The Truth About Ink

What the Printer Manufacturers Don't Want You to Know!
The truth about the use of third party compatible supplies

By Dennis Walthers

Have you ever been told your printer warranty could be voided if you used compatible ink or Toner products? Reality, It’s just not true!

Every now an then I get asked if using compatible ink and toner will void your printers manufacture warranty. I am here to set the record straight and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about the products you use in your printer.

OEM printer manufacturers are barred by current law from voiding warranties if customers simply use alternative ink supplies. This practice violates both Canadian and United States competition statutes forbidding a practice know as “tied selling”. Tied selling can be explained like this: Could Ford or GM void your warranty if you didn't use Ford or GM gas? Of course not. Same with ink.

Recharger Magazine asked the major manufacturers to provide—in writing—their policies on the use of 3rd party ink products and warranties. Here is what the major players had to say.

From Epson:
“Using [3rd party ink products] will not void their products’ original warranty…”

From Hewlett Packard:
“The use of a non-HP or refilled cartridge alone does not affect either your warranty or any maintenance contract you may have with your printer.”

From Xerox:
“The warranty on the equipment will not be void if competitive toner or ink is used.”

The OEM manufacturers certainly do what they can to discourage the use of 3rd party products but unless the product can be shown to be the cause of the failure, the warranty cannot be legally voided. The Office of Industry Advocacy in the United States has on file Hewlett Packard’s and Xerox’s policies on voiding warranties. Both policies clearly state that HP and Xerox do not void warranties based solely on the use of a cartridge or ink from another manufacturer or aftermarket provider.

Following are a links to more articles written on this subject.

Putting the Voided Warranty Question to Rest
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200411044

Combating a Voided Warranty? Take the Right Steps
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200011300

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD)-
What the printer companies don't want you to know!
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200003023

From Recharger Magazine, July 2000 Issue :
“In the May 1997 issue of WasteWise Update, the Environmental Protection Agency [in the US] and other government organizations have determined that the quality of a remanufactured product is equal to that of the OEM product and specifically describes the benefits… to the environment. The EPA states that remanufactured cartridges provide an excellent value as they are often much less expensive as new ones but perform just as well”

Do Not Be Afraid To Use Your Consumer Rights

If a printer service person tells you that using an alternative brand of cartridge
will void your warranty or that you will be charged for service because you are
not using the OEM products...

Do Not Be Intimidated.

It is illegal for a printer manufacturer to require you to use any particular brand of supplies. An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cannot void your warranty unless they can conclusively prove that other brands of supplies will damage the machine. To enforce a policy such as this is in direct violation of the Sherman & Clayton Antitrust Acts.

Don't be afraid to show this statement to any service person or OEM representative who threatens your right to choose your own supply source. FreePrinters.com products are 100% guaranteed to perform to your complete satisfaction. We stand behind the quality of all of our products.

I hope you have found this information to be of value to you in your quest for savings on compatible ink and toner for your printer. Please remember that FreePrinters.com now sells the largest assortment of compatible products in the industry for over 25 brands of printers and fax machines at guaranteed low prices.

We value your business and look forward to serving your needs.
You may visit the FreePrinters.com on-line store 24/7 at www.FreePrinters.com/store.

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Computertots/Computer Explorers
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In the past I have been so frustrated with not being able to afford some color on my newsletters that I publish. Either its too expensive or too slow. I have been amazed at the quality, and ease of use of the Phaser printer. I also hate the waste in ink jet printers. Replacing cartridges, and even print heads on some models is a terrible waste of natural resources. I often get folks who receive my newsletters asking me about how I print my newsletters. They are always amazed at the thought that a printer this nice can be free. The printer and the program and representatives have been a joy to work with.

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www.HomesToLiveIn.com

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