Counterfeit products present a major problem for consumers who mistakenly purchase fake goods.
The office technology space is not immune to this issue, as counterfeit ink and toner cartridges for printers have become more and more common in recent years. While the manufacturers of the products being counterfeited lose revenue, they’re not the only victims. The end-users purchasing what they believe to be genuine products are being duped by counterfeiters, paying close to what they would pay for a genuine product for a cheap knockoff.
What’s the downside of counterfeit cartridges?
First and foremost, counterfeit print cartridges can compromise the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of your office devices. Tests have shown that up to 47 percent of fake toners failed during their lifetimes. Counterfeit ink and toner cartridges can also result in lower page yields, poor print quality, more servicing, and most significant of all, expensive damage to your printer. Genuine ink and toner cartridges are manufactured and assembled according to strict specifications. These cartridges go through intensive quality assurance testing to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s high standards. The same can't be said for counterfeit cartridges.
How to identify counterfeit products?
Sadly, counterfeit printer cartridges can be hard to spot. Some manufacturers use anti-counterfeiting measures such as holograms, QR codes, or embossed label characters that change color at different viewing angles. At the very least, carefully check your ink and toner cartridges for the correct manufacturer’s logo. Carefully look for damages or flaws to the cartridge; scratches or nicks would not be found on a genuine product.
How can you protect yourself against counterfeit print supplies?
The surest way of avoiding a counterfeit print cartridge is by purchasing your supplies from a reputable office technology provider. Avoid buying printer consumables from online sources such as Amazon and eBay. Instead, turn to an office equipment dealer that has been in business in your area long enough to make them a trustworthy partner.
You rely on your office printer to help ensure efficiency and productivity in your business, why would you want to use anything but the best consumables in it? Guarantee outstanding value and exceptional quality by avoiding counterfeit printer cartridges.
