Image Specialists & OctoInkjet

[websnail]

Rather than clutter up an already top heavy thread I thought I'd just clarify the position for OctoInkjet following the recent changes at Image Specialists (now STS-inks).

We did a lot of number crunching over the last couple of weeks that took into account the new prices we've received recently, along with some other changes to our operations.

The short version is:

• No, we're not abandoning Image Specialists under the auspices of STS-inks
• Yes, we'll be increasing our prices to cover the difference but we are waiting to see just how much based on negotiations with shipping services, etc.
• Yes, some changes are necessary such as the enforced retirement of the original IS Epson ink blends, simply because we have no choice.
  
• Yes we will highlight any changes to product availability/blend/source so customers don't find their profiles out of whack without being pre-warned.

We've also explored other options in terms of suppliers and looked at the products we're focusing on. As such we may be dropping some inks that are very low volume where they are already well catered for by other UK retailers, but we will be retaining the more esoteric blends like the BCI-6, 3e, etc... while they are still available.

Worth noting that low volume, rarer inks are going to increase in price to offset the volumetric pricing we get from IS so it may be worth collaborating with other users to allow the best deals for everyone.


Beyond that necessary bit of news we're also expanding the team and training folks up. Kirsty has moved on as she was always looking more towards her own business (not in printing, sorry @The Hat ) but a capable group of new recruits are taking up the reins and showing real promise.

That's about it, but rest assured we'll continue to share information that may affect members of this community*.



*although rumours that @The Hat was seen negotiating a manufacturing deal for us in Venezuala are strenuously denied...

...it was more like Columbia but that's a whole other product line

 

[stratman]

I applaud your straightforward candor and your expressed willingness to keep your customers informed. The value you place in your customers will be returned by their continued trust and patronage.

Thank you.

 

[CakeHole]

Ive no idea what they are like @websnail but have you considered OCP inks?

Im sure ive read of others using their inks on here, they have a distributor here in the UK up in your neck (well neck-ish if 70ish miles away counts) of the woods in stoke on trent.

They seem to do specific inks for Canons, HP etc, might save you and us a bit of money (providing their inks are any good obviously).

 

[pharmacist]

OCP ink is considered a very good refill ink and reasonably priced. Printing quality is good, but fade resistance is so so for their dye inks.

 

[CakeHole]

Ah yes, i think it may have been you (or at least one of the regulars) that did some fade test of various inks i read about on a thread in here @pharmacist.

If that is the only downside to their inks its IMO worth @websnail investigating their inks more. Octoink being in the UK and OCP having a distributor here already would certainly at the least probably mean he could get their inks at a more reasonable price and potentially quicker than any brand overseas.

Id certainly consider it if the colour match is half decent and the ink in general is reliable.

 

[The Hat]

Ah yes,

Id certainly consider it if the colour match is half decent and the ink in general is reliable.

@CakeHole I reckon you hit the nail on the head when mentioning colour matching, because OCP needs a bit more work there also..

 

[CakeHole]

I guess the question is how far off is it? Obviously how close a match will be a personal thing to people and what is and is not acceptable.

For me as long as it was reasonable (IE did not look a complete mess) i would probably be happy. Most "known" brands of ink ive tried in the past are normally good enough for me, if the only way to see difference easily is a side by side or printing very specific colour test sheets, i consider that good enough.

Quality and getting what you pay for with ink like most things has various levels, if a person must have a 100% match to originals i doubt they are ever going to get that unless they buy originals, precision colours is pretty darn close but i as a novice compared to many here can spot slight differences in a side by side test with an print done via OEM canon ink/carts so im sure photography die hards/pros can also.

The most important thing for me is it is a quality ink in terms of its make-up, IE not cheap rubbish which is gonna clog your printer and destroy the print head as soon as it looks at it.

I guess what ever @websnail ends up stocking will cause some type of controversy, all the way from.... posts saying "love the new brand ink" to "not as good as it used to be" to "terrible ink" posts. Colour is such a subjective thing.