4 Reasons to Choose OEM over Non-OEM Printer Cartridges

When your printer alerts you that you’ve run out of ink, you can either run out to a store to buy some right away (if the printer has run out of ink while you’re printing something important) or you can go online and do a search for printer cartridges if you have some time. At a store, your options are typically all from the original manufacturer (HP, Canon, Brother, etc.), but online you’ll find more options, which can be confusing. Before you buy your next printer cartridge online, read on to understand the differences between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) printer cartridges versus non-OEM printer cartridges, including “compatible”, generic, and remanufactured ones.

The True Cost

While you’re shopping for a new printer cartridge, you’ll come across lower prices for non-OEM and remanufactured cartridges that may be more appealing than OEM, but be forewarned there are risks that come with that reduced cost. OEM (otherwise known as name-brand) printer cartridges are more expensive than non-OEM cartridges because they have the reputation of the company behind them along with the company’s research and development brains; and they’re built for the specific printer.

When you purchase non-OEM printer cartridges instead of OEM to save money, you’re not really saving money. Instead, a SpencerLab Monochrome Reliability study showed that the cost of the non-OEM will be up to 10% more than an OEM cartridge when you add on the reprints and service calls you’ll need to fix your printer. The calculations for this study included the costs of paper, cartridge replacement for one that prints, and labor for reprints.

Technology

Did you know that up to 70% of the technology that’s needed to print is located in the printer cartridge itself? This statistic is based on an HP study that looked into all-in-one cartridges and the EP process steps required to print a page. Knowing that, why would you buy a non-OEM cartridge that wasn’t built for your printer and instead simply tries to replicate it?

Quality

As you’re printing out your resume, for example, how do you want the final result to look? Do you want to hand over a perfect resume to the hiring manager, or do you want to hand them one that’s streaky, dotted, or smeared because you tried to save money by purchasing a generic or remanufactured printer cartridge? The answer is simple: OEM printer cartridges will give you the high quality printing that you need to put your best foot forward.

Safety

When you’re buying anything online, safety should always be a factor. A remanufactured printer cartridge is one that has been used and refilled. But you don’t know what kind of ink has been poured into that cartridge, nor if there is previous ink or paper debris still in the cartridge from before it was refilled. Any of these issues can cause the printer cartridge to leak and damage your printer.

Who to Trust?

Adams Imaging Systems has an extensive inventory of Genuine OEM Brand toner and ink cartridges from all major brands, including HP, Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Canon, Konica, Infoprint, Samsung, Xerox, Sharp, Ricoh, and more. They offer quality products, service, and technical support that sets them apart from their competitors. Give Adams Imaging Systems a call at 978-462-9206.

 

Tags: OEM Printer Ink Printer Cartridge