DEAR SUN SPOTS: As a possible clarification for Lewiston writer Joseph wanting to have his ink cartridges returned to him (June 5), the Auburn Office Max store, will refill the cartridges with the appropriate ink at a price somewhat lower than purchasing new ink cartridges.

I checked this out a year or two ago, but later changed my mind as I was advised that sometimes the non-HP ink is not always compatible with a HP printer. Not sure if this was a HP sales gimmick or not, I didn’t want to take that chance of then having an ink printer problem.

I, too, have run up against this same situation described in your column at our local Staples store. Also at some point the Staples policy was changed from receiving a credit of $3 per cartridge to a credit of $2 per cartridge.

When I questioned the new policy, I was “quietly” informed that Staples will be reducing the $2 credit to $1 and could eventually eliminate the return cartridge credit entirely. Hope this helps, and thank you for your column. — Paul, Lewiston, wajidmumtaz@aol.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots was all over that reduction to $2. She forwarded the warning email on to several thrifty people she knows so they could quick get their cartridges in before the change. 

As for refilling cartridges, Sun Spots has been leery about that. An older model home-refill kit someone gave her didn’t work. She’d love to hear from some readers as to their successes or failures with this method.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Just wanted to thank you for the quick action concerning my problems with the ink cartridge recycling program at Staples (June 5). 

I also wanted to provide an answer to your comment about “not understanding why you’d want the empty cartridges back.” the first obvious reason is because Office Max in Auburn has a similar program, so I can take them there.

There are also several other places on the Internet that buy them. Here is a site that offers tips on how to get cash for your cartridges: http://tinyurl.com/kjhvqb4

Finally, just about all empty cartridges can be refilled. The price is lower than new ones if done at the store or substantially lower if users get the kit to do the refilling themselves. I prefer to get new catridges, but that’s my preference.

I feel bad that you were not treated as expected. Customer service by associates or even managers has changed tremendously over the years. I would understand if the customer was boisterous or unreasonable, but otherwise store employees and particularly managers should do what they can to keep a customer satisfied. 

As stated in my letter to you, I do not expect the refund and felt the store would not return cartridges without authority. That is why I wrote the company, which decided not to reply. Maybe the inquiry you forwarded will result in some kind of response.

Your answer to questions are often very helpful, and Sun Spots is one of the main “must read” features in the Sun Journal. Thanks again. — Joseph, Lewiston

ANSWER: Since the manager at Staples to whom Sun Spots spoke made the appalling admission that he doesn’t read the column, Sun Spots sent a clipping of it to him. She also sent a link to the Web version to the national media relations person.

She got nada. Zip.

She has to admit that she’s surprised. Mr. Sun Spots had a couple of problems at a Staples store a few years ago, and the manager went above and beyond to make him happy. Sun Spots expected the store to send Joseph a $20 gift card just to make him happy and ameliorate the bad publicity.

Granted, the poor economy for retail stores may be an issue. The corporate offices may have limited managers’ authority to rectify problems. Or made it clear that were to be “no exceptions” on the new rules about cartridge recycling.

Sun Spots often fails in dealing with national chains, but this instance really annoys her. She has not given up the fight yet!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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