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OEM Versus Cheap Printer Cartridges

By: Martin Smith

The controversy reigns over whether or not cheap printer cartridges are an alternative to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) cartridges. Some will argue that only name brand cartridges will work in printers and that ‘generic’ cartridges will only get clogged and ruin the machine. It is also claimed that the output of cheap or discounted cartridges is prone to fading in about ten years. My question is some printer companies haven’t been around that long so how would they know that? Also generic cartridges haven’t been around long either.

The basic process of making cheap cartridges includes checking out the used cartridge, replacing all worn out or broken parts ,replacing all required parts, and testing the cartridge for quality. The quality of these cartridges is often equal to or better than OEM cartridges. Many companies offer warranties on OEM compatible cartridges to be free from defects or malfunctions in your ‘new’ cartridge.

OEM cartridges are made by big named companies and were originally designed for a specific brand of printer. They usually are very expensive (name brand cartridges). The point is you are likely paying more than you need to be paying for cartridges with a brand name. They are generally two or three times more expensive than OEM compatibles which include refurbished or refilled cartridges. As was mentioned, OEM compatibles have quality equal to or greater than OEM’s.

Why should you purchase compatible remanufactured cartridges as opposed to name brand OEM’s? I can give you ten reasons why you should purchase compatible remanufactured cartridges. They are

1. Most companies offer free shipping. This is a great savings in and of itself.

2. You can get seventy five percent or greater savings, check online sources and in some office supply stores. You might have to ‘dig’ a little but the deals are out there.

3. Some companies will provide you with even more savings if you purchase more than one cartridge. Buying two or more cartridges could land you even greater deals. Be sure that you are getting a deal don’t be afraid to do the Math.

4. You are guaranteed a high quality product. Remanufactured are brand name cartridges that are taken apart and repaired, then they are put back together and refilled. Essentially then they are the same as brand named cartridges.

5. A guarantee of a one hundred percent guarantee is offered by many companies.

6. There is secure online ordering available.

7. Companies will not sell or share your information. Check out the company’s privacy policy before adding.

8. Check out the reliability of companies, especially those online.

9. Some companies will ship the same day or the next day and you can expect your order to arrive in five to ten business days.

10. There is longer lasting output with these cartridges but this can only be determined by usage and time.

The fact that you could have great savings while getting the quality printing you are used to is something to think about when considering discount cartridges. I was personally very skeptical about remanufactured or recycled cartridges until I purchased them for the first time recently. The quality of prints are at least equal to the brand name cartridges I use.

They last as long if not longer than my usual brand. Where I am usually left with more color ink than black for the most part the recycled cartridges were reduced fairly evenly. The black cartridge has actually outlasted the color. I would recommend that you try the cheaper cartridges. The bottom line is that the choice is yours but make an informed decision about using cheap ink cartridges.

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Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Printer Reviews if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

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