Before you place your next toner order, let’s make sure you know all the options available to you as an imaging dealer.
In this article, we’ll share the four different types of print cartridges so you can make an educated selection on the best value for you customers and your business
1. Genuine OEM
These print cartridges are made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). They include a brand-new shell, new components and have never been used in a print device before. They only work in the manufacturers printers and tend to cost about 20 – 50% more than the alternatives below. That said, the quality is guaranteed because it’s a brand-new cartridge and most end users perceive more value in a new cartridge vs a “previously enjoyed alternative”.
2. New (LD GOLD Line)
Just like an OEM print cartridge, the LD GOLD Line is manufactured with 100% brand new components and a brand-new shell. The cartridge has never been used before, and it comes with the same or better yield and quality than most OEM cartridges according to Buyers Lab test results. Unlike the OEM print cartridge, the LD GOLD Line serves multiple product lines and comes with the industry’s best performance guarantee. The LD GOLD Line series of premium quality print cartridges was made for dealers looking to offer a brand-new cartridge with much bigger profit margins than an OEM product.
3. Remanufactured (Used)
A remanufactured cartridge is a print cartridge that has been used at least one time before being disassembled and put back together for resale. Not unlike a used car, there are components that have wear and tear because not all components are replaced. Depending on the remanufacturing process, the batch, and the individual manually taking the cartridge apart and putting it back together, the quality of a remanufactured cartridge can vary greatly.
Most remanufactured cartridges are sold under agreements that don’t stipulate the type or quality of cartridge included. Remanufactured cartridges cost less than OEM cartridges but come with a reputation of lower yields, quality fluctuations and replacement issues.
Dealers looking to maximize profits not achievable with an OEM cartridge often select the LD GOLD Line cartridge because it offers the performance of an OEM cartridge at a lower cost, allowing the dealer to maintain healthy margins.
4. Drill and Fill
Just like the name says, this is perhaps the most primitive way to extend the life of a print cartridge. Unlike the remanufacturing process that requires the cartridge be broken in half (to access the internal components), the drill and fill process means that someone is drilling a hole in the side of the cartridge and then pouring toner particles back into the cavity before closing the hole.
Drill and fill print cartridges tend to be lower cost but come with the warning flags of poor yields, less than satisfactory quality, and upset customers. By reputation alone, most drill and fill operations have gone out of business or work with select resellers targeting highly price sensitive, one-time customers.
Summary
Smart imaging dealers know the difference between these print cartridge options. They also know their customers’ expectations and the cost of losing a customer over a toner issue. Depending on your business goals, hopefully this article helps you select the best toner cartridge for your business!