Tuesday, May 24, 2005
What the Printer Manufactuers Don't Want you to Know!
The truth about the use of third party compatible supplies
By Dennis Walthers, President of FreePrinters.com
Have you ever been told your printer warranty could be voided if you used compatible ink or Toner products? Reality, It’s just not true!
Every now an then I get asked if using compatible ink and
toner will void your printers manufacture warranty. I am here to set the record
straight and provide you with the information you need to make informed
decisions about the products you use in your printer.
OEM printer manufacturers are barred by current law from voiding warranties if customers simply use alternative ink supplies. This practice violates both Canadian and
States
Recharger Magazine asked the major manufacturers to provide—in writing—their policies on the use of 3rd party ink products and warranties. Here is what the major players had to say.
From Epson:
“Using [3rd party ink products] will not void their products’ original
warranty…”
From Hewlett Packard:
“The use of a non-HP or refilled cartridge alone does not affect either your
warranty or any maintenance contract you may have with your printer.”
From Xerox:
“The warranty on the equipment will not be void if competitive toner or
ink is used.”
The OEM manufacturers certainly do what they can to discourage the use of 3rd
party products but unless the product can be shown to be the cause of the
failure, the warranty cannot be legally voided. The Office of Industry Advocacy
in the
the use of a cartridge or ink from another manufacturer or aftermarket
provider.
Following are a links to more articles written on this subject.
Putting the Voided Warranty Question to Rest
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200411044
Combating a Voided Warranty? Take the Right Steps
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200011300
Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD)-
What the printer companies don't want you to know!
http://www.rechargermag.com/article.asp?id=200003023
From Recharger Magazine, July 2000 Issue:
“In the May 1997 issue of WasteWise Update, the Environmental Protection Agency
[in the
remanufactured product is equal to that of the OEM product and specifically
describes the benefits… to the environment. The EPA states that remanufactured
cartridges provide an excellent value as they are often much less expensive as
new ones but perform just as well”
Do Not Be Afraid To Use Your Consumer Rights
If a printer service person tells you that using an alternative brand of cartridge
will void your warranty or that you will be charged for service because you are
not using the OEM products...
Do Not Be Intimidated.
It is illegal for a printer manufacturer to require you to use any particular
brand of supplies. An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cannot void your
warranty unless they can conclusively prove that other brands of supplies will
damage the machine. To enforce a policy such as this is in direct violation of
the Sherman & Clayton Antitrust Acts.
Don't be afraid to show this statement to any service person or OEM
representative who threatens your right to choose your own supply source.
FreePrinters.com products are 100% guaranteed to perform to your complete
satisfaction. We stand behind the quality of all of our products.
I hope you have found this information to be of value to you in your quest for savings on compatible ink and toner for your printer. Please remember that FreePrinters.com now sells the largest assortment of compatible products in the industry for over 25 brands of
printers and fax machines at guaranteed low prices.
We value your business and look forward to serving your needs.
You may visit the FreePrinters.comon-line store 24/7 at http://www.freeprinters.com./store.
