PRODUCT FAQs

What is an Original (OEM) Toner Cartridge?

An original toner cartridge is a product that is constructed from all new components and is marketed under the Original Equipment Manufacturer's brand name (OEM) such as Hewlett Packard, Canon, Lexmark, etc. An OEM toner cartridge will come fully guaranteed and will generally have a relatively low failure rate. The opinion of many users is that original toner cartridges are superior to remanufactured cartridges as they provide higher quality printing and have less long term negative effects on printers. It should be noted however that some OEMs also remanufacture cartridges and sell them under the OEM brand. Example: On the side of HP laser cartridge boxes there is a sentence in ther description which states "This toner cartridge may have been selectively recovered from HP's recycled cartridge recovery program."

What is a remanufactured cartridge?

A remanufactured cartridge is a used cartridge that has been recharged with toner and to varying degrees may have also been stripped to its component level, cleaned and had all essential components replaced with new parts. Remanufactured cartridges are generally less expensive than original toner cartridges and can provide environmental benefits such as reducing cores that end up in landfills.

Compatible vs. Remanufactured Cartridges?

You may hear or see the term "compatible" toner cartridges. Compatible cartridges, according to one vendor's website, are manufactured by third-party companies (companies other than the original maker of your equipment) which specialize in aftermarket products. Compatible toner cartridges use new or mostly new parts but beyond that, the definition is unclear. Some vendors believe compatibles are the same as remanufactured. Others believe compatibles are not the same as remanufactured asserting they contain all new parts (though not OEM parts), except perhaps to reuse the plastic case. Since there is no consensus on this term, clarify with your vendor how their toner cartridges are made to ensure you are getting what you want. DOCUWISE cartridges are remanufactured and because they are equal in quality and preformance to the OEM cartridges we consider our cartridges compatible.

What do OEM manufacturers say about compatible toner cartridges?

Most major laser printer companies spend a lot of money trying to convince you to purchase only their toner cartridges. They are quick to criticize the use of compatible toner cartridges from third-party vendors. It is ironic that many of these major printer companies are now selling their own recycled cartridges... AND you're still paying full retail price for them! Check the fine print on the package. It will state the cartridge is made from new and recycled parts!

What about Cartridge Quality?

When remanufactured by reputable companies such as DOCUWISE who exercises rigid quality control, remanufactured toner cartridges will perform as well as or better than new cartridges. Almost all suppliers will guarantee that the quality of their remanufactured toner cartridges will match or exceed that of an OEM. Remanufactured toner cartridges should not damage the copy machine or printer. Printer damage resulting from a defective toner cartridge is rare and usually very minor. A properly remanufactured cartridge is no more likely to cause damage to a machine than a new cartridge. Additionally, antitrust legislation prohibits copier and printer manufacturers from voiding their warranties when remanufactured toner cartridges are used in their machines. DOCUWISE cartridges are ISO 9001 Certified and carry a one year warranty. We also warranty the equipment our cartridges are used in. If one of our cartridges causes any damage during normal use we will repair or replace the machine.

Will a compatible toner cartridge print the same number of pages?

Reputable toner cartridge companies such as DOCUWISE use equipment that is designed to fill their compatible cartridges to the exact OEM specification of the laser printer. The industry standard is 5% page coverage. You can adjust density and resolution to maximize your printer performance.

How are compatible toner cartridges different from just a few years ago?

The technology used to produce compatible toner cartridges is now as good as the technology used to create OEM toner cartridges. The days of drill and fill are over. Reputable toner companies use many of the same components as outlined in OEM specifications, e.g., toner, new drums, rollers, etc.

What is the Remanufacturing Process?

In general, used cartridges undergoing remanufacturing are first disassembled and the parts inspected. Key parts include the drum, corona wire assembly, wiper blade and roller. Worn or defective parts are replaced and the cartridge is cleaned, refilled and reassembled. Although toner cartridges can be remanufactured several times, DOCUWISE only uses virgin cores or cores that have never been remanufactured.

How about Cartridge Costs?

The most expensive part of owning a laser printer is purchasing toner cartridges. You can expect to pay seven times more for your toner cartridges than you paid for your laser printer. Over the five year life expectancy, compatible toner cartridges will cut your cost in half. Remanufactured toner cartridges save money. Remanufactured cartridges cost 30% to 60% less on a per copy basis than non-remanufactured cartridges. Some cartridge remanufacturers will accept used cartridges at no cost, or even buy them back or provide a credit, depending on the model, therefore saving you even more money.

What are the Environmental Benefits

97% Recyclable. The typical used toner cartridge weighs about 3 pounds and is composed of 40% plastic, 40% metal, and smaller percentages of rubber, paper, foam and toner. The plastic is made of engineering-grade polymers and takes at least 1,000 years to decompose. However, approximately 97% of these combined components can be recycled and reused. In addition, it takes three quarts of oil to manufacture a new toner cartridge. The economy will save over twenty million gallons of oil a year because of compatible and remanufactured toner cartridges. DOCUWISE provides a Zero landfill recycling program.

