Scott,
When we did shows, I replaced them when I sold them. So pens on display had the "stock" refill. But I sold the "writing experience" of the 9000. So, when you bought a pen you SAW me install a FRESH NEW refill--not one that had been on display and may be "half full".
I remarked that the refill sold, in some places, for $5, just for the reflll---but we INCLUDE them at no extra charge.
Try it, it works!