OEM vs. Aftermarket Supplies – Who Cares?

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Buying or leasing office equipment such as a digital copier or multi-function printer (MFP), typically involves a lease and maintenance agreement, which is defined on a cost per copy basis. Part of this agreement involves the supplies that will be needed on a day to day basis, such as the ink or toner, any of which are available from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or from a number of aftermarket suppliers, but does it matter which ones you use? Determining whether OEM supplies, or aftermarket supplies and consumables are used is not only important, but can save you a great deal of frustration in the long run.

Deconstructing Your Service Agreement

You need to know exactly what you’re paying for and how you will be charged, as the terms of your maintenance agreement may vary depending on the type of MFP or system you acquire. The service frequency, cost, etc., and your supplies should also be clear and concise, but if the origin of the supplies isn’t specified, it’s up to you as the customer to clarify. Aftermarket supplies can yield your service provider as much as a 40 percent cost savings. It of course is highly unlikely that this savings is something that will be down to you, however OEM supplies are typically recommended for optimum performance, reliability and longevity of your equipment.

The Risks of Using Aftermarket Supplies

Increased downtime. Aftermarket supplies can contribute to premature wear and tear of other parts, resulting in machines that are frequently unusable.
Increase in service. These same knockoff supplies may be more prone to breaking or causing additional equipment failure, leading to frequent callouts for service.
Decrease in quality. Prints that are dirty or of poor quality are of no use, yet contribute to your monthly print costs.
User frustration. Printing equipment that doesn’t work as it should, can result in frustration among employees and waste valuable time.
Warranty issues. Your warranty may become null and void if OEM supplies are not used.

Problem Solved

Forewarned is forearmed, making it imperative that you ask the right questions early before signing your contract as to what type of supplies will be used is the only way that you will know exactly what you are getting.