Replacement parts are big business and major revenue sources. A typical razor costs close to $10, while replacement cartridges exceed $45 annually. Power toothbrushes will set you back at least $10, but the replacement brush heads cost about $6-10 each and usually require replacement every three months. One major manufacturer sells an inkjet printer for as little as $36, but the list price for a single set of two replacement ink cartridges exceeds $40—more than the cost of the printer.
What do all of these products have in common? Not only do these manufacturers make big money from parts sales, but they also have invested heavily in acquiring intellectual property to protect their replacement parts.
