Quality Variations in Remanufactured Inkjet Cartridges

Remanufactured or refilled printer ink cartridges can vary greatly in quality. If you have ever bought an inkjet refill kit and tried the do-it-yourself method, you may have been greatly frustrated with the process and disappointed with the results. It is also very possible that you have bought cartridges labeled as remanufactured in the past and again were disappointed with the printing results. Unfortunately, the words remanufactured or refilled are used interchangeably and are used by sellers to describe any previously used cartridge that has had ink added to it.  Unless the seller specifies, you don't know if the cartridge you are buying went through any formal procedures and quality control. What was the quality of the used cartridge to begin with? Was the cartridge cleaned? Was the ink was simply forced into the cartridge through the printhead? Did the refiller drill a hole in the top and simply inject more ink in? Was the cartridge tested before shipping to you?

Professionally Remanufactured/Re-filled Ink Cartridges

The truth is......There is not 1 way to properly refill all cartridges.A good manufacturer works to find the best process for each individual cartridge, automates all possible tasks and has a Quality Control  process to ensure everything is done properly.

There are however, a series of steps that all remanufacturers should follow to for every cartridge to ensure you get reliable/consistent results.....

1. Inspect cartridge circuitry
2. Fully clean cartridge to remove any possible dried ink
3. Replace parts if needed. (sponge/screen/etc.)
4. Fill cartridge to full capacity (Ink is inexpensive, it's the casing that isn't. More Ink-More Value-Less Waste)
5. Test the cartridge.
6. Seal the cartridge to prevent drying.

What do I do with this Information?

As you can see there is a lot to remanufacturing ink cartridges. You will find a wide variety of cartridges listed on eBay. Unfortunately, unless the seller knows his manufacturer well and passes this information on to you, there is no way to know the process the cartridge he/she is selling went through.

Here are a few Suggestions:
1. Look at the seller's feedback
2. Make sure the price is right.  "Too cheap" is a reason for concern. It's only a good deal if it works.
3. If you have a concern...Ask the seller & test his/her response.
4. Look for a seller's guarantee. Is he/she willing to stand behind the product?
5. When you find a good seller/product.......Go back. If the price/quality was good, why risk it?

I won't tell you that we are the only Ink Supplier that is crazy about quality or that nobody else has cartridges that compare to ours. What I will tell you is that we guarantee you will be happy with ours. If you would like to see more info and a couple pictures of the manufacturing process the cartridges we suppy go through, please visit our remanufactured cartridge page.