Hi Michael I am sorry that the cartridges didn’t last long for you. I can understand if you are not happy but rest assured that we take your feedback very seriously. Unless there was something wrong with a cartridge ink usage determines how long it lasts. High-density prints (such as images and graphs) will use more ink especially if the paper is highly absorbent and the surrounding air is dry. Here are some things that might help lower your ink usage: - Make use of the printer's draft mode whenever possible - Using the black-only setting will save on colored ink usage. - Shut the printer down between uses - Always use the power button on the printer itself to turn it off. That gives it time to ‘park’ so that the cartridges are protected from excessive drying - Subscribe to Instant Ink then you only pay by the page not for the cartridges themselves If the poor performance appears to be due to a defective cartridge consider returning it. Mary HP Care hp.com/support