Difference between Original and Compatible Printer Cartridges

Printers are one of the most widely used devices in the offices. An office needs print outs on a daily basis for a variety of task even after the wide use of digital communication. The cost of printer maintenance can go up to thousands and lakhs of rupees in offices with an extensive need of printing. Most businesses today prefer using compatible printer cartridges to curtail the printing costs. Despite the long-standing belief among shoppers that compatible printer cartridges can damage printers, an increasing number of people are finding it an amazing replacement for original printer cartridges.

So, what is the difference?

An original printer cartridge is manufactured by the same brand the printer is made of. For example, an original cartridge for a Samsung printer is manufactured by Samsung. A compatible printer cartridge is manufactured by a company other than the brand of printer you have. As long as you shop from a reputable and reliable supplier, a compatible printer cartridge should be just as reliable as the original cartridge. Compatible printer cartridges are brand new cartridges that have not been used before.

Other terms associated with cartridges that shoppers might have frequently come across are refilled cartridges and remanufactured cartridges. Now, there is a difference between refilled and remanufactured cartridges.

Refilled cartridges are those cartridges that have been used once, returned, cleaned and refilled. Usually, the ink cartridges are refilled.

Remanufactured cartridges are used once, returned, cleaned, all working parts are replaced and then refilled. These are usually the toner cartridges. The parts of toner usually experience damage with time and usage. This is replaced with a new one to make it fit for reuse.

Of course, there is a huge price difference between original and compatible printer cartridges. Original cartridges cost high for obvious reasons – manufacturing cost and marketing overheads. Compatible cartridges have no such overheads and therefore, cost almost 70% less than the original ones. But then, you must be careful to identify the sub-standard compatibles at ridiculously low prices. It is always recommended to buy compatible printer cartridges only fomr reputable websites with accreditations return policies and product guarantees.

Reputed suppliers of compatible cartridges usually guarantee the performance of compatible cartridges. It is very rare for a cartridge to cause an issue in the output of a printer. The print quality is also incredibly close to the genuine cartridge. You will see good colour reproduction, accuracy of print and ease of use, all at an amazing price.

Hi, my name is Ricky and I am a software developer by profession. I also love to write about the latest developments in IT & Electronics in my free time. I am also an active blogger.