Consumables

[Iain.Faulkner]

Afternoon all,

I'm currently in the process of reviewing where we buy our print consumables from and have come across a few companies that I know very little about in terms of the consumables that they provide.

The companies in question are...

IJT (the pricing on these are outrageously cheap, so cheap I smell a rat)
XMA
Alphatec
IDN (Had a good review from a local secondary, but would appreciate further views)

Does anyone use any of these companies for toner etc? Have you had any bad experiences with any of these? Any recommendations you can make (with the listed companies ro anyone else that you may use)?

Obviously I've checked the forums beforehand, but there doesn't seem to be much recent information available (there's nothing for Alphatec whatsoever), so could do with up to date views and opinions.

We currently use cartridge world in the main, however their pricing isn't the most competitive (although I am waiting on new pricing to come through which i hope is better).

Thanks in advance

Iain

[localzuk]

I've used IDN, and they've always seemed fine to me. Never had any issues.

Bear in mind that their are 2 different types of 'compatibles' - 'remanufactured' models, which take OEM empties, and refill and reuse them (and replace some parts too), and 'compatibles', which are designed to be ever so slightly different than OEM models to get round any patents etc...

The latter are usually much cheaper than the prior. Also, take into account that their are different qualities of toner.

When buying non-original consumables, ensure that the seller provides a warranty for both the consumable and your machine, should their consumable damage it.

[mole]

Been using IJT for past 4 years no problems - no sales calls just the odd email. V cheap for compatibles-V expensive for originals and quick delivery but costs £6 for each order. Over the past year though I've found that the quality of the print outs has seriously declined along with the printer telling me the cartridge isn't a genuine one a lot of the time (we have HP 1320, 2420, 2015, 2055, 3005) so much so I've been buying HP branded from Wheatley Dyson which has free delivery and v good prices for branded HP toner.

[powdarrmonkey]

Insight, with OGC pricing and free NBD delivery.

edit: Oh, oops, I didn't realise you wanted compatibles. They'll do both, but I've never had compats from them.

[Hecate]

I've been happy with IJT although the pester factor can be a bit high. I've also used IDN without a problem although they are usually the priciest of my suppliers

[glennda]

I Silicon Alley here and there inkwell system - works really well.

[MK-2]

I use these: Ink Cartridges and Printer Ink | CartridgeMaster.co.uk
Very good, friendly, and very competitve on their pricing. Haven't had a problem with using them in about 8 years now.

[Thesweeney]

I'll throw UK Laser Supplies into the mix. Used them at my previous school, converted the one I'm at now to them and the bursar here has got all the feeder primaries using them too. NBD delivery, remanufactured, free serviceing on printer etc.. Very good all round..

Edit to add - Forgot to say they do collections of the dead/empties too.. Contact details available on request..

[DSapseid]

I use printworks direct for my compatibles. The compatibles are top quality!! they even collect the empty ones free of charge!! The one toner that i had a problem with i phoned up at 3pm and the new one was on my desk by 12 the next day, the old one had also been collected! Printworks Direct | Supply of high quality compatible printing consumables

[sippo]

We use CP. And Joe helps brilliantly!