Incompatible ink cartridge?

Besides buying a remanufactured ink cartridge, your two other options for replacement ink cartridges are OEM or compatible versions.

OEM ink cartridges are the ones sold from the manufacturer advertised as being brand new.

Compatible cartridges are just that, compatible. These are replacements that duplicate the OEMs for a fraction of the original cost.

“Razor and blades” OEM business model. Compatible Ink Cartridges Provide Comparable Performance At A Fraction Of The Cost

The reason why OEM cartridges are such expensive stems from the razor and blades business model of printer manufacturers. This business model focuses on a cheap initial investment (in this case, the printer) but makes the user continually invest in the expensive refills. Overall, there is no difference between OEM cartridges and the compatible version, the only distinguishing factor being the marketing involved. The large printer companies scare customers into buying their cartridges by threatening damaged printers or voided warranties.

There is almost no difference between the manufacturing processes of compatible and OEM cartridges, and the warranties are comparable as well. Is it worth it to use an aftermarket cartridge brand, though? Yes, it certainly is when the cartridges can cost even 80% less than the OEM versions. Compatible cartridges also share a shelf life identical to their OEM counterpart.

How to fix “Incompatible cartridges” error on HP printers

Be careful in choosing a supplier

The only drawback to compatible ink cartridges is the research involved. When selecting the right aftermarket cartridge, the first step is to match up the printer model with the right refill. Second, depending on the printer, determine if you want a larger capacity cartridge or original capacity.

Lastly, remember to choose the right aftermarket manufacturer carefully, or you could wind up with a bad cartridge. Bad cartridges could suffer from many problems, including poor quality, poor or off-color ink, or short shelf life. Once all of this research is done, remember to choose a reputable online retailer with a good price on the replacement you want.

With compatible inks, you can save up to 300% versus brand-name inks

Compatible ink cartridges provide significant cost savings.
A great way to save on your printing costs is to utilize compatible ink cartridges rather than full-price brand name ink. Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, ink is found in office supply stores and sold by the original printer manufacturer in glossy boxes at a high price.

Usually, you will hear claims about how OEM cartridges are of the highest quality and will produce better results than any competitive product. In truth, however, compatible cartridges can make a high-quality output at a much lower cost basis than brand-name manufacturer ink if you purchase them from reputable online suppliers.

OEM ink cartridge warranties

OEM cartridges often come with warranties and guarantees, but it’s much more likely that any defects will occur due to the printer hardware than with any ink refill. The relatively high frequency of cartridge replacement will mean that you’ll likely use up your ink before you have any mechanical problems with the cartridge itself. In the rare cases that there is a defect, you will be able to tell upon your first print from the cartridge, and, in those cases, you can usually exchange the product.

Buying Compatible Ink Makes Sense

Even when OEM ink supplies have a longer life, compatible ink cartridges are still much less expensive when adjusted for per-unit cost. For example, a black ink OEM cartridge (HP Officejet black ink 63) currently retails for $28.99 in office supply stores or Amazon. Online, a compatible black cartridge can be had 30% cheaper, at only $18.95, a saving of $10 per cartridge. The savings only multiply when one considers the need to replace separate color cartridges.

Buy Cartridges From An ISO-Compliant Supplier To Ensure Quality

Original manufacturer claims about the better quality are often overstated. Contrary to any of these claims, compatible cartridges can work well with nearly any printer model in almost any printer line by meeting the level of standards required by the printer manufacturer. Buy from a retailer that complies with ISO manufacturing standards, and you will be safe.

Rest assured that your compatible ink clears the bar needed for working with the printer, and if you buy the right cartridge for your model, you should be able to get great results at a lower price. Additionally, you can often purchase compatible cartridges at bulk discounts that are not available for original OEM products sold at high retail prices.

When choosing your next cartridge, keep in mind that there are several alternatives to high OEM ink prices, and you can find compatible cartridges for most printer models at affordable rates.

Replacing Your Brand Name Cartridges With Compatible Ink

You do not have to stop using your printer due to high ink prices. Read on to see how you can save on ink.

Finding compatible ink cartridges for your new printer is easier than you think. Some people call these generic or remanufactured ink cartridges. If you have an inkjet printer, you know how expensive ink cartridges can be. You, like millions of other inkjet owners, have probably been perplexed when you went to buy your first new inkjet printer cartridges.

Most people suffer from severe sticker shock. The cost of replacement printer cartridges is ridiculously higher. However, you can purchase a new printer for less money than it cost to replace your ink cartridges in many cases. Generic or compatible refilled ink cartridges may be the answer for you.

Compatible Ink Is The Generic (Off-Brand) Version Of Ink Cartridges

Refilled compatible ink cartridges offer a terrific alternative to new ones. Compatible ink cartridges typically cost anywhere from 30 to 50% less than new ones. The savings are significant. Refilling cartridges has become a big business.

Many entrepreneurs have answered the call for cheaper ink alternatives and are offering low-cost compatible ink cartridges.

Buying Compatible Ink Cartridges Is Less Of A Hassle Than Ink Refill Kits

Many people have tried to refill cartridges on their own and had great difficulty. Most people get discouraged when they try and refill cartridges on their own. They generally make a mess of things and quit early on.

Don’t let this experience hinder you from buying a refilled compatible ink cartridge. Supplied compatible ink cartridges are filled in a professional environment are in the same shape as the new ones you buy. Many people have discovered that refilled compatible ink cartridges perform just as well as the new ones.

So do not throw that new printer away. Instead, get your compatible ink cartridge online and keep your financial sanity.

How to use incompatible ink cartridges on all HP printers