Buying Ink Cartridges: What are the Options?
In many instances, the primary factor that motives someone looking for a replacement ink cartridge, whether for business or home, is cost. Replacements on offer in the market may be “original” or what are commonly referred to as “compatible”. Original ink cartridges are also known as OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer cartridges.
These cartridges have been made and filled by the manufacturer that made the printer. For example, HP makes cartridges to be used in HP printers. The choice of original or compatible applies to toner cartridges for laser printers as well.
A compatible cartridge is made by a company other than the manufacturer of the printer. In fact, in most cases, these companies do not manufacture printers at all.
The Pros and Cons of OEM Options
An original ink cartridge or toner cartridge is a new unit where all the parts have been made by the same manufacturer that made the printer. The advantages of original replacement cartridges are numerous. Provided the correct cartridge for the specific printer in question is bought, it will fit and function properly. It will usually also have the backing and quality that comes with buying from a recognised printer manufacturer. Using an original ink cartridge will not damage the printer or invalidate the manufacturer warranty on it.
Original products are where a manufacture makes most of their profits. Printer manufacturers have much higher costs to absorb than manufacturers that only make ink cartridges. Research and development costs associated with printer design and production are relatively high, whereas compatible cartridge manufacturers simply have to copy the cartridge designed and made by the OEM for the specific printer. For these reasons, the price of the original cartridges is invariably higher than the price of a compatible cartridge.
Is it Wise to Buy a Non-OEM Ink Cartridge?
The overriding consideration for buying a cartridge is price. Aftermarket ink cartridge manufacturers are invariably able to offer ink cartridges at lower prices than original ones. The cost differential can be as high as 30% depending on the particular printer in question. The risk revolves around whether they are any good or not. Will they produce the same level of quality and reliability as those made by the original manufacturer?
There are many companies that offer high-quality compatible ink cartridge options, but there will always be a few that sell inferior products. Luckily, in most countries, the printer manufacturer may not invalidate the printer warranty purely on the grounds that a non-OEM cartridge has been used in it. While a compatible cartridge is never going to be quite as good as an OEM counterpart, it offers a high-quality, cost-effective alternative, which, in most print applications, will be more than adequate.
Value for Money or Absolute Peace of Mind?
The final choice comes down to whether you want the backing of a recognised printer brand, which comes with the assurance of very high-quality and reliability or are you willing to compromise slightly on these considerations for a far better value proposition? Either way, as long as you buy from a reputable company with a good reputation, both options should provide a satisfactory experience with minimal risk.