Genuine versus Compatible Ink Cartridges
When replacing ink cartridges, it can be a cost effective option to use compatible rather than genuine ink cartridges. Before you go about purchasing a compatible ink cartridge, it pays to do your research and avoid spending money on an ink cartridge that might not do the job.
What is a compatible ink cartridge?
When you first purchase your printer, you are issued with genuine ink cartridges. When they run out, you have the choice of repurchasing genuine ink cartridges or buying compatible ink cartridges. Compatible ink cartridges are basically the same product, but they are manufactured by a third party and are considerably cheaper.
It is safe to use compatible ink cartridges in my printer?
When choosing replacement ink cartridges it pays to do your research. You should always consider the reputation of your compatible ink cartridge manufacturer. These days, it is easy to find reviews from other customers online. Our friendly team at TonerInk will be happy to provide you with advice of the best compatible ink cartridges available for your printer.
It is important to check for guarantees from the manufacturer. There is the potential of falling victim to scams, therefore it is important that are sure that the cartridge manufacturer has a physical address and genuine contact details. It is best to purchase your compatible ink cartridges from a company you know and trust.
Make sure you discuss compatibility, print quality and yield, and the quality of the moulding with ink cartridge specialists like the team at Tonerink.
You may be concerned that a compatible ink cartridge may somehow damage the printer or lead to printing issues, but this is highly unlikely if the cartridge has been manufactured by a reputable company.
Do genuine ink cartridges produce better quality prints?
A research study conducted by PC World and the Rochester Institute of Technology ran side-by-side tests of brand-name and third-party inks using popular ink jet printers from Canon, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, and Lexmark. They compared image quality and fade resistance. They also tracked how many pages each cartridge churned out before running dry.
Their tests showed that all of the third-party inks in the test group yielded more prints per cartridge but that, with some notable exceptions, the printer manufacturers’ ink they evaluated usually produced better quality prints and proved more resistant to fading.
The accuracy and vibrancy of colour can vary with both genuine and compatible cartridges. This entirely depends on the ink itself. Inks and viscosity may vary between manufacturers and some use pigment or dye type inks which vary in quality levels. Therefore regardless of whether you go with genuine or compatible cartridges there may be some variation of colour from manufacturer to manufacturer.
When deciding whether to purchase a compatible or genuine ink cartridge, it is best to consult the experts. Contact us today on 1300 738 194 for the right advice on all printing consumables.