Guide to OEM & Compatible Ink Cartridges

When it’s time to reorder ink and toner cartridges, there are several options. Some people stop at a big department or office supply store to pick up their supplies on the run. Others shop with online retailers. Whatever your method, read this guild to help you better understand the difference between OEM and compatible toner and ink. 

OEM Print Cartridges 

OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” OEM printer cartridges are manufactured to fit the specifications of your machine meaning that if you have a Canon printer, the OEM replacement is a branded Canon printer cartridge. Because they are manufacturers brands, they are generally more expensive. 

Compatible Toner & Ink Cartridges 

Compatible toner and ink cartridges are manufactured using recycled & refilled OEM printer cartridges. They cost much less to produce, so they are cheaper than OEM cartridges. These eco-friendly cartridges can be professionally recycled several times before being retired. The savings, both environmentally and financially, are passed along to the consumer and save considerable amounts of money on printing costs. 

Often compatible ink cartridges are referred to as “cheap” or “recycled”. Don’t let those words scare you. Compatible toner and ink cartridges are carefully engineered and provide a comparable print quality to OEM cartridges. 

If you are considering trying compatible cartridges for the first time, rest assured that Inkbarn offers a 365 day return policy and 100% guarantee on all our products.