Are you in the market for printer ink, but aren’t sure what to buy? With all the third party manufacturers and vendors out there, it can be confusing trying to figure out exactly what you need. There are a lot of options to choose from, and knowing the basic differences between cartridges will help you make the right decision.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Ink Cartridges
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or name brand ink cartridges are made by the printer manufacturers themselves. Since they are sold by the manufacturer, these cartridges are normally the most expensive type. Oftentimes when you purchase a printer, you may pay more for replacement cartridges then the printer itself.
Compatible Ink Cartridges
Compatible ink cartridges are created like the name brand cartridges but are made by third party manufacturers. These cartridges are sold at a discount but are not cheap inks. They are created to match the OEM specifications. Compatible cartridges can offer comparable print quality as the name brands and have the same standards. These cartridges are completely reliable, but look suppliers that guarantee their products. The process and quality varies with each third-party manufacturer.
Remanufactured Ink Cartridges
Remanufactured cartridges are recycled name brand cartridges. The cartridges have already been used once and sent to a remanufacturing company. There the cartridges are cleaned, repaired with new parts, refilled professionally, and tested for quality. Like compatibles, you should look for a vendor that guarantees their products because the process and quality can vary.
Refill Kits
Refill Kits are do-it-yourself kits that include everything needed to refill an inkjet or toner cartridge. Each kit is created for specific printer models with ink formulated to match OEM quality.
The printer ink market is massive, and it can be very confusing to new buyers who are looking for a deal. But knowing the facts can help you make an informed decision.
Tags: ink cartridges, inkjet cartridges, printer ink