Hewlett-Packard has a controversial approach to pricing. Like other printer giants, the company sells ink with price tags that look outrageous considering the affordability of basic equipment. This textbook example of the “razor and blades” logic prompts consumers to turn to cheaper supplies.
However, many still doubt the quality, safety, and legality of these products. Is it a really good idea to save on printer ink? Discover the main advantages and caveats consumers should be aware of in 2022.
1. You Can Save a Lot
Suppose you own an Officejet Pro printer that requires 953-series cartridges. A pack of pigments from the original store costs around £96. The international Smart Ink shop provides an HP 953xl multipack for only £41.59. Moreover, you will print twice as many pages thanks to a bigger volume!
2. Quality Is High
Reputable suppliers have quality certificates proving compliance with ISO, CE, STMC, Reach, and other standards. Provided you install their products properly, you shouldn’t notice any differences and the print quality.
The industry of compatible supplies has grown immensely in recent years, and smaller brands have adopted cutting-edge technologies. At the same time, they can afford to offer huge savings as their R&D needs are modest compared to Canon or HP.
3. You Get an Original Product
Thanks to slight differences in design, compatible cartridges are perfectly legal to use, so they will not void your printer warranty. Big corporations have tried to outlaw them in the past, but their lawsuits were futile.
Consumer protection legislation in different parts of the world, including the UK, entitles you to freedom of choice. Brands may only urge against using non-original products, and they always cite poor quality and potential harm. In reality, thanks to recent technological advancements, cheaper products are highly competitive.
4. Safer Than Refilling
YouTube is packed with tutorials for at-home refills. Yet, this process is more complicated and messy than you may think. Without experience, proper technique and tools, you risk damaging your cartridge or even printer beyond repair. Why take the gamble? You could inject too much ink, damage the contacts or chip, or cause a variety of other malfunctions.
One alternative to purchasing new cartridges is to explore compatible options, which can often be found at lower prices; however, it’s essential to ensure compatibility and quality. Additionally, considering environmentally friendly options such as recycling ink cartridges through services like Sell Toner can be a sustainable choice
What Is the Downside?
Compatible products are strong alternatives to OEM cartridges. They are original and more affordable. However, this industry has its stars and scammers. UK consumers should do research online before placing an order. In particular, pay attention to these benefits:
- Only certified quality confirmed by certificates
- Updated chip on each cartridge
- 24/7 support
- Excellent rating on Trustpilot
- Free shipping
- Sustainability
The version of the chip defines the ease of recognition. Printer giants cannot hinder the use of compatible cartridges legally, but they try to do it with firmware updates. Reliable stores guarantee instant recognition.