Discount printer ink cartridges have become so popular that new companies that carry them crop up online every year. There is no mystery about why consumers are increasingly using generic and discount printer ink cartridges. Brand-name printer supplies come close to equaling the price of the printer.

When an inkjet printer might cost $80 and an ink cartridge might cost $50, computer users start looking for ways to cut down on operating costs. Online specialty stores are doing very well by carrying discounted brand-name cartridges, but they really emphasize generic, or compatible, inkjet printer cartridges. Generics are sold for up to 80 percent less than brand-name supplies.

Comparable Quality

If generics were of shoddy quality, they would not have the hold on the market for printer supplies that they do. Although there is a variation in performance overall, generics sold by the best companies are equal to those manufactured by brand companies. Generic Epson printer cartridges, for example, are guaranteed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards.

Examine the websites of online printer supply companies carefully. Make sure you see guaranteed ISO-certified specifications for all products. In addition, any company willing to back its supplies will have a customer-friendly return policy.