GENERIC TONERS

Likely only the OEM manufacturers would publish something like that, making it immediately suspect.

We don't use generic toners because our aftermarket quota is so high but I don't think there is any REAL problem these days with using generic toner from a good trusted source like Katun.

quote:

Originally posted by CashGap:
Likely only the OEM manufacturers would publish something like that, making it immediately suspect.

True! But here's one of them anyway!
http://www.hp.com/sbso/product...artridge-refill.html

An old saying, if you can't beat em, join em!

In legacy HW and MPS scenarios seems like using non-OEM toners makes the most sense. If MPS is ideally brand-agnostic, then why not the supplies too?

So regardless what HP says, you know they are using generics in many of their own MPS accounts too. Plus there is a reason that Xerox sells third party Canon and HP cartridges right from its website!

Does anyone know if MFRs have a way to ensure that their OEM toners are used in their channel MPS programs or otherwise?

Any thoughts?

quote:

Originally posted by GIntel:
So regardless what HP says, you know they are using generics in many of their own MPS accounts too.

I'd be shocked if that's true. HP's (on the printing and imaging side anyway) entire business model is built around selling HP toner.

As far as ensuring the use of OEM products, I've heard of a couple of programs from different manufacturers where you can sign up and there is a "price" and a "discount". If at any point in the program it's determined you are using non-OEM product, the "discount" is retroactively rescinded.

The actual enforcement of this would probably necessitate an on-site visit, so it's rare, but the risk involved would be quite large.

Good point Jason, thanks for your insight. Its going to be hard to ensure OEM cartridge use.

I agree that there is no way that HP would use generic HP toner. But given that over 50% of their inherited MPS legacy devices are from other brands, the temptation to use non-OEM Lexmark or Xerox toners has to be there. Especially if HP can secure a reliable source.

The opportunities and requirements of HP's MPS business is going to require them to change their outlook on some things. Considering HP took every opportunity to emphasize the obsolescence of A3 MFP-Copiers (vs. A4 MFPs) before partnering up with Canon, looks like they are already willing to compromise.

Excellent point about non-HP devices! I hadn't considered that!

Regarding the HP outlook on 11x17 I have a story to relate. I was in an HP training class and the instructor was saying "There's no reason not to recommend this device to replace a traditional copier".

Being a copier guy, I had to raise my hand and say "Well, what if they need 11x17?".

His response was, "Only 4% of customers actually use 11x17"... and I pounced!

I told him that statistic was misrepresented. The actual statistic is that 4% of PAPER sold in the US is 11x17, which is totally different.

If the average customer used 11x17 4% of the time, and assuming 1,000 pages a day, that's 40 pages of 11x17 at every customer, every day.

Of course in reality, lots of customers print 80-100 11x17 pages a day, and some certainly print 0, but there are still many applications that call for 11x17.