John L. Dilbeck's Ramblings
JohnDilbeck.com
Last update: 8/19/01; 08:53:08.
Thoughts and ideas as they occur to me.
Archives: 2000 2001
Sunday, August 19, 2001
New recommendations for inkjet and toner cartridge sources:
I've previously told the story about my sad encounter with one company that sells inkjet and laser toner cartridges, so I won't repeat it here. They are a popular company and I've talked to several people since then who have nothing but good things to say about that company, but my recent experiences caused me to sever all ties with them and stop recommending them.
However, that left me in a lurch, because as recently as last Thursday, several people have asked me about a good, reputable source for discounted inkjet and toner cartridges.
So, I spent several hours last evening doing some research. This time, I had some additional criteria for recommending a company. In addition to a good selection of products and good prices, they had to have multiple ways to contact them listed on their website. I decided not to recommend a company if they didn't list their physical address and at least one telephone number. A fax number was a bonus. (No more having to look up a domain at BetterWhoIs.com to track down the owner of the domain after customer service started ignoring my emails.)
As a result of my search, I am now recommending the following four companies. (I have affiliated with them and will earn a commission if you purchase from them -- which helps to offset the time it takes to do the research and maintain this website.)
CarrotInk.com offers a wide variety of inkjet cartridges (including HP), but no toner cartridges:
FREE Ink Cartridge - click here
All-Ink.com offers good prices on Inkjet cartridges, only.
Buy Epson, Canon, Lexmark, & HP Inkjets for 50% OFF
Inkjets.com offers many types of inkjet cartridges, including HP, but no toner cartridges.
Inkjets.com - Inkjet Cartridges for Less
TonerNow.com - The most comprehensive selection of all kinds of printer, fax, laser, and other printing-related supplies, including just about every OEM product available at full retail price. When you look for your product in the "Brand" drop-down menu on their home page, if you'll scroll down to tonernow.com rather than picking Epson, Canon, HP, etc., you'll find their very competitively priced compatible products. They even have a cartridge for my ancient laser printer that is equal to the best price I've found anywhere, and their other compatible products appear to be priced pretty competitively, as well.
As an aside, I have no problem recommending remanufactured or compatible cartridges, since I've found most of them to be as good as the OEM original. However, I do not recommend the refill kits. They work and the quality is good, but you have to be very careful when you refill a cartridge that isn't intended to be refillable, and your results will vary depending upon how careful you are. Some people get excellent results, and for them it is a good inexpensive solution. But, I know of at least one instance where someone damaged an antique desk because their refilled cartridge leaked all over it. For myself, I'd rather pay a few dollars extra and get a remanufactured cartridge from someone who knows what they're doing rather than go through the refill process myself. But, as always, it's up to you to decide for yourself. )
Remember, no matter who you buy from, Caveat Emptor. **JD**
8:41:04 AM
© Copyright 2001 John L. Dilbeck, jd@johndilbeck.com.
