HP announced in January its vision of transforming printing into a subscription service. Now, the company has launched the All-In Plan, offering HP customers a set number of printed pages per month for a monthly fee, along with a two-year commitment and potential overage charges.
According to HP, the All-In Plan is a comprehensive printing subscription that prioritizes convenience and provides necessary support to maintain optimal printer performance. However, committing to the plan entails a two-year contract after a thirty-day trial period.
HP CEO Enrique Lorres emphasized the company’s goal of simplifying the printing process and highlighted the long-term objective of establishing printing as a subscription service for enhanced accessibility, convenience, and sustainability.
How HP’s All-In Plan Works
HP’s All-In Plan offers a straightforward approach for customers. They can choose from three printer options: the HP Envy printer starting at $6.99 per month, the HP Envy Inspire printer starting at $8.99 per month, and the HP OfficeJet Pro starting at $12.99 per month. These printers vary in speed and functionality, with the OfficeJet Pro being the fastest and including fax capabilities.
After two years, HP promises to provide an “upgrade” to a newer printer model.
All three printers are color printers offering double-sided printing. One key advantage is the ability to print every page in color without additional ink costs. HP’s printers automatically detect low ink levels and provide next-day ink replenishment. In case of printer issues, HP offers round-the-clock support and next-day replacement services. Additionally, HP covers mailing labels for returning old printers or cartridges.
HP ensures “no upfront cost” for customers, eliminating the need to purchase printers or ink. However, the commitment to the All-In Plan involves certain complexities.
The Downsides of HP’s All-In Plan Subscription
Customers have a thirty-day window to cancel the subscription, after which they are bound by the contract. HP’s pricing plans extend beyond the base rate and vary based on the number of pages allowed per month.
For instance, the HP Envy printer plan starts at $6.99 per month for 20 pages, with higher tiers at $8.99 (50 pages) and $10.99 (100 pages). The HP Envy Inspire plan offers monthly options ranging from $8.99 (20 pages) to $18.99 (300 pages). Home business users can opt for plans at $22.99 (300 pages) or $35.99 (700 pages) per month.
If customers exceed their monthly page limit, HP charges $1 for a “set” of pages. Users can also upgrade their plan as needed.
The main drawback of HP’s printer subscription is its binding nature. Once the initial grace period is over, customers face a cancellation fee if they wish to terminate the subscription.
Like many subscriptions, once customers commit, exiting the plan becomes challenging. HP’s All-In Plan implies that signing up, receiving a printer, and not using it incurs a minimum cost of $60. This model may have its merits but raises concerns about flexibility and user experience.
