Compatible Toner Cartridge

Compatible Toner Cartridge
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a compatible toner cartridge?
2. Will a compatible toner cartridge void my manufacturer's warranty?
3. Can a compatible toner cartridge really save me money?
4. Are all compatible toner cartridges the same?
5. Can a compatible toner cartridge damage my laser printer?
6. What is the shelf life of a compatible toner cartridge?
7. Will a compatible toner cartridge print the same number of pages?
8. How do I help the environment by purchasing compatible toner cartridges?
9. Why should I use compatible toner cartridges rather than OEM toner cartridges?
10. How are compatible toner cartridges different from just a few years ago?
11. What does OEM stand for?
12. What do OEM manufacturer's say about compatible toner cartridges?


1. What is a compatible toner cartridge?
A compatible toner cartridge is a new toner cartridge manufactured by a third party. It is guaranteed to be as good as your original laser printer toner cartridge. The toner cartridge is manufactured to the exact specifications of your laser printer.

Return to Top

2. Will a compatible toner cartridge void my manufacturer's warranty?
Absolutely not! It is against the law for a company to prevent you from using a compatible toner cartridge in your laser printer.

Return to Top

3. Can a compatible toner cartridge really save me money?
The most expensive part of owning a laser printer is purchasing toner cartridges. You can expect to pay seven times more for your toner cartridges than you paid for your laser printer. Over the five year life expectancy, compatible toner cartridges will cut your cost in half.

Return to Top

4. Are all compatible toner cartridges the same?
Compatible toner cartridges are not created equal. Reputable toner cartridge companies test their compatible toner cartridges very carefully to insure you will get the same quality and number of pages as your original toner cartridge. The company money back guarantee and shelf life guarantee are usually good indicators of the quality of the compatible toner cartridge.

Return to Top

5. Can a compatible toner cartridge damage my laser printer?
A toner cartridge can do very little damage to a laser printer. It is possible, but highly unlikely, for a toner cartridge to leak and cause streaking on your paper. However, a simple cleaning and replacement of the toner cartridge will resolve the problem.

Note: If streaking ever occurs when you first use your compatible toner cartridge, contact support.

Return to Top

6. What is the shelf life of a compatible toner cartridge?
Most compatible toner cartridges are guaranteed for at least one year. Don't purchase toner cartridges from companies that offer less than a one year warranty.

Return to Top

7. Will a compatible toner cartridge print the same number of pages?
Reputable toner cartridge companies use equipment that is designed to fill their compatible cartridges to the exact OEM specification of the laser printer. The industry standard is 5% page coverage. You can adjust density and resolution to maximize your printer performance.

Return to Top

8. How do I help the environment by purchasing compatible toner cartridges? 
Each empty toner cartridge adds approximately 4 pounds of waste to a landfill. Because the cartridge is primarily composed of plastic, it will take over 1,000 years to decompose. In addition, it takes three quarts of oil to manufacture a new toner cartridge. The economy will save over twenty million gallons of oil a year because of compatible and remanufactured toner cartridges.

Return to Top

9. Why should I use compatible toner cartridges rather than OEM toner cartridges?
You will get the same quality and number of pages from a good compatible toner cartridge at nearly half the cost of an OEM toner cartridge.

Return to Top

10. How are compatible toner cartridges different from just a few years ago?
The technology used to produce compatible toner cartridges is now as good as the technology used to create OEM toner cartridges. The days of drill and fill are over. Reputable toner companies use many of the same components as outlined in OEM specifications, i.e., toner, new drums, rollers, etc.

Return to Top

11. What does OEM stand for?
OEM is an abbreviation for 'Original Equipment Manufacturer'. In short, it means the toner cartridge was manufactured by the same company as the printer.

Return to Top

12. What do OEM manufacturer's say about compatible toner cartridges?
Most major laser printer companies spend a lot of money trying to convince you to purchase only their toner cartridges. They are quick to criticize the use of compatible toner cartridges from third party vendors. I think it is ironic that many of these major printer companies are now selling their own recycled cartridges... AND you're still paying full retail price for them! Check the fine print on the package. It will state the cartridge is made from new and recycled parts!

Return to Top

Best Suppliers for Compatible Toner Cartridges