couple of spares (one of b/w and one colour). They don't work without any colour even if you're just using b/w. Also, I'd get the bigger cartridge if they do them, probably works out cheaper, but only get one lot in advance as over time they would dry up, but I'm not sure how long, it would take months I would think. Store in a cool dark place.

I meant having to keep putting in the post code is a hassle.

Ergh, so fed up with my HP instant ink. Anything printed looks like the ink is running out but when I check the levels online the cartridges show as almost full so it isn't triggering replacement cartridges.

Hi again OP. Well just to clarify on my previous point, the items do not need to be in their original packaging for the company to give you a return. Retailers will always suggest this must be the case as it helps them to retain the value of the item upon return. One quote that I found online says "But you can never be penalised simply because you did not return the goods in their original packaging."

I would definitely recommend at the very least you contact trading standards. The 14 day window is closing and you may actually be able to solve your problem and buy a new printer this way. You can still technically request the return by tomorrow. I hope this helps x

Thank you all. Update - flipping cartridges arrived on Saturday afternoon. I had a vague email message that they were on their way but it didn't track (Royal Mail) properly. Relieved but hoping this isn't going to be a headache when I come to the end of each cartridge.

I will keep the current 'shop' ones as spare and just put them in and use them once a week to keep them working.

Good luck to anyone still waiting but at least they do seem to be available.

Did you never get a tracking number? Mine says shipped on April 27th but I'm worried there's no tracking information - post has just come for today and they're still not there and I'm really low on ink now. Tried HP support and can only chat with the virtual agent who tells me exactly what I can already see on the site, eg, next to nothing.

So today I got the dreaded letter:

"In spite of our best efforts, we are sorry to inform you that your next shipment for your ENVY 5000 All-in-One Printer series will be delayed.

This is because our Instant Ink manufacturing site for HP 304 Original Cartridges (the ones compatible with your printer) has been temporarily closed by local authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Now, I do understand this and I'm sure HP can't really do anything about it, but I'm still on my startup cartridges, they're very low on ink and even I wanted to buy more myself there's none to be had for love nor money! So annoying, especially when trying to homeschool!