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What are Compatible Cartridges?
Compatible cartridges are "new replacements" and should not be confused with refilled or remanufactured cartridges.
Compatible cartridges are produced in bulk in various countries of the world and look almost identical to the originals (see point 4 below). The major market in compatible cartridges is for Epson and Canon ink tanks.
Choosing a compatible cartridge supplier is quite a tricky operation. Here are some of the things that you should think about:
- BULK DISCOUNTS. Most suppliers
will offer you a bulk discount. Check whether this offer is per type or per your total order! You may be buying hundreds of cartridges, but only given a "10 off" price.
- RELIABILITY. Not all
compatible cartridges are reliable. We know some brands that regularly fail. Again, do not buy too many at once. If you end up with an unreliable brand, it is a lot wasted money.
- RETURNS. We also know of
suppliers who refuse to accept returns from you, the seller: they will only accept returns from the person who purchases from you, and of course, they then promptly steal your customer. Ask about the
returns policy up front.
- COPYRIGHT. Most of the OEMs
(Original Equipment Manufacturers) have copyrighted their cartridge design. There is the possibility that an exact copy cartridge would make you liable to prosecution. Check with your supplier that the
cartridges you purchase are copyright free.
- NEW EMPTY CORES. There are a
number of organisations selling new empty cores, for all manufacturer's cartridges, that you can then fill yourself. We have not tried these ourselves, but must report we have yet to hear of anyone having
significant success with these parts.
- CHIPPED CARTRIDGES. The number
of chipped cartridges (cartridges with an electronic chip incorporated into the cartridge body) is growing. Replacement chips are available for some of these cartridges. If you are buying a compatible
chipped cartridge, check whether the chip is reprogrammable (and if so, how much the reprogrammer costs!), or whether it is disposable (like the originals).
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