HP's Anti-Consumer Tactics Have Cost Them a Customer for Life.I purchased an HP OfficeJet Pro 8715 with the clear expectation that it would work seamlessly with genuine HP cartridges. That was the deal: I paid for a product with specific capabilities, including the ability to use HP cartridges. However, HP has unilaterally changed that agreement by forcing a firmware update that disables compatibility with older, genuine HP cartridges. This move is not just frustrating—it feels like a betrayal.The Legal Implications of HP’s ActionsWhat is even more troubling is the potential legal issue here. HP has taken away the very functionality I paid for. If I bought a car and the manufacturer later disabled my ability to use certain gas stations, it would likely be considered illegal. Why should HP be allowed to disable my printer’s ability to use the cartridges I already purchased? This feels like a bait-and-switch at the very least, and a breach of contract at worst.My Influence in Procurement DecisionsI am not just a disgruntled consumer—I am involved in procurement decisions for a Fortune 50 company. I can no longer, in good conscience, recommend HP products to my colleagues or business partners. As long as I remain with my company (~20 years to retirement), I will be actively advising against HP whenever possible.Advice to Fellow ConsumersIf you’re considering an HP printer, DON’T. HP’s actions show they are more interested in locking you into a cycle of forced upgrades and higher costs than in providing a reliable, consumer-friendly product. I will be moving away from HP and replacing my products with companies that respect their customers, such as Epson, Brother, and Canon.HP, you’ve lost not just a customer—but a long-term source of business.
