The Recycler reported on HP’s decision to stop its free (up to 15 pages per month) plan and replace it with a charged plan, which the OEM allegedly has now retracted.
For the low volume consumer, HP’s print-free-for-life tier of their instant ink programme was a winner, designed to lure the consumer in. The print-free-for-life was limited to 15 pages a month and certainly helped build the over 8 million instant ink subscribers.
However, in their recent earnings call, HP Inc’s CEO, Enrique Lores omitted to say that the print-free-for-life tier of their instant ink programme is ending.
The Instant Ink free tier is now being scrapped, and users will have to start paying HP a monthly fee or the printer will stop working. Prices are now $0.99 (€0.99) a month for 15 pages with the ability to roll over up to 45 unused pages.
However, in recent days, Consumer Reports reported that HP has u-turned on the decision for existing customers and will now allow already subscribed customers to continue with the free plan.
According to the update published by Consumer Reports, HP spokesperson Jaclyn Montalvo said: “We previously notified Instant Ink customers their plans would be changing, including no longer offering the 15-page free plan. After listening to their feedback we have reinstated the no-monthly-fee plan for eligible customers.”
Consumer Reports said: “HP’s change of heart came after the company took a lot of heat from HP Instant Ink users who flocked to social media to express their anger at losing their free ink plan.”
