It is true that many people have had bad experiences with compatible and aftermarket printing supplies.  However, it is also important to note that many people have had bad experiences at scandalous auto dealerships.  Having been working in the industry of remanufacturing printer cartridges for some time now, and basing my livelihood upon it, I will tell you I produce nothing but quality products having a less than 1% return rate since I started.  Before anything leaves my shop, extensive testing is undergone to ensure print quality.  So I assure you this is not a bad market to do buisness with, but just like any other market it is up to you to be a responsible consumer.  Ask questions, do research, make sure you are not dealing with scumbags trying to take you for a fool!  If you do, you will find a market that can save you bundles of cash on your printing necessities. 

Here are my aftermarket toner tips, from a pro.

1.)  In my personal experience, I have not had much luck with compatible cartridges.  Much of the time it seems they use a cheaper plastic that often warps during heavy use.  Stick with remanufactured originals.

2.)  The internal components are everything.  Make sure they ARE remanufacturing them, that means replacing all internal components.  Drum, PCR, mag sleeve, dr and recovery blades.

3.)  Again, components are everything, ask about their suppliers.  Personal, I only deal with who, in my opinion, is the best hands down.  #1  Static Control.  These guys have oodles of dollars vested in research and development.  If static parts are used, it WILL work.  #2  Future Graphics LLC comes in a very close second. #3 is Uninet, their quality is not quite as good as the other two, but they are great when it comes to hard to find toners and parts.  These three companies are the best in the industry, and are the only three I will do buisness with.

4.)  Try to deal locally.  There are plenty of local companies and people doing this.  So it should not be a problem one.  People like myself, who depend on return buisness.  People who , if in the rare occurence there is a problem, will be quick to remedy it to complete satisfaction.

In closing, a nice little tid-bit to keep in mind; many major manufacturers such as Lexmark, have return programs where they remanufacture their own cartridges.