FAQs

Why OEM Products Can Be Expensive

Majority OEM replacements are priced high by manufacturers to compensate for the cost of producing their printers. Companies like HP and Brother frequently sell their printers at the lowest prices possible. But, they can regain the money they lose on these pieces of equipment by charging high fees for replacement parts customers need to maintain. This approach is commonly known as the razor blade business model.

High costs can also be a result of the following factors:

  • Research and development: Enterprise companies are constantly improving their products, which leads to more technology use and higher prices.
  • Manufacturing: Companies must carefully design compatibles to prevent a malfunction.
  • Supply and demand: Most offices have at least one printer, and many homes do. As a result, the market and prices remain high.
  • Specialized cartridges: Many models require technical components, which causes an increase in manufacturing costs.
  • Limited shelf-life span: Companies create replacements with a limited life span, so consumers need to purchase more frequently.

Remember always to recycle. Some big-box stores may have recycling programs where users can earn cashback for recycling their machine parts.

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How to Save Money on Every Cartridge

A printer can be expensive to maintain, primarily if you use it a lot. Compatibles are a great option to lower the cost of printing.

Third-party manufacturers make compatible products using new or reused parts and the same quality as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). When you buy compatibles from Supplies Outlet, you can expect your printer to perform at its best at a fraction of the cost.

One way to save money on continuous use is switching to a laser model instead of a typical inkjet. These units use laser technology to melt toner dust onto your paper. Some brands will allow you to use compatible components with ease, giving you the option to save you the most money and time.

If buying a laser model is not an option, there are a few ways to extend the life of your ink components. Some methods include:

  • Maintenance: Make sure you use your machine at least once a week and run monthly maintenance to ensure all parts are functioning correctly.
  • Storage: Store your supplies in a cool, dry area until you are ready to use them.
  • Use specific fonts: When printing, try to avoid ink-heavy fonts like Arial. Instead, use fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond that require less ink.
  • Switch to grayscale: Print in draft or grayscale mode to reduce the amount of black used.
  • Check your levels: No one wants to run out in the middle of a project and start over. Check your levels often to ensure you have enough.

Another option is to buy compatibles. They have lower prices with comparable quality to your OEM manufacturer. At Supplies Outlet, we have over 30 years of experience selling computer products and supplies. We're a reputable source for almost any printer.

If you buy bulk, you might need a refresher on what you have when it's time to reorder. To get the name for replacement, follow these steps:

  1. Lift the cover and expose the tray.
  2. Wait for the tray to slide to the center and stop. It should be easy to see the name from this angle.
  3. If you cannot see the tag easily, pull out the part and examine the side for the label.

Majority replacements look similar, which can make things confusing. Often the same brand, such as the Brother tn-760 and tn-660, look nearly identical. However, these similarities in looks do not mean that you can place the comparison in your machine.

Each component contains a chip that only works with specific models. If your printer requires an HP 301, inserting an HP 304 may cause damage. If you are using Supplies Outlet compatibles, it will work without any issues as long as it is the same model number.

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Supplies Outlet: Return, Shipping & Service Policy

We have facilities in several locations in the United States, allowing us to offer one- to two-day delivery times for over 95% of our customers in the U.S.

Our hassle-free return policy makes it easy to shop with confidence. While we're sure you'll enjoy all of our products, we accept unopened returns up to one year after the purchase date if you order the wrong model or need to make a return for another reason. Click here for our full return policy.

We strive to provide high-value service to our customers by combining the best products with competitive pricing. In our 30 years of operation, we have sold over 10 million printer cartridges to satisfied customers. Our large selection ensures that you'll find the perfect unit for your model. Our ink and toner units are compatible with leading printer brands, allowing you to save money and continue to print with the highest quality.