Inkjet printers have become very affordable. You can get a Canon, Epson or HP printer for a little more than Php 2,000. The problem is that the consumables or ink refills will burn a hole in you pocket.

I recently had my Epson C90 converted to a continuous ink system or bottomless ink system. I went to Save Inks in VMall and paid Php 2,050 for the conversion. Said service comes with a lifetime service warranty.

After two weeks, the red (or magenta) wasn’t printing right. The ink is not reaching the cartridge inside the printer. Had the system checked and the shop blamed it on the printer. My printer wasn’t brand new when I had it converted.

Ok then, so I bought a brand new Epson C90. Same exact model and had it converted again. Of course, they used the old conversion kit. Same problem after a few days.

Epson of course will not honor warranty on the printer. It has been tampered. It useless arguing with Save Inks on whose to blame.

I have spent almost Php 6,000 in a quest to save on printing. I am discouraged to try again as this will add up on cost.

Anyone there with a better experience?

First Country Bank is offering its Fiesta Savings promotion this March. For Php 300,000 1 year deposit or Php 150,000 2 year deposit, depositors gets 5% interest per annum and an Asus EEE PC mini laptop.

The Asus EEE PC is already worth Php 18,000! To book a deposit, call 6877155 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

When buying a brand new car, learn to negotiate. All dealers will have a price list but these prices are negotiable. Here are some of the things I learned:

1. Ask around. All dealers have a price list but freebies and discounts varies per dealer. Compare against three dealers to get the best deals.
2. Negotiate on the price. Ask for discounts. It is possible to get as much as Php 60,000  cash discounts when you time your purchase or negotiate.
3. Ask for more than the standard freebies. Most dealers will give you free tint, matting and seat cover but you can always ask for more accessories.
4. Negotiate the interest rates. Interest rates are not fixed. Ask among the banks and compare it with in house financing. Chances are the dealer will match the bank rates.

Do your research before stepping into the dealers show room. An informed buyer is a better buyer.

One of the most awaited stock to list this year is Splash Corp. The company is the maker of fast selling personal skin care products such as Biolink, Theraherb, Extracts, Maxipeel.

The company founded in 1985 grew from a backyard business to a Php 4B enterprise. It’s corporate history is worth studying and emulating.

Splash is offering 30% of its stocks to the public at a price of Php 8.98. It is very difficult to buy shares even if you have an account with stock brokers.

To get hold of Splash shares, call up First Metro Investment Corp and ask for the small investor program.