I was nervous at first, but InkBlvd.com met my expectations
Written: Oct 08 '05 (Updated Oct 08 '05)
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Ordering Process
I stumbled upon InkBlvd.com via one of those marketing rewards programs where you can receive a pricy gift (in my case, an iPod Nano) but you first have to give your credit card number out to a wide array of advertisers - some shady and some not so shady. To read more on that experience, please use the link below:
http://www.epinions.com/content_4523532420
The site was very easy to navigate, with all merchandise categorized alphabetically by printer type on the left side of the screen and a simple shopping cart feature with a quick checkout accepting major credit cards. The only issue I had with checkout was that the site somehow forgot that my shipping address differed from my billing address, making me go out of my way to pick up the cartridge from the billing address but it's possible I made an error or missed a button somewhere along the way.
They do attempt to sell cartridges in two's though, so make sure you don't inadvertently order more than you need. I recieved an e-mail reciept about 2 hours after placing my order.
Condition Upon Arrival
The package arrived just about 1 and 1/2 weeks later via USPS in a bubble envelope, protecting the cartrige from damage. The package did not come from InkBlvd.com however, the return address was from YOURINKSTATION in Simi Valley, California. The package was marked "FRAGILE - HANDLE WITH CARE" and requested USPS delivery confirmation upon arrival.
Purchased Product
I ordered a refurbished black ink cartridge compatible with a Lexmark Z25 printer. I paid $25.95 for the cartridge, about $5 less than I would at any major office supply store, but they made up for it in the $5.95 shipping and handling fee.
I was understandably on edge about dealing with this company, as the whole process of qualifying for my "suberb reward" had left me shellshocked. Furthermore, I read the emphatically negative express review of the site on epinions, which left me expecting the worst. Particularly when I opened the product and it did not look completely like the Lexmark cartridges I've purchased in the past. It came in a bright yellow box by Print Tek Accessory.
I knew it was refurbished though, so I installed it and began printing. It's working fine, and I haven't received any spam from the company since ordering. Overall, the process was much like ordering from CarrotInk.com or any of the other online ink cartridge dealers, though I did not have any experience with their customer service representatives.
Doing more research did scare me a little bit. Their privacy policy was not immediately visible and the first stop for customer service is a yellow link on the upper right hand side of the page. All that does is give you tracking information for your order. Most of the links on that site are not working. Scrolling lower on the home page, though, does reveal several helpful customer service links.
InkBlvd.com can be reached toll free at 1-866-INK-BLVD (465-2583)from Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm PST. They accept payment via Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. They ship within 10 days, usually in 4 to 7 business days.
InkBlvd.com has an optional Autoship program, but I'm not sure how this application would be useful. My ink usage, both at home and at work, fluctuates too much for such a program.
Available Printer Cartridges
Apollo, Apple, Brother, Canon, Compaq, DEC, Decision, Dell, Epson, HP, IBM, Kodak, Lexmark, Minolta,Mita, Nashuatec, Oki, Olivetti, Ricoh, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Tektronix, Toshiba, Unisys, Wang, and Xerox
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Lexmark Z25 Compatible Ink Cartridge
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About the Author
Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 359
Trusted by: 212 members
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