Why Are Compatible Ink Cartridges Cheaper Than New Cartridges

2010-01-26

Purchasing replacement ink cartridges is often a frustrating and costly experience for many people. It is commonly believed that consumers are required to purchase expensive brand name ink manufactured by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This is only one option, less expensive options are available for purchasing printer ink cartridges. It is essential to purchase ink cartridges that are specifically made for, or compatible with, the exact make and model of a particular printer. The cartridges are not interchangeable and therefore each printer manufacturer creates a separate ink cartridge specifically designed and labeled for one or two printer models. The buyer must then purchase printer ink that is designed for that printer. Name brands which are produced by the printer manufacturer cost more than generic brands sold as printer compatible ink cartridges.

Generic brand compatible ink cartridges are produced by companies other than the printer manufacturer. These ink cartridges are often compatible with more than one printer make and model. This means that one generic ink cartridge can replace several brand name cartridges which will allow them to be sold at a lower price. Generic brand cartridges do not require a separate cartridge label for each make and model they are compatible with. Brand name printer ink cartridges often cost twice as much as the compatible printer ink. The main reason for the increase has nothing to do with printer ink quality, but is a direct result of paying for the company name and logo.

When it comes to printer ink quality, there is no difference between generic and name brands. Compatible cartridges produce the same quality and the same amount of printed pages as the more expensive brand name manufactured cartridge. Generic, compatible cartridges are produced to the same specifications as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brand name varieties and will often produce more printed pages. Many times OEM cartridges are not completely filled to full capacity, creating a need to purchase new cartridges more often. Not only do the generic brands cost less per cartridge, the cost per page is often less as well.

When choosing compatible printer ink cartridges, it is essential to ensure that the cartridge is compatible with the specific printer's make and model. Generic manufacturers list on each cartridge package which printer makes and models that particular cartridge is compatible with. Purchasing generic, compatible printer ink cartridges is a safe and effective way to reduce replacement costs without compromising print quality or number of pages printed per ink cartridge. Since the printer ink quality is the same or better than the printer's brand name packaging, compatible cartridges provide a lower cost alternative without paying for the use of the Original Equipment Manufacturer's brand name.