What is the difference between original and compatible printer cartridges?

This really is a interesting area and causes much confusion in the stationery world and with customers but we have been fortunate enough to visit numerous manufacturing plants across Europe that represent both areas. We hope you find the following information useful.

ORIGINAL CARTRIDGES

These are printer cartridges that are manufactured by or for the manufacturer of the actual printing device. These are obviously specifically designed to match all the specific demands of your printer. The down side of these are they are expensive and in many cases are not actually new! All the major manufacturers now recycle the cartridges that they have returned via various programmes but these cartridges are thoroughly checked before repackaging. These recycled cartridges are often sold through selected partners at a discounted price.

COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGES

This is a far more complex route with large differences in costs but all start with empty original cartridges! These cartridges are always obtained via charities and are cheaper than originals.
The quality of these cartridges entirely depends on the care and attention this cartridge is given before repackaging.
2 options refilling or remanufacturing:

Refilling is as the name suggests but with both methods the cartridge needs to be thoroughly cleaned and residual toner removed before refilling. This is the simplest method and seems to achieve good results usually on a local level.

Remanufacturing is a more thorough version of refilling and usually entails the whole empty cartridge being thoroughly inspected and any worn parts removed and replaced. This can often be an extensive process and usually with very high levels of success.

It is always worth checking with your printer cartridge supplier what in fact they are supplying and if they are not sure maybe it is time to look around to find a supplier that does!

Original Printer Cartridges?

What is the difference between original and compatible printer cartridges?

This really is a interesting area and causes much confusion in the stationery world and with customers but we have been fortunate enough to visit numerous manufacturing plants across Europe that represent both areas. We hope you find the following information useful.

ORIGINAL CARTRIDGES

These are printer cartridges that are manufactured by or for the manufacturer of the actual printing device. These are obviously specifically designed to match all the specific demands of your printer. The down side of these are they are expensive and in many cases are not actually new! All the major manufacturers now recycle the cartridges that they have returned via various programmes but these cartridges are thoroughly checked before repackaging. These recycled cartridges are often sold through selected partners at a discounted price.

COMPATIBLE CARTRIDGES

This is a far more complex route with large differences in costs but all start with empty original cartridges! These cartridges are always obtained via charities and are cheaper than originals.
The quality of these cartridges entirely depends on the care and attention this cartridge is given before repackaging.
2 options refilling or remanufacturing:

Refilling is as the name suggests but with both methods the cartridge needs to be thoroughly cleaned and residual toner removed before refilling. This is the simplest method and seems to achieve good results usually on a local level.

Remanufacturing is a more thorough version of refilling and usually entails the whole empty cartridge being thoroughly inspected and any worn parts removed and replaced. This can often be an extensive process and usually with very high levels of success.

It is always worth checking with your printer cartridge supplier what in fact they are supplying and if they are not sure maybe it is time to look around to find a supplier that does!

Welcome to our printer cartridge blog!