We understand that many customers worry about whether using compatible ink cartridges might affect their printer warranty. Let’s clear up the confusion and put your mind at ease!
Your Printer Warranty & Compatible Cartridges – The Facts
When you shop with Stinkyink, we’re so confident in our products that we back them with a one-year money-back guarantee—not just for your cartridges but for your printer, too. Plus, in most cases, ink never comes into direct contact with the inner workings of your printer beyond the cartridge and printhead. It simply transfers to paper as the printer operates.
Still unsure? Here’s what you need to know about your printer’s warranty:
If Your Printer Is Less Than 12 Months Old
By law, electrical products—including printers—must come with a 1-year manufacturer guarantee. This guarantee cannot include unfair anti-competitive terms that automatically void coverage simply because you’ve used third-party cartridges.
What This Means for You:
✅ If your printer develops a fault within the first year, the manufacturer must prove that the compatible cartridge directly caused the issue.
✅ They cannot refuse support simply because you’ve used a third-party cartridge.
✅ Your warranty terms will likely state that it does not cover damage caused by non-original products—but the burden of proof is on the manufacturer.
Next Steps If You Have an Issue:
• Refer to your warranty terms and highlight the relevant details.
• If the manufacturer claims the warranty is void, request an engineer assessment to determine the true cause of the fault.
• If the problem is with the printer itself, the manufacturer should repair or replace it under warranty.
• If the fault is found to be caused by the cartridge, your cartridge supplier’s guarantee should cover it (and Stinkyink stands by our products!).
If Your Printer Is Over 12 Months Old & Under Extended Warranty
A manufacturer is legally required to give a 1-year guarantee on electrical products. They cannot have anti-competitive terms here.
If your printer was purchased within 12 months, the supplier has to PROVE that the third party cartridges caused the fault with the printer. They cannot just state “you used a compatible, we’re not helping”. Read your warranty and bring their attention to the details, likely in the form of “warranty does not apply if damage is caused by non-original products”.
They should arrange an engineer visit to determine the fault and what caused it. If it’s the printer fault, great, they’ll sort it. If it is the cartridges then your supplier guarantee will cover it.
My printer is in an extended warranty after 12 months from purchase
Extended warranties work differently from standard manufacturer guarantees. These are optional and often come with specific terms set by the manufacturer—including the right to void coverage if third-party cartridges have been used.
What You Can Do:
🔹 Check with the manufacturer – Some printers have known faults (e.g., Kodak printheads cracking), and manufacturers may still offer support.
🔹 Contact your cartridge supplier. If the cartridge may have caused the issue, a reputable supplier should arrange for an independent engineer to investigate.
🔹 Engineer’s Report – If the issue is found to be a printer fault, you can use the report to challenge the manufacturer’s refusal to help.
🔹 Use original cartridges for assessments – If you’re dealing with a manufacturer’s service team, having original cartridges installed during inspections can sometimes make it easier to resolve disputes.
Stinkyink’s Guarantee Has You Covered
At Stinkyink, we don’t just stand behind our cartridges—we stand behind your printer too. Our 1-year money-back guarantee ensures that if an issue arises, you’re covered.
So, rest assured—using our compatible cartridges will not automatically void your warranty. And in the rare case of a problem, we’re here to help.
Got more questions? Get in touch with our friendly team for expert advice!
📞 01746 781020
📧 sales@stinkyink.com
