Today’s Canadian businesses are still on the rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic as economic activity continues to slow. That means that more business leaders are searching for ways to pare down expenditures for a leaner, more competitive bottom line.

Since most businesses rely on office technology to conduct core business processes, basic office supplies and equipment are often the target of budget redlines, with many managers opting to purchase the most inexpensive supplies possible to conserve capital.

But is buying the least expensive always the cost-effective solution? Not if you purchase clone cartridges.

While clone cartridges may look similar to their OEM and remanufactured counterparts, their differences are many — and they could end up costing your company a huge amount of money rather than saving you pennies.

Here is what you need to know about clones and their better alternative — remanufactured cartridges — before you make your next purchase.

Clones vs. Remanufactured vs. OEM — The Honest Truth

Before you decide to purchase your next batch of ink or toner cartridges, you need to take a good hard look at the actual costs of these three options, not just the initial price tag.

But before we delve into the specifics of each, let’s begin with a brief definition:

OEM cartridges are brand-name products that are made to work with a specific brand’s printer. They are often very expensive and are thrown away after one use, resulting in a high negative impact on the environment.

High-quality remanufactured cartridges are created from original OEM cartridges to keep plastic and metal out of landfills. They can be remanufactured up to 3.5 times and have a much lower carbon footprint than OEM cartridges while delivering equal — or better — performance. Plus, they are priced lower than OEM brands.

Clone cartridges are typically cheaply made products with the words “compatible with” on the label. They claim to be perfect replacements for OEM cartridges, but they can often ruin machinery and set your company up for lawsuits. They are most often the cheapest option.

Since most companies will be searching for an alternative to overpriced OEM cartridges, remanufactured or clone cartridges become the default choice. However, while clones may seem to be a budget-friendly option, they exhibit some concerning problems, such as:

1. Potential Printer Damage and Faulty Out of the Box

A recent study showed that 73% of clones failed the first time they were used and resulted in permanent damage to 31% of the printers they are used in. In addition, technicians indicated that use of these cartridges ultimately shortens the life of the printer and requires more repairs, making it clear that cheaply priced clones can come with a great many hidden costs.

2. Increased Exposure to Lawsuits for Patent Infringement

Because many clones infringe on the patented technology of their OEM counterparts, they are often pursued by brand name manufacturers under patent infringement lawsuits. Unfortunately, if you are supplying these clones — either knowingly or unknowingly — to clients, your company can also face legal action.

3. A Bad Choice for the Environment

Manufacturers of clone cartridges are interested in one thing — making money. That means they do not typically offer recycling programs or options for returning used cartridges.

Plus, they typically emit up to 53% over the limit of styrene, 60% over the limit of particles, and a whopping 130% over the limit of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), making them incredibly toxic to the environment — and your health.

Choose Clover Imaging Group’s Remanufactured Cartridges for Value, Performance, and Sustainability

At Clover Imaging Group we understand that businesses must keep their bottom lines at the forefront of operational strategies to be successful in today’s hypercompetitive market. One of those strategies is to discover new ways to save money on core supplies, like printer cartridges.

Our team of industry experts saw the need for a high-quality, high-value product that was also cost-effective and kind to the environment — and we filled it with our remanufactured ink and toner cartridges.

Not only do we use our own patented technology to create cartridges that meet — or exceed — OEM standards, but we offer a free, easy-to-use recycling program that not only helps you impact the environment in a positive way, but also allows you to realise another source of revenue.

With high yields, exceptional output, guaranteed reliability, and sustainability, our remanufactured printer cartridges are the perfect choice for today’s competitive businesses.

Put performance, reliability, and sustainability at your service with cost-effective cartridges. Contact a Clover Imaging Group representative now and learn our remanufactured cartridges today can revolutionize your business.