Is the print quality the same as the OEM cartridges?

We use premium inks and toners that are precisely formulated for your printer cartridges. They have very similar chemical and physical properties to the original OEM cartridges. Because the OEM’s inks are patented, there may be differences. However, for most applications, they should not be noticeable. We have done many blind tests, and most users cannot tell the difference between a printout using an OEM cartridge and one using ours. We use over 100 specialized inks and toners that are specifically designed to match particular cartridges. The ink and toner comes from suppliers who match as closely as possible the print performance of the OEM cartridges.

Is a recycled inkjet cartridge as good as a new inkjet cartridge?

Our remanufactured cartridges are as good as new cartridges. If you don’t think so, we will replace the cartridge or provide a refund. Cartridges are tested thoroughly before being packaged for sale. Studies have shown that the average failure rate for a brand new OEM cartridge is about 3%. We expect our remanufactured products will also have a failure rate associated with them which may slightly exceed the OEM’s. We maintain extensive quality and testing procedures to ensure trouble-free printing. We are continually working to eliminate any potential failures before you use the cartridge. Our in-house testing is an effort to weed out marginal cartridges before they reach your printer. We back it up with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on every cartridge. If your cartridge does not perform to your satisfaction, we will replace it or provide a full refund.

Is a recycled toner cartridge as good as a new toner cartridge?

Toner cartridges may be remanufactured indefinitely if the internal piece parts are replaced when they become worn. We test the incoming cartridges and replace worn parts with new ones which are designed for much longer use than the OEM’s. We test the cartridges to “worst case” conditions and replace parts on a preemptive basis so that weak parts are removed before they are installed in your printer. Again, we maintain extensive quality and testing procedures to ensure trouble-free printing. We back it up with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on every cartridge. If your cartridge does not perform to your satisfaction, we will replace it or provide a full refund.

Do your cartridges provide the same page yield as an OEM cartridge?

We have done extensive testing of our cartridges against the OEM’s. We have found that the yields will vary greatly depending upon what type of document is being printed, if it is printed continuously or started and stopped, or if one color is used more than others.

We fill the cartridge with as much ink or toner as the cartridge will reasonably hold (without running over!). This means that some cartridges designated as “low yield” from the OEM will be filled up beyond their original capacity. In most cases, our yields are expected to be within 5% of the OEM yield.

Will using remanufactured or compatible cartridges void my printer warranty?

Cartridges remanufactured by Ink Again will meet or exceed the performance of original cartridges. Printer manufacturers will almost always advise you against refilling because they would rather have you to buy their expensive replacement cartridges. If our cartridge damages your printer, our warranty covers your printer on any valid claim. (See Guarantee for details.)

How many times can a cartridge be recycled?

If properly cared for, an ink cartridge can be refilled about 5 to 10 times before needing to be replaced. Laser cartridges can be remanufactured almost indefinitely if properly cared for.

What is the difference between a remanufactured cartridge and a compatible cartridge?

• OEM Cartridges:

  OEM is an abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer. The original manufacturer produces the ink or toner and will typically put their name on the product, such as Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Lexmark, Epson, etc.

• Remanufactured Cartridges:

  Remanufactured cartridges are produced from empty OEM cartridges which have been spared from the landfill via recycling programs / recycle mailers. The remanufacturing process involves disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, replacing worn parts, reassembling and filling with toner or ink. The remanufactured cartridge is carefully and completely tested / inspected before packaging for resale.

• Compatible Cartridges:

  Compatible cartridges are new cartridges manufactured by companies other than the OEM. Most of the compatible cartridges we sell are for Canon, Brother, and Epson ink-tank style cartridges. In the future, we plan to remanufacture these cartridges; however in the meantime, we are stockpiling these types until they become part of our process. For now, we simply don’t want the cartridges to go to the landfill!

Why do you put a plastic clip on the ink cartridge?

The clip, together with the protective tape, provides a tight seal against the print-head to prevent any ink from leaking. The clip also protects the delicate print-head during transportation. Additionally, the clip can be used when the cartridge is removed from the printer to prevent air from potentially drying and clogging the print nozzles.

Why do I sometimes get pop-up warnings when I install a remanufactured cartridge?

You can safely disregard the pop-up warnings on your printer or computer display. Some printer models have been designed to provide a warning when a refilled cartridge is inserted. In addition, with some printer models, the ink level indicators do not function with refilled cartridges. These OEM ink level indicators are estimates only and typically declare low ink when there is still plenty of ink remaining!!! However, the ink level indicator is a good way to inform you to get ready to purchase a new cartridge. Without it, we recommend having a spare cartridge on hand. A spare will prevent you from running out during an important project.

What should I do if there are white streaks in my inkjet printouts?

If the inkjet cartridge is just newly installed, or you believe the cartridge is not empty, run the print head cleaning utility (described in your printer's operating manual) and attempt to print again. For cartridges with integrated print-heads, (most HP, Lexmark, and Dell cartridges) you can also remove the cartridge and gently wipe the print-head with a damp paper towel and let it bleed onto the paper towel to start the ink flowing. Reinstall the cartridge, run the print head cleaning utility again and attempt to print. If this does not work, you can return the cartridge to us for a replacement.

How can I make sure my ink cartridge can be recycled?

The best thing you can do for your inkjet cartridge is to prevent it from running completely dry. Printing with the cartridge after one or more colors have run out will damage the print head and prevent it from being recycled. When the cartridge runs out of ink, streaks begin to appear in the printout, simply remove the cartridge and placing it into one of our pre-paid mailers or a zip lock bag. This will help maintain the freshness of the cartridge and increase the likelihood of that it will make it through the remanufacturing process. It is always recommended that you have a back-up cartridge on hand and when yours runs out just replace it with a new one and drop the empty in the mail. If you have a cartridge clip from a remanufactured replacement, please clip it to the empty in order to provide the highest possible protection for the print-head during shipment back to us.