Frequently Asked Questions

1. My printing machine manual tells me that only OEM replacement print cartridges will work in my printing machine.... Do your JetMaster brand new compatible replacement print cartridges work just as well?

• Our brand new compatible ink jet print cartridges are designed and manufactured according to strict guidelines in ISO-certified facilities. Our replacement print cartridges are made to conform to the dimensions and other characteristics needed by your printing machine for proper functioning. We work hard to assure you complete compatibility.

2. How can you sell your JetMaster brand new compatible replacement print cartridges for so much less than OEM replacement print cartridges?

• The manufacturing costs for OEM replacement print cartridges and generic compatible replacement print cartridges are actually quite comparable; there is a minor difference in the cost of packaging (OEM replacement print cartridges generally have more packaging materials). The cost of the packaging, however, doesn't even begin to account for the difference in price. The reality is, the OEM replacement print cartridge manufacturers simply have and maintain higher profit margins. Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, Lexmark and other ink jet manufacturers claim they need these high profit margins to finance research and development, however this is the same argument the pharmaceutical corporations use to artificially inflate prescription drug prices in the United States for items that costs significantly less in Canada and other non-US locations. Likewise, you can find OEM replacement print cartridges at significantly lower prices outside of the U.S., where the OEM manufacturers have less control over the distribution networks. The simple answer is, the OEM manufacturers want higher profit margins on their ink jet printer support products, though the manufacturing process and costs are basically the same as for compatible ink jet printer support products.

3. Why do brand new compatible replacement print cartridges from retailers such as Staples and Office Depot cost a lot more than your brand new compatible replacement print cartridges?

• Staples, Office Depot and other traditional retails do not manufacture their own brand new compatible replacement print cartridges. In fact, they import their replacement print cartridges from the same factories in China that most other retailers buy from, but simply sell them with a higher markup than most online brand new compatible ink jet print cartridge retailers. They would like to deceive their customers into believing that since their replacement print cartridges cost more, that they are superior to the replacement print cartridges that we sell. The sad truth is that they often resell inferior-quality products, because they force their suppliers to sell them replacement print cartridges at extremely low prices, leaving the supplier with no other option than to send an inferior product in order to meet their demands. The price-quality relationship for consumer is converse: Traditional retail stores charge more for an inferior product, while we sell our replacement print cartridges for less, but supply a higher-quality product. Office Depot, Staples, etc. count on their position as "premium stores" to keep their prices high, though really this translates to premium prices and zero service (these stores sell everything, but the average employee doesn't know much about the products they sell). In comparison, we offer reasonable prices and can offer the knowledgeable customer support and provide the information necessary to ensure our customers a good shopping and printing experience.

4. Are your JetMaster brand new compatible replacement print cartridges remanufactured?

• No, we only sell brand new, factory-sealed brand new compatible ink jet print cartridges.

5. What's the difference between an refill system and a replacement replacement print cartridge?

• A refill system is a set of instructions, tools and inks designed to refill a given ink jet print cartridge. A replacement replacement print cartridge is a complete cartridge unit that is installed directly in the printing machine (in place of the previous, spent replacement print cartridge).

6. Aren't refill systems complicated and messy?

• With our refill systems, we include detailed and diagrammed instruction booklets to illustrate clearly and precisely the proper remanufacture method for your particular replacement print cartridge. With proper application of the refill tools and attention paid to recharging your replacement print cartridge, the mess should be minimal, though it is always a good idea to put down newspaper over your work surface.

7. Why do your refill systems cost more than the universal refill systems I can find at retail stores?

• Our refill systems are exponentially more specialized than the universal refill systems available in retail stores and from TV infomercials. Universal refill systems are mass-produced and mass-marketed along the principle of "one-size fits all", a concept that doesn't map too well to the complexities of ink jet technology. With over 200 different formulations of inks at our fingertips, we can guarantee the compatibility of our inks with your ink jet print cartridge. The tools in our refill systems take into account the myriad of different replacement print cartridge styles now in existence, so you will receive the right tool(s) for the job.

8. How do I know your inks will work in my printing machine?

• Our inks comply to the strictest standards of our industry. Each of our inks is formulated for use in a specific replacement print cartridge and tested several times before we offer it to our customers.

9. I do a lot of photo printing. Will your inks maintain the vibrance and durability I can get with OEM replacement print cartridges?

• We carry inks that are a chemical and physical match to the original inks in your replacement print cartridge. Hence, our inks should provide you with the same print characteristics, output and quality as the original.

10. Won't usage of a refill system or brand new compatible replacement print cartridge void my printing machine's warranty?

• No, it is actually a violation of the Mugnusson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act (Title 15 Commerce and Trade, Chapter 50 - 2302) for any manufacturer to require the use of its proprietary (and spendy!) supplies for fulfillment of the printer's warranty. It is illegal for the manufacturer to void the warranty simply because you used third-party supplies. The manufacturers know this, though it does not keep them or their employees from making empty threats and misleading statements.

11. If I have questions about your products, will I be able to speak with a real person who can address them knowledgeably?

• We are ready, willing and able to answer your ink jet questions and concerns via email (support@a1inks.com) and over the phone 8:30AM to 5:30PM Pacific, Monday through Friday (we are closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day).

12. I tried universal and it did not work. Can you explain why I would have more success with your refill system?

• The manufacturers of universal refill systems ignore the basic fact that there are more replacement print cartridges and more inks in them, than can be covered by a single refill system. Universal refill systems are cheap and cheaply made, and the makers and sellers bank on the fact that since they are cheap, their customers won't bother to return them. In a more cynical light, office super stores and other retailers have a second incentive not to sell a quality product that works: they do not want to jeopardize their business relationships with the OEM printer manufacturers, whose products they also sell. With our refill systems, we go the extra mile to ensure a match between our inks and the OEM inks; we test and re-test our recharging tools and methods in our own offices and with our own printing machines prior to releasing a new refill system to the market.

13. I see that you have a tool to make a hole in the toner cartridge. Is that the way you refill them when I purchase remanufactured toner cartridges from you?

• No, the remanufactured toner cartridges that we offer are remanufactured by disassembling the toner cartridge, cleaning and replacing the parts that are worn out. The reason for this is because refilling with the tool and plug is suitable when you don't need to ship the toner cartridge, and where you are familiar with the starting condition of the toner cartridge to be refilled. However, there are some toner cartridges that have pre-existing OEM laser toner hopper plugs, and there are also some that can't be remanufactured without making a hole to reach the laser toner hopper.

Still have questions? Call us at 800-901-4657 or email support@a1inks.com.