Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions and can't find the answers below, please feel free to contact us. We will gladly be of assistance.

What is a remanufactured cartridge?

It’s a recycled and refilled cartridge that is tested to ensure that it provides the same performance (based on cartridge yield) as a new, non-recycled cartridge. In some cases, a remanufactured cartridge’s yield is up to 5% higher.

A used cartridge that is going to be remanufactured is first disassembled and inspected for wear. Parts that are damaged or worn are replaced, and other components are cleaned and reconditioned. The cartridge is then reassembled, filled and tested for proper performance. Ultimately, remanufactured cartridges are better for the environment – and they’re generally between 10% to 20% less expensive than a brand new cartridge.

Are remanufactured cartridges the same as refurbished cartridges?

No. Refurbished cartridges are formerly defective cartridges that have been repaired, rehabilitated, checked and then sent back into service. Remanufactured cartridges worked without malfunction during their previous use. They simply ran out of toner or ink.

What is a compatible cartridge?

Compatible cartridges, also referred to as generic cartridges, are cartridges made by a third-party company.

How can I recycle my ink and toner cartridges?

There is usually bins at most supermarkets or pick-up points. For the sake of the environment it is best to not throw your cartridges in the dustbin, but to dispose of them into these recycling bins.

What's the difference between the inks used by laser printers and inkjet printers?

Laser toner is a dry, powdered ink while inkjet inks are liquid.
Laser printers work by fusing toner to paper using heat.
The printed results of lasers are smudge-proof and waterproof. Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. There have been great strides of late in inkjet printing technology that have made them much more resistant to smudging and smearing.

How long can I expect my cartridge to last?

This will differ significantly from machine to machine. To get an estimate, look for cartridge yield on the product specification box of the cartridge you need. The reason why cartridge yield is hard to pin down is that each printed page varies in the amount of ink it actually uses.

The cartridge yield of laser (and of inkjets when printing in black and white) is based on “5% coverage”. This means that if all of the words and printed material on the page were blended into one blot it would cover 5% of the page with ink. Though this doesn’t sound like much, a 5% page coverage is typical for a full-page document of printed text. When you print a page with shaded tables or graphs, however, page coverage goes up – and page yield goes down. Colour inkjet cartridge yields are based on 15% of the page being covered by ink, largely because colour prints are usually comprised of more images than text.

Will cartridges and toner last for years and years if I don't print many pages and sometimes go a few months without using my printer at all?

Since laser toner is dry, it lasts until it is entirely used for printing. It won’t evaporate or disappear, even if you don’t use it for several months. Inkjet cartridges, on the other hand, have a “life span” that is independent of the number of pages it prints. Liquid ink will eventually dry out once the seal has been broken and the cartridge installed. Even if not exhausted by printing, the ink will typically dry out within two to five years, depending on climate.

My inkjet cartridge doesn't fit, but I am sure it's the right one for my machine. Any suggestions?

Inkjet cartridges frequently have a small, easily removable plastic tab that helps seal the ink reservoir during storage and shipping. See if this tab is still attached.

What can I do to help maintain the quality of my cartridges?

There are many steps you can take to ensure that your cartridges maintain their quality?

How will I receive my parcel?

Our preferred delivery method is via courier. But if you prefer the post office, we can send the parcel this way. Please note: We do not take any responsibility or liability for parcels being lost, damaged or not delivered by the post office.

How long does delivery take?

Anything from 2 – 5 days after we’ve received your payment, depending on your location. If the cartridge is on back-order, it might take longer and we will inform you of the delayed delivery time.

Are the prices on the pricelist VAT inclusive?

No, all the prices are excluding VAT. VAT will be added to your invoice.

Will I receive a VAT invoice?

Yes, your invoice will be in your parcel.

I can’t find my cartridge on your pricelist.

Please contact us and we will give you a quote.

Which forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash deposits and EFT transfers. We will send you our banking details after we’ve received your order.

How do I place an order?

Simply fill in the form on the Contact Us page, or alternatively, you can phone or email us.