Did you know that by purchasing compatible cartridges from Azuraweb, you can save a significant amount of money? With the savings you make, you can almost replace your printer every year, especially if you print frequently.

The belief that compatible cartridges can damage your printer is simply a myth created to discourage people from using them. As a reputable printer repair business with years of experience, we can assure you that these cartridges do not cause any harm to printers. We prioritize your peace of mind!

Now, let’s clarify the differences between original and compatible ink cartridges to help you make an informed decision when purchasing cartridges for your printer.

Firstly, an ‘original cartridge’ is manufactured by the same company that produced and sold your printer. For instance, an original cartridge for an Epson printer is made by Epson. These cartridges are sometimes referred to as ‘genuine’ and may be labeled as ‘OEM’ (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

On the other hand, a ‘compatible cartridge’ is manufactured by a third party company for use in your printer. These cartridges are brand new and should function just as effectively as original cartridges. In fact, multiple independent studies have concluded that the printing quality is generally similar between both types of cartridges.

During your search for ink cartridges, you may also come across ‘refilled’ and ‘remanufactured’ options. Refilled cartridges are original cartridges that have been used, returned, cleaned, and refilled. This practice is common as cartridges can be reused up to six times. Remanufactured cartridges, primarily for toner cartridges, involve using an original cartridge that has been used, returned, cleaned, had all working parts replaced, and then refilled. This remanufacturing process is necessary as toner cartridges endure the most wear during the printing process.

As you may have realized, the main difference between original and compatible cartridges lies in the price. Printer manufacturers have substantial overhead costs due to extensive research and development. Charging higher ongoing costs for cartridges is one way they can increase their profit margin. In contrast, companies that produce compatible cartridges do not have the same overheads and can, therefore, offer them at a much lower price.

Considering that compatible cartridges offer comparable quality outcomes at a lower cost, you might wonder why some people still choose ‘original’ cartridges. The answer may surprise you: it largely stems from the widespread belief that third-party cartridges can harm the printer. However, the likelihood of this happening is minimal and continuously decreasing. In an era of widespread customer reviews and trust, companies selling subpar products cannot thrive in the market. Of course, if you come across ink cartridges being sold at an extremely low price, it is advisable to exercise caution and use your common sense.

Additionally, if you have a brand-new printer model, you may be required to use original cartridges for a few months until compatible alternatives become available. This is especially relevant for refilled cartridges, which rely on a supply of used original cartridges for production.

Furthermore, the vast majority of compatible cartridges are so reliable that using them will not void your printer warranty. If your printer is still within the one-year warranty period and experiences a breakdown while using a compatible cartridge, you are entitled to technical assistance and, if necessary, a replacement printer, just like someone who exclusively used original cartridges. It is highly unlikely that a third-party cartridge would cause a malfunction (as there are very few ways for a cartridge to harm a printer), but if such an issue were to arise, you would be covered by the warranty provided by the cartridge supplier.

(*depending on your printing volume)