Original vs Compatible Toner: What It Really Costs
Compatible cartridges look cheaper on the invoice. Here is what the total cost looks like.
Every procurement manager has been offered compatible cartridges at half the price of the original. Sometimes that is a good deal. Often it is not.
Page yield is the real unit
Compare cost per page, not cost per cartridge. A compatible cartridge at 60% of the price that delivers 55% of the pages is more expensive, not less.
Warranty implications
Manufacturers will not cover damage caused by third-party consumables. On a printer fleet under service contract, one leaked cartridge can void cover on the whole unit.
When compatibles make sense
For out-of-warranty machines printing internal documents at low volume, a reputable compatible is a reasonable saving. For client-facing output or machines under contract, stay with originals.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell compatible cartridges?
We stock originals as standard and can source tested compatibles on request for out-of-warranty machines.
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