The world of printer cartridge is so diverse, just as there are so many types of printers. This is why we saw the need to help you in navigating this complex puzzle. Now, printer cartridges differ in features, purposes, and types. Considering that it is arguably the most important accessory when it comes to printers, you want to ensure that you have the right type of cartridge designed for your specific printer.
To help you avoid overpaying for your printer cartridges, it’s very important to consider where and how you buy. The best option would be to buy in bulk. In addition to this, buying online provides you with so many benefits. First, you’ll benefit from discounted prices and coupons. Most online shops offer free delivery and have a wide range of options to choose from.
When buying cartridges for your printer, it’s imperative to know your type of printer. Cost is also a major factor to consider. Peter Lawrence from Premium Toners says that recycling ink and toner cartridges, as well as using remanufactured cartridges, is one way through which companies can reduce their environmental impact. Of course, there are quite a number of other important factors to consider for any wise buyer of printer cartridges.
Starting with printer type, here are some helpful pointers on how to be wise when buying cartridges for your printer.
1. Printer Type
Laser printers
This is perhaps the most popular type of printers commonly used in offices. This personal computer printer uses laser technology in the printing process. The reason as to why this type of printer is so common is that tend to be more efficient than inkjet printers. They also guarantee high printing speeds, helps to increase productivity, and are cost-effective in the long run.
Business inkjet printers
Inkjet printers are so robust in nature and due to their reliability, they’ve become so popular in large-scale printing. Their capability to produce detailed and realistic prints, top up as another advantage. They require a minimum warm-up time as compared to some other types of printers. They are also affordable and easy to source. Remember you can sell ink cartridges for cash. If you have heaps of them, this might be a great way to make side-money.
Home office printers
As the name suggests, these are more appropriate for domestic use. Nonetheless, they may also be used professionally because of their various advantages and minimal shortcomings. They practically require no warm-up time and are capable of producing realistic prints. They have smaller cheap ink cartridges as compared to the other types of printers.
Multifunction printers
Also known as all-in-one printers, multifunction printers are capable of multitasking. This means that you’ll be able to scan, print, copy, and fax without having the need to add another unit for these functions. It also means that you can connect multiple devices to this type of printer. This is why most office establishments prefer using multifunction printers. In addition to this, they are more power-efficient like multi-purpose copier in Adelaide.
3d printers
3D printing is quite an exciting printing technology development of our time. As the name suggests, these are printers with the ability to produce 3D objects using resin. As these tech keeps on advancing, 3D printers are becoming more affordable than they were some years back. The best thing about these printers is that they offer limitless possibilities with the capacity to also offer you full customization. The caveat with 3D printers is that the technology is still developing, not forgetting the high cost of resin.
LED printers
LED printers are somewhat similar to laser printers, however, they use light-emitting diodes instead of a laser. On top of this, they have fewer moving parts as compared to laser printers. This is perhaps the reason for their efficiency and reliability.
Now, the process of shopping and replacing printer cartridges may be overwhelming. The next thing you need to do is know the difference between ink cartridges and toner cartridges.
2. Cartridge Types
Ink cartridges
These are exclusively used in inkjet printers and contain colored or black liquid ink. The ink contains a blend of complex pigments, which are sprayed through powerful inkjets of the printer onto the paper during the printing process.
Toner cartridges
Toners are usually composed of a dry and complex powder that contains microscopic particles. These may either be black or other coloring agents that help in the making of the actual images on paper. Toner cartridges are mostly used in laser printers.
With that, there are so many aspects you want to consider before buying printer cartridges. Here are more factors to consider when choosing the right cartridges for your printer.
3. Cost
Let’s face it, the digits on the price tag play a huge role in determining the quality of a cartridge. In addition to this, it matters how much you spend on the printer cartridge. This is why before buying any type of printer, you want to, first and foremost, ask the retailer of the cost of replacing the ink cartridges and their availability. The type of printer cartridge may also affect the cost. Here are the three types of printer cartridges you want to familiarize with.
- OEM Cartridges (Original Equipment Manufacturer) – Most printer manufacturers are also involved in the making of printer cartridges. These types of cartridges are compatible with the company printers. For instance, the manufacturer of HP printers also makes HP printer ink cartridges. OEM cartridges may be high-priced but they are of better quality and in addition to this, you have brand assurance from the manufacturer.
- Remanufactured cartridges – These are ink cartridges that are restocked and refilled by third-party manufacturing companies. Contrary to the popular belief, that this type of cartridge is bad for printers, a quality test has to be performed on each cartridge to ensure it’s worthiness.
- Compatible cartridges – This is a type of printer cartridge that is not manufactured by the original manufacturer of the printer but works and functions in the same manner as an OEM cartridge. Compared to OEM cartridges, compatible cartridges have become very popular among consumers because they cost less.
When it comes to the initial cost, ink cartridges are cheaper. This is in comparison with the cost of replacing laser cartridges. Nevertheless, laser cartridges have a greater output than ink cartridges. But all this will depend on your usage.
