The Real Cost of Cheap Clone Cartridges

Posted by TonerWise Team on Sep 4th 2023

The Real Cost of Cheap Clone Cartridges

The Real Cost of Cheap Clone Cartridges

Clone cartridges seem like a bargain, but poor quality and other drawbacks make them more expensive over time. Here's why remanufactured cartridges are the better value.

Inferior Build Quality

Clone cartridges are manufactured from low-grade plastics and components. This results in a propensity for leaks, smearing, and cracking. Unlike OEM or remanufactured cartridges, they don't hold up well over time. These inferior plastics can also accelerate wear on your printer, leading to higher repair and replacement costs.

Lower Page Yields

Contrary to their claims, clone manufacturers often overstate the page yield of their cartridges. Real-world tests show that clone cartridges usually deliver far fewer pages than advertised. In contrast, a remanufactured OEM cartridge can provide up to 30% more prints, resulting in notable long-term savings.

Not Environmentally Friendly

Some businesses opt for clone cartridges under the mistaken belief that they are eco-friendly. Unfortunately, the subpar quality of these cartridges often makes them unsuitable for remanufacturing or recycling, causing them to end up in landfills. Remanufactured OEM cartridges are a more sustainable option as they repurpose existing materials.

Risk of Lawsuits

Using clone cartridges can expose your business to legal risks, as these products frequently violate OEM patents and trademarks. Major printer manufacturers are becoming increasingly aggressive in pursuing legal action against both sellers and users of clone cartridges. Any savings gained from using clones can quickly evaporate due to legal costs.

No OEM Warranty Coverage

If you use clone cartridges, you risk voiding your printer's OEM warranty. Should your printer suffer damage due to a faulty clone cartridge, the original manufacturer is unlikely to offer free repairs, leaving you to bear the financial burden.

Remanufactured Cartridges Are the Better Value

Despite their marginally higher upfront cost, remanufactured OEM cartridges offer better value. They deliver high-quality prints and are less likely to damage your printer. Additionally, these cartridges are recycled and reused, not discarded in landfills. Plus, using them doesn't put you at risk of legal repercussions.

In summary, when you do the calculations, remanufactured cartridges prove to be both economically and environmentally superior. Avoid the hidden pitfalls of clone cartridges by opting for quality remanufactured products.