OEM vs. Compatible toner

[the pipster]

I'm sure this has been discussed here before but I couldn't find any threads.
What do think of OEM vs. Compatible toners? Is there any real quality difference? Will it really void my service contact if I use anything other than OEM? I've never heard of this happening but it does state that it "may" void this contract if I use any non-OEM toners or parts.

[wagon]

Some toners are good, some are bad. Genuine is usually best, but some of the 'compatible' stuff can turn out OK.

[just a tech]

Have had some good luck and some bad luck with compatible toners in the past. Especially with our copystar/kyocera-mita line, the OEM works best. Especially in the 16-25 copy ppm range. Have had several problems with poor copy quality, not fusing properly, or excessive toner buildup on guides and plates. Just seems that the compatible toner doesn't cover as wide of range of different paper types and thicknesses as what the OEM does. Hell, it may be just me, but I believe that using the compatibles in some of our models actually cause component failure, such as pitted drums from arcing and other things.. All in all, I think ya just have to see if it works for you. But I'm with "Wagon", genuine is usually the best way to go.

[_SuabE_]

Also some are good from the first time, the result reducing photo drum life, plenty of waste toner, also affected the life cycle of the fusing unit. Genuine is still the best to use.

[wingnut132]

OEM the only way to go

[cobiray]

I'm sure this has been discussed here before but I couldn't find any threads.
What do think of OEM vs. Compatible toners? Is there any real quality difference? Will it really void my service contact if I use anything other than OEM? I've never heard of this happening but it does state that it "may" void this contract if I use any non-OEM toners or parts.

If you are using non OEM toner and it is determined to cause problems (loose toner in machine, PCQ, accelerated wear of consumables) then you may have just voided your service contract. It really would depend on the severity of the damage and if you are willing to pay to have the parts replaced. Usually, when a machine is under a maintenance agreement, the toner is included in the price.

Color is another story sometimes if the color is pay as you go and not on a CPC. For example, if you were on a pay as you go color program and decided to "save" on the price of toner by buying it from a 3rd party you may find that the colors are not reproduced as accurately, or are light, etc. If this generates a service call, you may be billed for it. If it damages components, you may be billed for the parts.

In my opinion, you won't be saving any money if producing quality images are a priority with your business. As a dealer we have tested several brands of 3rd party toner in an attempt to save money. I would say 75% of them gave a lower quality image compared to the OEM products. This goes double for re manufactured image cartridges.

[freedomtt]

I agree that OEM is usually the best way to go. We have found a few that seem to work out ok but its hit or miss.

As far as compatible toners voiding any warranty or service contract, there are laws put into place that say that a company/manufacturer can not say that you must purchase toner from them and only them. It can be a little different as far as service contracts but your original warranty can not be voided. (Magnusson Moss Warranty Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act, Subparagraph C, Section 101)

[LY3IJ]

for my konica`s:

1216,2223,2028,3031,3135,4145 can use anything
but 7033,7040,7050,7060 only oem another kills developer after 1 bottle

[wagon]

In my opinion, you won't be saving any money if producing quality images are a priority with your business. As a dealer we have tested several brands of 3rd party toner in an attempt to save money. I would say 75% of them gave a lower quality image compared to the OEM products. This goes double for re manufactured image cartridges.

...But not always. I use 'remanufactured' cartridges in my old HP printers (old LJ4/4+) and they work well. The last lot I got worked out at less than $50/cart. Not bad for about $5000 pages. I think it depends on the brand of parts used and the care taken by those rebuilding the unit.

[Mark B]

Do not even waist your time or money on anything but OEM toner all you will do is waist time, money and piss customers off by using that other garbash.

[mjunkaged]

There is NO SUBSTITUTE for genuine stuff.
I don't see people buying home-made gas, but they'll dump any old thing into their office machines without even penciling out the savings! IF the toner costs $50, and lasts 1/4 as long before it starts looking bad, and then PUKING TONER ALL OVER YOUR ONCE-NEW FUSER, how much have you really saved??

[kingpd@businessprints.net]

I'd stick with OEM.

The only thing I use generic for is laser printers that use an all in one cartridge system. But I only use two brands out of the thousands out there and they provide warranties. They also truly manufacture their own cartridges and toners so that the whole cartridge is made by them. This means one company makes their own shell, their own drum, their own developer, their own toner. In many regards they are and "oem." This is a lot different from taking an oem and refilling it.