4. Quality
It’s very important that you consider high-quality printer cartridges. However, as earlier discussed, this depends on the type of printer you own. Now, as per laser printers, they offer an all-round performance but they cannot be compared to inkjet printers in terms of print quality. This brings in the need to use OEM cartridges because you are assured of brand quality from the manufacturer. Remanufactured cartridges are also a viable option for economic reasons.
5. Compatibility
It’s very important that before buying just any type of printer cartridge, you ensure that it’s compatible with your printer. In determining the right kind of cartridge best suited for your printer, it’s important to check your printer’s manufacturer part number. This is found on the user manual that came with your printer. Your cartridge dealer may also help you in determining the model of your printer. Different types of printers may require diverse types of cartridges. There are types of printers that may require multiple cartridges and then there are those that may require single cartridges. You, therefore, need to ensure that you have the right cartridge best suited to your specific needs and uses.
6. Delivery
When opting to purchase printer cartridge online, it’s important to choose online stores that promise free and prompt delivery. This will come in handy especially if you have other commitments such as work. This will help to save you a great deal of time and resources.
7. Warranty
The best printer cartridges come with a warranty. Product warranty helps to ensure the customers of genuineness. If you are buying your cartridges online, the supplier may ask you to pay an extra buck for the warranty. To enjoy your peace of mind, you might want to pay the extra money required.
8. Check The Yield Ratio
This is the number of pages the quantity of ink in the cartridge is supposed to print. To get the most out of the money spent on cartridges, buy the cartridge that promises maximum yield. As a matter of fact, this can also help you to estimate your printer’s cost per page.
9. Research Research Research
Now, before you go out shopping for printer cartridges, it’s imperative that you first and foremost do extensive research on your type of printer. The online is the best place to do this, most especially if you are buying online. You’ll find helpful information and at the same time customer testimonials of clients sharing their views on certain products.
Common mistakes you want to avoid when buying cartridges for your printer
Making sure that you buy the right printer cartridge will make a huge difference in your printing life. There are so many things that could go wrong in your purchasing experience. For instance, it’s very frustrating going through the hard process of tearing into the package just to find out that you are holding the wrong type of cartridge. Such mistakes are avoidable but it’s still of importance if you learn the most common mistakes you want to avoid when purchasing printer cartridges.
1. Ignoring the owner’s manual
Sales clerks are very busy people, handling different customers at a time and dealing with a variety of products. You wouldn’t expect them to have all the product information memorized. To avoid the mistake of relying too much on unreliable sources, take your time and read the printer owner’s manual. This will also help you to identify the printer’s serial number in identifying the right type of cartridge.
2. Forgetting the printer model and cartridge number
It’s very important that when you go out looking for a printer cartridge, ensure that you have the printer’s model number with you. This will help to save the sales clerk from unnecessary stress. In addition to this, it will make the shopping experience fun, easy, and fast. You may alternatively remove the empty cartridges and take them with you. This is in case you bought your printer online and cannot locate the printer’s manual.
3. Going cheap
Like we had earlier mentioned, OEM cartridges are more expensive than refill kits. However, they are of the best quality seeing that you have the manufacturer’s guarantee. Ink refill kits will rarely offer you the same type of quality results. Unless it’s an old and outdated printer, stay away from refill kits.
4. Choosing the wrong ink
Every type of print job requires a specific type of ink. Now, when choosing ink cartridges, it’s imperative that you choose the right type best suited for your needs. There are two main types of inks; pigment-based inks and dye-based inks. Before choosing the ink, ask the retailer if it’s fast drying or slow drying. You don’t want your print images to turn out blurred. Pigment-based inks have a quicker drying time than dye-based inks.
5. Paying too much
We know that price is a defining factor when it comes to cartridge buying. You are not restricted to using cartridges from the printer’s manufacturer, there are alternatives. Remanufactured cartridges are the best replacements and in addition to this, they are readily available in the market.
Reading through this article will help you to become a wiser shopper when it comes to printer cartridges. This is an important aspect that will not only apply to cartridge shopping, but it is also applicable when shopping for other office products as well. Online shopping platforms are arguably the best places to buy your cartridges. This is because they are versatile and at the same time, you get to compare different prices from different stores from the comfort of your home, giving you easier shopping experience. Certain companies usually promise a money-back guarantee. This means that if you are not satisfied with the product, they’ll refund you your money.
Finally, it’s very important that you read through the terms and conditions that apply to delivery and shipping. This is especially true if the cartridges in question are for business purposes. You really don’t want your business to suffer the consequences of late delivery. Ensure that they can deliver in good time and that they also ensure the safety of the products when delivering. This is one of the many reasons why most people prefer online shopping… convenience. Printers play a very crucial role in our lives, and finding the right cartridges is just as important. Keeping these points in mind will help to make your shopping experience worthwhile and your printing life enjoyable… happy printing!