Why are laster toner cartridges so expensive?

Need to answer this question for a computer lab but not sure exactly the reason.Why are laster toner cartridges so expensive?
This question is really generic, because, the component parts is what makes anything expensive.





Laser toner is partly expensive because of the electrostatic toner, and the fuser assembly. And in part due to corporate mark-up and supply and demand.





This is actually best discussed in an Economics class rather than a computer lab.Why are laster toner cartridges so expensive?
The above answer explains why it is often better to buy a printer with separate toner and drum assemblies.


I have used Brother printers in the past, here the toner cartridge was separate to the drum.


The drum life was around 10,000 pages, the toner 2,500 pages.


It was much cheaper to run than HP printers where you replace both together.





BTW, you can often find 're-manufactured' toner and drum assemblies for a fraction of the new price.