Ink Cartridges vs 123 Inkjets

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Printer Ink cartridges come in three primary categories: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), remanufactured, and compatible. OEM cartridges, produced by brands like Canon or HP, are the priciest option. However, purchasing OEM printer ink from an online retailer can save a considerable amount compared to local stores.

Remanufactured cartridges are refilled OEM products, offering the right fit for printers at a lower price than brand-new ink. Most remanufactured ink and toner retailers that you'll find online offer pre-filled cartridges, but sometimes they'll provide you with a kit and you do the filling yourself (which can get messy).

Compatible printer ink cartridges are made by third-party companies that guarantee the same fit and print quality as OEM cartridges after rigorous testing. These cartridges are often the most cost-effective option, as they don't require a brand-name premium. But, you'll want to make sure that the retailer offers some kind of quality guarantee - since you also run the risk of damaging your printer or voiding the warranty by using products outside of the OEM/remanufactured spectrum. Worth the risk? That's up to you, but many customers have used compatible cartridges for years with zero problems.

Choosing any of these options could lead to savings between 30-70% over the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Many online retailers provide promotional discounts, free shipping on qualifying purchases, and bulk discounts. Ready to save? As you shop for your printer ink online, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Compatibility. Make sure the ink you're buying is compatible with your printer model. Most printer manufacturers provide specific ink cartridges for each printer model, so check your printer manual or manufacturer's website for the correct ink cartridge model number.
• Quality. Look for high-quality ink that will produce crisp and clear prints. Lower quality ink may result in streaks, smudges, or faded prints.
• Price. Ink can be expensive, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Some third-party ink cartridges may be cheaper than OEM cartridges, but be aware that they may not always produce the same quality results or be compatible with your printer.
• Capacity. Ink cartridges come in different sizes and capacities. Larger capacity cartridges can be more cost-effective in the long run but may require a larger upfront cost.
• Refillable cartridges. Some printers allow for refillable ink cartridges. This can be a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option in the long run, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your printer.
• Retailer reputation. Do customers say positive things about the store selling the printer ink you need? How helpful is the store's customer service team if you're not sure if you've got the right toner or your cartridges leak during shipping? Have shoppers reported any problems with their printers after using the store's non-OEM options?

To help you find the right ink and toner cartridges for your printer, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and reviewed today's most popular printer ink retailers. Take advantage of this information to make your printing easy and affordable!