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Save Money By Using Remanufactured Toner Cartridges
Many people use the terms toner and ink interchangeably but they're really two different things. Toner is a dry powder used in laser printers where ink is a liquid that is used mainly in inkjet printers. Laser printers typically cost less to run than inkjet but you can save even more by using remanufactured toner cartridges.
One of the drawbacks of most laser toner compared to inkjet cartridges is that they can't be refilled by just anyone. They are quite a bit more complicated than the average printer cartridge and they can't easily be opened up to add more toner without the proper equipment.
Fortunately, there are plenty of companies who sell refurbished toner cartridges which generally cost anywhere from 25% to 50% less than the brand new version from the printer manufacturer.
Most toner cartridges actually contain several parts - the toner powder, a drum, and a developer unit. These parts are most of the mechanics of the printer - the components that actually create the image and print it on the paper.
The better toner recycling companies do more than just refill the toner. They will also replace or refurbish the other components in the cartridge so when you put it in your printer you're going to get the same quality and reliability as you got from the original cartridge.
Most of the printer companies will warn you against using these remanufactured toners. You see, they make most of their profit from selling cartridges, not printers, so they do everything they can to try to convince you to buy theirs.
You may see warnings about these cartridges causing poor print quality, damaging your printer and even voiding your warranty. These statements can be true to a degree, but not entirely.
First of all, using a refurbished cartridge won't void your warranty, unless it is found that it somehow damaged the printer. The Magnussen-Moss Act specifically prohibits the manufacturer from voiding your warranty simply for using another brand of toner.
The print quality and potential damage claims are a bit more of a gray area. Yes, if you use poor quality cartridges both these things can happen.
The key to avoiding this is to be sure you're getting your toners from a reliable supplier. Check to make sure they have a money-back guarantee and that they guarantee your equipment will not be damaged by using their cartridges.
If you're ordering online, call them or email them and see how quickly you can get a response to your questions. If you aren't happy with their service before buying, it's likely not going to be any better after you order and need help.
