Did you know that an ink cartridge should be placed upright for at least 30 minutes prior to use? After receiving your order of compatible ink cartridges, stand the cartridges upright before installing to allow the ink to flow down to the print head and so that any oxygen bubbles can rise up and away from the print head. If you replaced an ink cartridge(s) and the printer is not working, follow these steps to resolve this issue or determine the cause:
  • First, verify the tab protecting the ink from dispersing is not still on the cartridge.
  • Verify the the ink cartridges have been inserted properly.
  • If a lever has been changed from its original position allowing the ink cartridges to be added / removed, ensure it is back into its original position.
  • Perform a head cleaning on printer if available.
  • Verify no software errors are occurring and/or print a test page.
  • If any indication lights are flashing or are different, refer to your printer documentation or printer manufacturer's web page for additional information on what the lights are indicating.
If the above recommendations do not resolve the issue, it is recommended that you contact your printer manufacturer.
 
 
Did you know that a manufacturer of a printer you are using cannot void your warranty because you use an inkjet cartridge or refill kit manufactured by someone other than the printer manufacturer? It's true! If you prefer to purchase name brand inkjet or toner cartridges even though they cost more, that's fine, but it is NOT required for warranty purposes. An excerpt of the MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY IMPROVEMENT ACT states: "(c) No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied warranty of such product on the consumer's using, in connection with such product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or corporate name..." So if you choose to purchase less expensive compatible ink cartridges, you are NOT voiding your printer warranty. As a consumer– it's up to you what to buy!

MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY IMPROVEMENT ACT
United States Code Annotated
Title 15 Commerce and Trade
Chapter 50 Consumer Product Warranties
15 Section 2302
 
 
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. You've probably seen this term used a lot when shopping for a compatible ink cartridge. For example, if you have a Hewlett-Packard brand of inkjet printer and buy an ink cartridge made by Hewlett-Packard, you are purchasing what is considered an OEM cartridge. On the other hand, a compatible inkjet cartridge is made by another company, but is guaranteed to work in your Hewlett-Packard printer. Of course the original manufacturer wants you to purchase only their brand of consumable products, any business would in order to increase their sales and profits. But to save money, you can purchase a compatible ink cartridge instead and get the same results. You should also know that compatible ink cartridge companies such as those listed on this website usually sell both OEM and compatible inkjet cartridges. They are so sure the compatible brand will work in your printer that they guarantee it or offer a warranty. However, most OEMs do not allow these companies to warranty their name brand products, therefore, you will need to deal directly with the OEM if you need to make a return or an inkjet cartridge you receive does not work for some reason.  
 
 
Want to save money on your printer supplies yet get the same quality as the original product? Then buy a compatible ink cartridge. A compatible inkjet cartridge is a cartridge manufactured to supply the same quality that branded and original cartridges provide, but at a lower price. The cost savings can really add up, especially for a compatible black ink cartridge because it is the most widely used color. In fact, most people go through two black ink cartridges to one color cartridge. Most compatible or alternative manufacturers use the same amount of ink as that of the OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer. To assure accuracy, the ink is weighed and measured to follow the same specifications set by the OEM. Cartridges are carefully pressurized and filled during the process so they do not leak. Before a compatible inkjet cartridge is sold, tests are performed so you are assured that the ink and toners are high quality when you use compatible printer ink cartridges. Obviously, quality of the ink is very important because it affects the quality of the output. The ink could also clog the print head of the cartridge if it does not match the specifications of the OEM, which include the drying time, viscosity, color values, surface tension and pH value. All reputable companies that sell compatible inkjet cartridge offer a warranty, so in case you encounter any problem with their products, you can return them hassle-free.