Did you know? - brought to you by Computer Gurus
Generic or off-brand supplies will NOT void your printer warranty.
Struggling with the cost of supplies for your home or business class printer?
Here is an excerpt from the Consumer help website Consumer Choice
Have you ever heard that using a remanufactured toner cartridge will “void your warranty?” Next time a repair technician says that, tell them to put it in writing. Chances are he won’t. Why? Because it can be illegal to require a consumer to use specific supplies in order to maintain a warranty.
You have the right to use the supplies of your choice! Printer manufacturer warranties state that the use of third-party supplies alone does not void your warranty. Warranties are only voided if the cartridge actually caused the damage. Under these circumstances, the cartridge remanufacturer will repair it.
- for full article go to http://www.consumerchoice.info/warranty/htm
Whether it is an inkjet or laser printer there are many less expensive alternatives to the brand name supplies for your printer. Lets talk about a few of these options.
Paper: There really is no good behind the thought “brand name is better” in this case. Many office supply stores provide superior or like kind paper products for a lot less. The only exception to this may be specialty paper and this is still questionable. If you have a niche printing job there may be only a handful of makers for that specific kind of paper. The rare examples of this I have experienced are Ultra-high quality papers like “canvas-photo paper”, low or no acid papers (for scrap booking) and some printer compatible stationery.
Ink: Are you still paying $20 – $30 or more for ink cartridges at your retailer? Here are a couple of options with a few pros and cons to weigh.
- Cartridge Refill Kit: You can find a few different “refill-kits” for ink cartridge. The process is pretty straight forward and you will generally receive a small “how-to” guide (one sheet of paper generally) with an ink syringe of some type and a plug or sticker to seal the “refill hole”. These are the LOWEST price alternative but it has a few drawbacks.
+ Pros: Lowest price.
- Cons: No warranty, not tested. Sometimes a refill can be faulty after multiple refills. The only way to test these refilled cartridges are on you printer.
Guru Tip: I have not seen too many of these kits with any kind of warranty, since you are doing all of the work you are taking all of the risk.
- Cartridge Refillers: There are companies that specialize in this process. It is so common (and simple) that some office supply outlets have jumped into the game. In its simplest for, the store takes an empty cartridge, refills them, seals and tests them and sells them at a MUCH lower price than a new *OEM cartridge.
+ Pros: Lower price, Pre-tested, Usually has warranty
- Cons: Not the rock-bottom price, A refill can be faulty after multiple refills. Generally you can return to company for a refund or replacement.
Guru Tip: not all refill companies are created equal so when you find one that works for you, stick with them.
- Third Party Cartridges: There are companies that create their own cartridges so to remove the problem associated with using overly refilled cartridges. Again this is a common practice. The 3rd part cartridges sometimes have other features such as a longer shelf life or slightly larger ink well (more prints). again these are generally sold at a lower price than an *OEM cartridge.
+ Pros: Lower price, Pre-tested, Usually has warranty
- Cons: Not the rock-bottom price
Guru Tip: Always check the warrant information on 3rd party cartridges and again when you find one that works for you, stick with them.
Toner: Starting around $45 for a toner cartridge at a local supply store these are a great candidate for non-OEM products. The same options are available for Toner that are available for ink cartridges. The only difference would be in the exact methods of refilling these products.
In all cases make sure the manufacturer of your given solution (for toner and ink especially) have your printer make and model on their acceptable replacement list. This is a list of devices on which their product has been tested. Be sure you look for these lists when going for one of these alternatives and you should be right as rain.
The Gurus define: OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer, for example HP is the OEM of the HP DeskJet. They will sell supplies that are manufactured and carry a warranty by them for “maximum performance” of the product (and maximum profit for them ).
As always, if you have questions or need the Gurus to help you with your products or other computing needs, contact us directly.