Will a compatible toner cartridge void my manufacturer's warranty?

Absolutely not! It is against the law for a company to prevent you from using a compatible toner cartridge in your laser printer.

Are all compatible toner cartridges the same?

Compatible toner cartridges are not created equal. Reputable toner cartridge companies such as DOCUWISE test their compatible toner cartridges very carefully to insure you will get the same quality and number of pages as your original toner cartridge. The DOCUWISE six month money back guarantee and shelf life guarantee demonstrate the quality of our compatible toner cartridge.

Can a compatible toner cartridge damage my laser printer?

A toner cartridge can do very little damage to a laser printer. It is possible, but highly unlikely, for a toner cartridge to leak and cause streaking on your paper. However, a simple cleaning and replacement of the toner cartridge will resolve the problem. We also warranty the equipment our cartridges are used in. If one of our cartridges causes any damage during normal use we will repair or replace the machine. Note: If streaking ever occurs when you first use your compatible toner cartridge, contact support.

What is the shelf life of a compatible toner cartridge?

Most compatible toner cartridges are guaranteed for six months. DOCUWISE cartridges are guaranteed for one year. Don't purchase toner cartridges from companies that offer less than one year.

What's the difference between NEW and REFURB Fusers or Maintenance Kits?

The most significant difference between NEW and REFURBISHED fuser/maintenance kit is the price. DOCUWISE replaces all replaceable parts of the fuser and we use genuine OEM fixing film sleeves to rebuild our fusers.

What kind of warranty do you have on your Fusers and Maintenance Kits?

All our Fusers and Maintenance Kits, NEW or REFURBISHED, and parts all have a six month warranty.

What is "With Exchange" and "W/O Exchange"?

As a professional fuser rebuild manufacturer, we sell our fusers and maintenance kits (and some additional parts) with an option that's called our Exchange Program. With that program, you can buy our fusers, maintenance kits at the lowered "Exchange" prices by returning your own defective fusers to us as an exchange. The defective fuser you are returning is called a CORE. Buyers are asked to return the core in reuseable packaging sent with the original unit. Return shipping is at the buyer's expense. A core is expected to be received by DOCUWISE Imaging in "as-failed" condition without signs of attempted repairs or other physical damage caused by mishandling or poor packaging. A core needs to be returned to DOCUWISE Imaging within 15 days of the original purchase date. To allow necessary shipping time, we will allow some reasonable extensions. However, if we do not receive the core in 30 days from the original purchase date, a $100 core charge will be billed to your account. "W/O Exchange" Buyers do not need to return any cores.

How long does it take to process and ship my order?

Most orders are shipped within 24 hours. Then it will take UPS 1-2 business days for delivery on Toner Cartridges (depending on your location) and 1-5 days for Fusers and Maintenance Kits (depending on the shipping option you choose and your location).

Do you ship to other countries and what will the shipping cost be?

Yes we ship to most countries. Please email us at sales@docuwise.net to obtain a shipping cost estimate. Please provide detail shipping address and the items you are ordering.

Are there other ways to order if I do not want to use the online form?

Though PESO^TM our online ordering process is secure, DOCUWISE will also accept email and phone orders. For the most effective off-line ordering, place your order as you would online with PESO^TM our order processing system, but then print out the shopping cart page and fax it to us at 310-928-3029 (We will call you for payment information). You may also email your order to sales@docuwise.net. Be sure to include your payment information. You can also order over the phone at 877-437-5959.

Do I receive an order confirmation?

DOCUWISE will send you a confirmation email with an Order Reference Number when your order has been received, then you can Track Order online with PESO^TM our order processing system.

What Forms of payment does DOCUWISE accept?

Net 30 for approved accounts, VISA, MasterCard and Discover Card are gladly accepted. Money order, cashiers check and personal check (may take up to 10 business days to clear) are also accepted.

Do you accept Government or School District Purchase Orders?

Yes, we do. Please fax your order to 310-928-3029 or mail the original P.O. to our headquarters, 3711 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 719, Long Beach, CA 90807 Attn: Order Department.

What If I need to change or cancel my order after I submit it?

You can change or cancel your order online with PESO^TM our order processing system or contact us immediately by phone or email. We do not guarantee any change or cancellation of orders if the change or cancellation is not received in time.

How do I track my order?

Once your order is received, DOCUWISE will send you a confirmation email with an Order Reference Number when your order has been received, then you can also Track Orders online with PESO^TM our order processing system.

What are your Office Hours?

You can speak to a sales counselor or customer service person Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (PT) via live chat from our Website or at 877-437-5959. You may also send all requests by E-mail to sales@docuwise.net or fax to 310-928-3029.

Manufacturers

Help & Info

PRODUCT FAQs

PRODUCT FINDER