Printer ink could be one of the most expensive liquids on earth, but only if you buy OEM products. Despite manufacturers’ recommendations, non-original supplies will neither damage your equipment nor underperform. Trusted independent brands are highly competitive. Follow our tips to maximize savings.
Maximize your savings
HP Photosmart 5521 requires 4 cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The Hewlett-Packard store sells them for £85.99. If you switch to Smart Ink, the difference is insane — £15.99 for HP 364 ink cartridges multipack with 10 products. You save over £150 on every purchase!
Compatible cartridges, which fit the same models of printers, are developed by independent companies. These smaller brands can offer excellent value for money as they have a narrow specialization. Saving 50-90% every time is perfectly possible.
Quality guarantees
“Imitation cartridges” may be produced in compliance with such international standards as CE, ISO 9001, ISO 14000, Reach, and STMC. In terms of print quality, changes are insignificant, and consumers may not notice any deviations at all. Considering the price, compatible cartridges are real bargains.
Legal and safe
Many consumers worry that third-party items will damage their printers or void their warranties. This market has top performers and fly-by-night companies, but products from trusted brands are perfectly safe and legal.
Compatible cartridges are designed from scratch for particular printer models. They are assembled similarly to OEM counterparts. As long as you follow the installation manual, printing will be hassle-free. Compatible products are preferable to plain refilling, particularly when it is done by amateurs.
From a legal standpoint, you are free to use any non-original supplies. Thanks to consumer protection laws, UK customers have a right to save money if they wish to. Printer manufacturers are prohibited from canceling warranties based on anti-competitive terms.
Tips for savvy shoppers
A bit of due diligence will help you avoid disappointment. Before ordering a cartridge online, find out about the reputation of the supplier. Specifically, pay attention to feedback on Trustpilot, warranties, and quality marks. Here is an example of a decent combination:
- Certified quality as per global standards (ISO, CE, etc.);
- 2-year money-back guarantee on all products;
- Updated chips;
- 24/7 support;
- XL or XXL capacity;
- Free shipping;
- Ink level tracking (some models only);
- Discounts for purchasing 2 or more items.
A cartridge communicates with a printer via its chip. In an attempt to prevent recognition, printer manufacturers regularly update their firmware. Cartridges with updated chips are recognized instantly.
Final Word
All in all, high-quality compatible products perform as well as their original counterparts. If you would like to print more sustainably, switch to remanufactured supplies — recycled OEM cartridges. They are often sold in the same shops.
