Discount ink cartridges can be classified into two main groups of discount ink cartridges and toner cartridges in the market these days - compatible cartridges and re-manufactured cartridges. Compatible cartridges are also called generic cartridges.
Compatible cartridges are new ink cartridges which are manufactured by a third party and not the original printer manufacturer. These cartridges are made using the third parties own design and manufacturing process and sold as compatible products to the original manufacturer’s products. Compatible cartridges are generally from original equipment manufactures (OEM) who make the same cartridges for the big brands and adhere to the same quality standards and specifications.
On the other hand, re-manufactured cartridges are name brand cartridges which have been through one cycle of service. They are usually disassembled, cleaned, repaired and refilled before releasing to the market again. Consumers who buy re-manufactured cartridges are not only concerned about the price, but their benefit to the environment as well.
They are name brand cartridges which have gone through one cycle of use, but refilled and sometimes installed with new components. Re-manufactured cartridges are a bit more expensive than compatible cartridges but still offer a big savings compared to OEM cartridges. In addition, they are very popular among environmentally concerned consumers. Compatible cartridges are generally 50-75% cheaper.
It is a well known fact that printer manufacturers cut price in printers but maintain a very high profit margin from cartridge sales. Instead of lowering the price of OEM cartridges to make them more competitive, they use different tactics to ban the use of compatible and re-manufactured cartridges from third-party manufacturers. For examples, printer manufacturers may install software in your computer that warns you of the use of compatible cartridges as if they could damage your printers. Some manufacturers incorporate smart chips into their cartridges so that consumers cannot refill or recycle their cartridges. Others have sued the third-party manufacturers of printer cartridges or smart chips claiming that they have violated patent technology.
Discount ink cartridges should always be compared when you are buying them. For example, some manufacturers produce compatible cartridges without the smart chips. These cartridges are usually cheaper than 100% compatible cartridges with new replacement chips. However, compatible cartridge without new replacement chip may have problem communicating with the computer as the latter would think that the cartridge is always low in ink. It is also wise to shop only with vendors who can provide a good refund policy and extended warranty.
