Original (OEM) cartridges and labels Original (OEM) cartridges are a cartridge that has been manufactured for or by, the company that manufactured the franking machine.
Due to customer demand we do supply Manufacturer original (OEM) ink cartridges for most franking machines, although we prefer to supply compatible or remanufactured cartridges because they represent superior value. Most franking machine manufacturers do not endorse nor encourage the sale of original OEM ink cartridges or any consumable or service by any 3rd party such as ourselves.
Due to this, most original (OEM) franking machine ink cartridges sold by us do not represent the good value we would normally like to offer and are sourced from our Trade in scheme or the Royal Mail approved network of dealers.
Compatible cartridges and labels Compatible cartridges are a brand new cartridge that has been manufactured by a company other than the franking machines manufacturer. Compatible cartridges supplied by Postroom-online are guaranteed to perform as well as those from the machines manufacturer. We only source compatible inks from manufacturers who guarantee to cover 100% of the cost of repair bill if (in the extremely unlikely event that) one of their cartridges were to damage a machine. They can offer this guarantee because of the high quality of their cartridge and the fact that their product will not damage the machine.
Quality of ink (updated 12-04-11) All compatible and remanufactured ink we sell is manufactured in the USA or Western Europe. We do not supply "Chinese" ink cartridges.
Remanufactured cartridges Remanufactured cartridges are an empty OEM cartridge, that has been cleaned, refilled with at least the same amount of ink as an original, the cartridge chip is reset for the original amount of impressions or more and has been tested for quality. Because of the high value of these cartridges, this process is carried out to a far higher standard than would carried out for example, in a high street refill shop.
Remanufacturing is becoming more popular due to both "time chips" being introduced by franking machine manufacturers and concerns about empty inkjet cartridges in landfill. Postroom-online only supply remanufactured cartridges that have been remanufactured no more than 4 times to ensure quality is preserved. Cartridges received that are not suitable for remanufacture are dissembled for recycling.
Will The Royal Mail accept my post? Yes, we have over 1,000 (Franking machine consumable) customers many ordering on a monthly basis and the Royal Mail have NEVER had a single issue with our ink or labels. In total we have sold in excess of 15,000 various Franking Machine inks and box's of labels. Royal Mail certified ink (updated 15-03-10) Further to the above, the Royal Mail have comfirmed that the compatible / remanufactured ink cartridges from our main supplier, meet their technical standards.
Number of impressions All compatible and remanufactured ink supplied by us come with the same amount or more than the OEM cartridge, meaning impressions will be the same or higher than the OEM.
Warranty or leasing issues? Some franking machine manufacturers make massive profits, selling supplies at sometimes 10 times the cost of manufacture. Because of this, some manufacturers may imply your warranty or lease agreement will be void if you use supplies from anybody but themselves. This is not the case and saying so is illegal, that is why they never put it clearly in writing. Your warranty can not be declared void just for using another suppliers inks and labels.
Under UK law, the use of compatible or remanufactured replacement ink cartridges and labels do not void a franking machines warranty. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have made under takings against franking machine companies here is a link to the OFT website, see what they say on the subject
Manufacturer has claimed I have damaged my machine and charged me a lot of money for repair, although I think they are lying!!! You are not alone, we hear from customers telling us manufacturer technicians (many who double up as commision only salesman) have told them they have damaged their machine by doing things like "the warehouse being to cold at night", "using the wrong supplies", "doing to much post that day" and then charged them expensive callout and parts charges despite the customer having already paid for an expensive annual maintenance contract. If you feel you are being mislead do 3 things:
Demand, that you keep any parts, which you are being charged for to be replaced. This way you can have them independently checked to make sure (1) the part is actually faulty (2) the fault has occured due to your actions not just general wear and tear, which should be covered by your maintenance agreement. We can supply you with a list of ROYAL MAIL APPROVED third party maintainers who can inspect used parts for you.
Demand that any accusations be put in writing. What some service engineers/ salesman say verbally and are actually prepared to put in writing are often two very different things.
Manufacturer has made claims about Postroom-online or other 3rd party suppliers (updated 20-07-11) Did they put it in writing? that's because its not true.
A word from one of our cartridge manufacturers, Color Labs, California, USA
DON’T BE FOOLED...
If your machine service technician threatens to void your service warranty or demands you use only their OEM products: Remember, using compatible mailroom cartridges will not void your Pitney Bowes Service Level Agreement! Even though Pitney Bowes may claim that using compatible ink cartridges can affect your Service Level Agreement, it is actually illegal for them to void the equipment warranty because you used a fully functional and quality aftermarket product. It’s your choice. The government is by your side, and so are we.
Sherman Antitrust Act (1890):
It is illegal for a company to suppress competition with anti-competitive conduct. An unlawful conduct and monopoly exists when that company controls the market for a product or service, and it has obtained that market power, not because its product or service is superior to others, but by suppressing competition with anticompetitive conduct. In other words, it is illegal for companies to create or enforce agreements or contracts intended to unreasonably restrain or monopolize trade.
Magnuson-Moss Act (1975):
In addition, the warrantor may not impose any duty, other than notification, upon any consumer, as a condition of securing the repair of any consumer product that malfunctions, is defective, or does not conform to the written warranty. However, the warrantor may require consumers to return a defective item to its place of purchase for repair. In other words, it is illegal for manufacturers to deny warranty coverage solely because you used an aftermarket part or product on an OEM machine.
Our Commitment at Colorlabs is to offer a full line of quality Pitney Bowes compatible ink ribbon cassette and cartridges for all your mailroom printing needs. Our products are manufactured and guaranteed to work in your Pitney Bowes machine. Please see our Colorlabs Limited 1-Year Warranty for full details. For a free Antitrust Enforcement and the Consumer pamphlet courtesy of the US Department of Justice, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/overview.html and click on Brochure.
Folding machines and inserters
Secap
DON’T BE FOOLED... 
Magnuson-Moss Act (1975): 
