Do OEMs run tests to determine if 3rd-party in was used

[Bill Haught]

My father recently got a new printer (Epson Stylus C84).

As best as I can tell, the story apparently goes something like this:

Since it seemed that at least some color ink cartridges were
completely dry (several cleanings didn't solve the problem) he
replaced the color cartridges (using 3rd party ink). Since one of
these wasn't recognized he got a replacement. Since he wasn't getting
ink he ran several more cleanings which didn't solve the problem.
Apparently, the magenta and yellow clogged with Epson ink (very likely
completely before the first round of cleanings).


My question is: Do OEMs run tests to determine if 3rd-party in was
used? I am concerned that they will use "it was the third party ink"
as a lame excuse to deny warranty service.


Thanks in advance.

 

[MCheu]

My father recently got a new printer (Epson Stylus C84).

As best as I can tell, the story apparently goes something like this:

Since it seemed that at least some color ink cartridges were
completely dry (several cleanings didn't solve the problem) he
replaced the color cartridges (using 3rd party ink). Since one of
these wasn't recognized he got a replacement. Since he wasn't getting
ink he ran several more cleanings which didn't solve the problem.
Apparently, the magenta and yellow clogged with Epson ink (very likely
completely before the first round of cleanings).


My question is: Do OEMs run tests to determine if 3rd-party in was
used? I am concerned that they will use "it was the third party ink"
as a lame excuse to deny warranty service.


Thanks in advance.

They might, but usually the issue of 3rd party inks voiding the
warranty doesn't come up unless they find a 3rd party cartridge
sitting in the machine when it's dropped off for service. It seems
like quite a production to swab and analyze the ink residue on a
printhead just to deny a warranty claim. We're not talking about CSI
here.

 

[PC Medic]

My father recently got a new printer (Epson Stylus C84).

As best as I can tell, the story apparently goes something like this:

Since it seemed that at least some color ink cartridges were
completely dry (several cleanings didn't solve the problem) he
replaced the color cartridges (using 3rd party ink). Since one of
these wasn't recognized he got a replacement. Since he wasn't getting
ink he ran several more cleanings which didn't solve the problem.
Apparently, the magenta and yellow clogged with Epson ink (very likely
completely before the first round of cleanings).


My question is: Do OEMs run tests to determine if 3rd-party in was
used? I am concerned that they will use "it was the third party ink"
as a lame excuse to deny warranty service.

Very unlikely they would go to these extremes. The cost involved would
exceed the cost of simply replacing/repairing under the warranty. If they
did try this, tell them you would like them to forward you the lab analysis
report :0)

 

[PC Medic]

They might, but usually the issue of 3rd party inks voiding the
warranty doesn't come up unless they find a 3rd party cartridge
sitting in the machine when it's dropped off for service. It seems
like quite a production to swab and analyze the ink residue on a
printhead just to deny a warranty claim. We're not talking about CSI
here.

Well in the U.S. even if they find that 3rd Party ink cart there, they still
can not 'void' the warranty. Now what they can do is refuse to repair any
damage caused by the use of a third party ink (or other product), but first
they would need to prove the cause.

 

[brane_ded]

Hi,
Here is a no brainer-way to tell if compatibles were used: most all
color compatibles for Epson are dye based (instead of pigmented); do
the swab on a piece of paper...let it dry...run it under water. If it
runs...it's 3rd party.
Even MIS so-called pigmented ink...runs (they say it's the paper you
put it on?)

I'm not saying they do this...but they could!

b_d

 

[Hecate]

Hi,
Here is a no brainer-way to tell if compatibles were used: most all
color compatibles for Epson are dye based (instead of pigmented); do
the swab on a piece of paper...let it dry...run it under water. If it
runs...it's 3rd party.
Even MIS so-called pigmented ink...runs (they say it's the paper you
put it on?)

I'm not saying they do this...but they could!

b_d

If you tried Permajet inks, which are pigmented, you'd lose the bet.
They are, for all the purposes I've found so far, better than the
Epson inks. For example, no bronzing on semi or gloss with their
universal pigmented black.

And as for the warranty invalidation bit:

"....The warranty is still valid, but the warranty doesn't cover any
damage caused by third party products".

Epson UK in the consumer magazine Digital Photo (Aug 04).

I.e. Unless the printer is actually damaged by the inks or paper you
put through it (and Epson would have to prove that damage was caused
by the Third Party product) you're still covered by the warranty.

 

[brane_ded]

If you tried Permajet inks, which are pigmented, you'd lose the bet.
They are, for all the purposes I've found so far, better than the
Epson inks. For example, no bronzing on semi or gloss with their
universal pigmented black.

1st...there was no bet...I was hypothesizing; 2nd-Perma inks are for
the professional...not a cheap C82; 3rdly-you sound like an
advertisement!

Thanks anyway!

 

[Hecate]

1st...there was no bet...I was hypothesizing; 2nd-Perma inks are for
the professional...not a cheap C82; 3rdly-you sound like an
advertisement!

Thanks anyway!

LOL! Just an advocate. I only use the inks, I don't have any
connection to them ;-)