When I last searched for internet articles about compatible and re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges there was no shortage of articles on why you should buy recycled cartridges over OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture or “name brand.”) In my experience of selling Compatibles, Remans, and OEM I have come to one basic conclusion; No matter what type of cartridge people buy, they just want the thing to work. Rarely are they interested with the whys and how’s. With this in mind, here are some of the basic questions I’ve been asked about compatibles and re-manufactured cartridges.
Will they void my warranty?
(Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice.)
Using properly re-manufactured or compatible ink and toner cartridges will not void you warrantee. Some salesmen may claim it does, but the Supreme Court of the United States disagrees with them. The courts have found that manufactures of printers requiring the use of their own brand of ink or toner cartridges is in violation of The Sherman and Clayton Antitrust Acts. For more information check out: Unites States Code Annotated, Title 15 Commerce and Trade, Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties 15, section 2302.
How many times can cores be refilled?
Ink may be able to be refilled several times, Toners usually once or twice. With toner it is important to realize that certain pieces should be replaced when it is rebuilt. It is unwise to reuse drums and some other parts.
How much can I save?
Usually somewhere between 30% to 50% off the average OEM price depending on what type of cartridge you have.
Are all compatible and remains the same?
No. There are reputable refillers/remanufacturers and then there are “boiler room” operations. Here an old adage rings true, “you get what you pay for.” I have a client that wanted ten toner cartridges refilled. The cartridges had seen better days. For each one he was looking at a $42 rebuild. (The OEM’s cost $99.00 each at our local big box store.) His face dropped when he learned the price. He told me “I got a guy the next town over who can do these for $12.00 each!” I told him if he could get these rebuilt for $12.00 he had better take it. He came back a few months later. He bought one of our rebuilds and asked if there was someone who could repair his printer.
How can I know I’m getting a quality product?
If you are going to a refiller or remanufacturer, ask two questions
1. Do you guarantee your work?
2. Will you take back my empties?
The answer to both of these questions should be yes. Any reputable re-manufacturer or refiller should be willing to refund your money or replace the cartridge. They should also be confident enough in their own materials to reuse them again.
I hope this answers any questions you have about using compatibles or re-manufactured ink and toner.
