Image source: http://n2.sdlcdn.com/imgs/a/h/i/Karpine-Compatible-Laser-Toner-Cartridge-SDL677593239-1-7c305.jpg
A lot of people have several opinions and misgivings, based on misconceptions about using compatible toner cartridges; worse, others know absolutely nothing. I have personally used them and would like to share my points of view about these myths.
1. Compatible toner cartridges are as badly manufactured as they are cheap.
A compatible toner cartridge is a totally new toner cartridge made from all-new parts, and manufactured by a third party. It contains the exact toner required for your laser printer, as it is made according to the specifications of printer machine manufacturers. Most toner cartridge companies offer a one-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. Compatible toner cartridges usually sell for about half the price of a new OEM cartridge.
2. The use of compatible toner cartridges voids the printer's warranty.
This is simply not true. In fact, the law gives protection to the consumer thru the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act, which guarantees that your printer warranty will never be compromised. It says:
United States Code Annotated Title 15 Commerce and Trade Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties 15 Section 2302
(c) No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name; except that the prohibition of this subsection be waived by the commission if:
1. The warrantor satisfies the Commission that the warranted product will function properly only if the article or service so identified is used in connection with the warranted product, and
2. The Commission finds that such a waiver is in the public interest.
3. Compatible toner cartridges cause damage to printers.
This is far from the truth. It is almost impossible for a toner cartridge to cause damage to a laser printer. While it is possible for a toner cartridge to leak and cause streaking on your paper, cleaning and replacement of the toner cartridge will fix the problem.
I once came across a damaged toner cartridge, but quickly solved the problem by calling my supplier, who immediately sent me a replacement the following day. This is why purchasing only from reputable companies is important.
4. Compatible toner cartridges have poor print quality.
This was my initial impression, too, and fortunately, I was wrong. Aside from good quality prints, I printed more pages from the replacement cartridge than I did from the original. Be wary, though, that a lot of toner cartridges are not filled to capacity. Demand for a replacement if anything like this is encountered.
5. Compatible toner cartridges are the same.
Not. Be wary and use better judgment in choosing your toner cartridge supplier, specially if you are to shop online. Purchase only from reputable and reliable companies. These companies test their compatible toner cartridges to insure quality and quantity of print.
