Recently, we tried out the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint CM225fw colour multifunction printer which adopts a Self-Scanning Light Emitting Diode (SLED) printing technology. It is similar to a laser printer and uses toner cartridges. It’s fun to do colour printing. We did a series of prints of our son’s photos:
When your toner runs dry, where do you get your replacement? Will it be from an online store, from Fuji Xerox printer’s authorised retailers, or from third party companies?
If there are cheaper alternatives, why buy original toners for your printer? Only suckers go for the original because prices are marked up compared to online alternatives or counterfeits. True?
Probably so in the short-run, but in the long-run, you are really better off buying original toners for your printer. Here are five reasons why you should just get your toners from Fuji Xerox directly:
1.
Void of Warranty
This is the most obvious reason. If your printer breaks down, the warranty would not be honoured if the technicians find out that you are using third party toners. Why? This is because they would not be able to ascertain if the damage was due to the introduction of a component which is not manufactured by Fuji Xerox. I think that’s fair.
2.
Quality Assurance
If the printer is manufactured by Fuji Xerox, obviously, the original toners will work best as they come from the same sources. Quality is hence assured. Toner leakage will not be an issue. In any case, if you encounter any issue, just go back to Fuji Xerox to get them to troubleshoot (versus being left hapless when you use a third party toner that is not working properly).
3.
Marginal Cost Difference
A third party toner for the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint CM225fw probably cost around 10 to 15% less. Compared to the price of the printer itself and the risk with regards to warranty void, it is really not that worthwhile.
4.
Buyer’s Security
If you intend to buy your toner via an online store, especially one where the company may be registered overseas, the toner may be branded as ‘Fuji Xerox’ and sold at a lower price than at physical retail stores, but how sure are you that it is the original toner? For buyer’s security, it is always safer to buy at authorised retailers.
5.
Think Long-run
Consider points 1 to 4 together. In the long-run, you are really better off buying original toners. Why make your life more stressful just to save a few dollars in the short-run?
I find it interesting when Singaporeans are willing to spend upwards of S$100k to buy a car in Singapore, paying for the exorbitant COE prices, yet scrimp and save on ERP charges and cheating on parking coupons over a few cents.
The same goes for buying electronic gadgets like printers. You spend good money on an excellent printer like the Fuji Xerox DocuPrint CM225fw, but scrimp on the toners. A tad illogical isn’t it?
The smarter consumers buy original toners because we see things in the long-run.
