buying ink for the printer..

id012

I need to buy ink for our printer. Im so confused! I have a epson printer and on the ink in there now it says 273-i. Theres a little sticker that says to use 273.

So my questions.
Do I have to use epson ink?
Im looking on amazon and they have the ink pack thing for 41 or so dollars (but I dont think it comes with the big black ink, dont I need that??). And they there are a few that say comparable ink for like 7-20$$. Should I just buy that sinces its compairable?
Should I just go to like staples or something to get ink?
Can someone just ink what im supposed to buy?!
I fully realize this is ridiculous and it cant be that confusing but there are so many options I just dont know what to get!

MomIn2013

It's fine to buy a generic brand, but you need to get the compatible size cartridge. I would try calling your local Staples to see if they carry any, or ask if they know who does.

In the olden days, I used to buy these little bottles of ink and squeeze them into my cartridge (I think it was an Epson), but I don't know if you can do that anymore.

Hollylb3

You can use a generic brand, but they usually don't yield as many prints. Sometimes they tend to smear, too. Some places will still refill cartridges, but not many. None around here. Also, if you go to Office Depot's website, you just select what type of printer you have and it brings up the type of ink you need.

Former secretary.

ToastieSimons

do you have 2 separate ink cartridges or just one?  If you have just one it doesn't print true "black" ink, it just layers all the colors on top of each other.  You wouldn't need black ink unless you have a separate black ink cartridge.

With that said, I usually buy generic at Staples.  Its always worked great.

id012

Thanks so much everyone! I actually figured out that im only out of one color so I just ordered it on amazon.