we need to set up an ink exchange thing, I want to try some other colors, but it would take me forever to burn through a whole bottle of ink.
Ink exchange would be fun, but if you just want to try a variety of inks quickly and easily without buying whole bottles, both Anderson Pens and Goulet Pens sell ink samples in 2-3ml vials for very cheap, under $3. It really lets you try some high-end inks before committing to an expensive bottle (and it's fun
).
On my last order, I ordered from literally both of them within a few hours of each other to compare. Here are my observations
BothGreat customer service
Quick confirmation and shipping emails, with tracking
I ordered in the evening and both shipped the next day
Both came on the same day (quickly, I might add, I think 2-3 days)
Both were well packaged and accurate
Anderson PensSlightly better value for ink samples, they sell an extra 1 ml in the vial for about the same price
Currently $2.75 for 3 ml (varies, but this seems to most common price), although I believe it was $2.50 when I ordered
Packaging and labeling wasn't quite as nice as Goulet, they used packing peanuts but it seemed like i got the bottom of the barrel as it was mostly little tiny pieces and a lot of dust, it made a bit of mess
Goulet PensSlicker packaging and branding / etc.
Bubble wrap
Currently $2.50 for 2 ml
Order confirmation was maybe a few hours earlier
Seriously this is splitting hairs, they were both excellent and i'd order from either of them again without thinking twice. Great to have such good vendors in this market! They are both small family-owned businesses.