A. Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Q. How do I know if I am buying the original brand?

A. Original brand products will bear the trademark name of the manufacturer of the machine on the product packaging. For example, Brother, Canon, and HP manufacture machines and they also offer the supplies for those machines. If you do not see the trademark brand name on the packaging, chances are you are buying a generic.

Q. Are "generic" brand imaging supplies manufactured according to the same guidelines as "generic" prescription medicines?

A. Yes and No. There are thousands of manufacturers worldwide of "generic" products. It is important to know that international quality standards are in place to protect the consumer and ensure reliability. However, not all companies conform to these standards. WorldLine brand products are manufactured according to strict guidelines including ISO 9001 and STMC certifications. Of course no certification will ever supersede the importance of buying from a reputable supplier like Compu-Imaging to ensure consistency and product warranty compliance.

Q. Are original brands the same as generic brands?

A. Yes, in many cases, other than the outer product packaging; original supplies are often identical to their generic rivals. In addition, many O.E.M. brand products are manufactured under license to companies who package and distribute for the O.E.M. These same companies may also sell their own brand products like WorldLine products. What many consumer do not realize is that the word "generic" is often used (as is the case with generic prescription medicines) to indicate that it is an authorized replacement to the original brand.

Q. What agency or organization is used to regulate the quality and reliability of "generic" imaging supplies?

A. In the U.S. we recognize Standard Testing Methods Committee "STMC." In Europe, we use the "CE" mark. The international standard is ISO 9000.

Q. Are WorldLine and other Compu-Imaging brand products equal to the O.E.M. in quality and page yield?

A. Yes. All our brands our manufactured to meet or exceed the O.E.M. and we always include the page yield for easy comparison.

Q. What is the difference between remanufactured, compatible and new compatible?

A. "Remanufactured" is defined as any rebuilt product that incorporates some or all of the original parts or components. "New compatible" means that there are no remanufactured parts or components incorporated into the product. "Compatible" is often confused with both. The best way to define it is to say that the term "compatible" is used to identify functionality instead of material composition. For example, some products are manufactured using both new parts (those that wear and deteriorate more rapidly) and 100% new parts and are sold as "remanufactured". What is sometimes puzzling to many consumers and illogical at times is that many leading O.E.M. brands re-use components yet they do not call there products "remanufactured". Oddly, evidence of this practice is often written on the product packaging. Therefore, by this definition a conclusion can be made that many "remanufactured" products are "equal" or "compatible" to the O.E.M. Our approach is to educate our customers to allow the consumer to make an informed decision by providing them options. The best approach for us is to be more honest and forthright when we advertise them.

Q. Will your cartridges void my printer warranty?

A. No, WorldLine imaging supplies are manufactured according to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) specifications. Furthermore, it is unlawful for an equipment manufacturer to require you to use their original supply. To learn more about this, please review the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Q. Is toner hazardous to my health when it comes in contact with my skin?

A. No, if you come in contact with toner powder, simply wash with soap and water to remove. There are no known health risks associated with the installation and removal of toner cartridges when replacing or replenishing your printer supply under normal use and wear. For a complete listing of toner properties, please review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Q. Is toner hazardous to my health if it is inhaled?

A. Yes and No. Prolonged inhalation of toner can lead to respiratory complications. However, there are no known cases of any permanent damage nor is toner carcinogenic. For a complete listing of toner properties, please review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Q. Why are WorldLine products so much less expensive compared to the O.E.M.?

A. We get this question frequently and the answer is a bit of a paradox. While the original brand often costs less to make compared to our brand, it is often sold at a much higher price. The O.E.M. often costs less to make because the production speed, capacity and volume is typically greater by model than our own factory production. Because we subject our cartridges to extremely high quality standards which reduces the production output, we produce fewer in the same amount of time as most other companies. However, our selling price is based upon our true cost which is comprised of materials and workmanship, freight, and administrative costs for the sale and distribution of those products.