HP 952 ink Every owner of an inkjet printer knows that the original cartridges can be outrageously expensive. Sometimes, they cost almost as much as the equipment itself. Why buyers snatch cheap printers is clear. The industry has long been suspected of capitalizing on the razor and blades model, but you can circumvent it and save on the supplies.
Inkjet printers can be incredibly cheap. For example, an HP machine can be bought for just over $100, while the cost of the original cartridge can equal a third of the price. In addition, the Smart Ink store offers the HP 952 ink with free shipping at just over $76, which means you can save almost 20% on every replacement.
Such products are compatible, as they come from third-party brands but are designed for the original equipment.
Is It Safe to Use Third-party Products?
If you ask this question to Hewlett-Packard representatives, they will advise you against non-original cartridges. On its official website, the company stresses the benefits of its supplies and the risks of damage from a substandard replacement. However, the production of compatible supplies has evolved in recent years, so you can easily find a cheaper product that delivers the same printing quality.
The razor and blades business model is a kind of a conspiracy theory. Many customers feel that big brands sell cheap machines to lure them in and rip them off afterwards. This is realistic, as some models of printers are sold at a loss. Cartridges allow the companies to recoup their investment.
Major brands have tried to outlaw compatible products, but they have failed. As there is no legal way to ban non-original supplies, the companies emphasize the danger of using defective products and program their equipment to reject non-original ink. In reality, reliable suppliers guarantee the compatibility and quality of their alternative products. Meanwhile, the firmware issue is solved by disabling the automatic updates.
How to Choose
Naturally, not every store may be trusted. Consumers should pay attention to a combination of factors. Substandard products indeed damage the equipment, but there are plenty of first-class replacements that are cheap and reliable. Look for the following:
- certified quality in compliance with international standards like ISO,
- instant recognizability (the latest version of the chip),
- 2-year warranty,
- free shipping,
- large volume (XL)
- ink level tracking for specific models.
What About Refilling?
The other option brands frown upon is refilling. You can order refilled cartridges online or take your product to a provider that will pour in fresh ink. The first option is both sustainable and convenient, as top stores provide a warranty and free shipping. In addition, you can get an OEM product with a substantial discount!.
In the case of offline refill, the specialist must be careful to prevent damage and inject the right amount of ink. In addition, bubbles inside the cartridge may cause malfunction. These variables and the need to visit an outlet make this method less preferable for many printer owners.
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