Unveiling the Realities of Amazon Printer Purchases: A Comprehensive Guide to buy an Epson XP-15000

The Unexpected Surprise in the Amazon Box

Hello there, this is a detailed walk-through inspired by Kevin's insights regarding purchasing a printer from Amazon. If you've ever bought an Epson XP-15000 printer, sold and shipped by Amazon, you might expect a brand-new product, right? You're not alone. However, the reality can be quite different. Kevin's experience revealed that even when the condition is listed as 'new', the product might show signs of being a return.

As Kevin discovered, multiple layers of tape and an SP label on the box are often tell-tale signs of a returned product. Though not an issue for tech-savvy individuals capable of fixing a returned printer, it can be a real inconvenience for others. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that you can always turn to "BCH Technologies" for your XP-15000 mainboard repair needs.

The BCH Technologies Fast Track Repair Service

If your XP-15000 needs repair, head over to the BCH Technologies website. Their printer repair service offers a fast track option for the XP-15000. The site clearly explains what the service includes, what to expect, how it works, and where to ship your printer.

Making Your Printer Chipless

Kevin then takes us through the process of turning the printer chipless. To do this, you need to download the Epson XP-15000 driver from the Epson website. Ensure that you only install the driver and utility package and avoid the firmware update. However, this process is currently compatible only with PCs, not Macs.

Next, connect your printer to your PC via a USB port (wireless connections won't work for this process). After installing the driver, ignore the printer registration prompt if you wish.

Disabling Automatic Firmware Updates

Go to the printer and drivers settings on your PC and access the printing preferences. Click on 'software update' and let the system download the update. Once the update is downloaded, navigate to 'auto update settings' and set everything to "Never". This is crucial to avoid automatic firmware updates that could interfere with your chipless firmware.

Installing the Chipless Firmware

Kevin recommends visiting the website inkchip.net to download the chipless firmware for the XP-15000. After the firmware is installed, you'll need to activate it. The website provides clear instructions on how to go about it. A critical point to note here is to save your recovery code. If you accidentally install a firmware update, this recovery code can help you recover your chipless firmware.

Understanding Amazon's Commingled Inventory

You might be wondering how a return product ended up being sold as new. This has to do with Amazon's policy of 'commingled inventory'. Unless sellers opt out, Amazon groups everyone's inventory together. Therefore, there's a chance that when you buy a printer from Amazon, you might receive a returned product.

Purchasing Alternatives

If you're considering buying the XP-15000, it might be a good idea to look beyond Amazon. Check the current prices at Staples, OfficeDepot, or even Epson.com. Refurbished products on Epson could be a cost-effective alternative. They might come in a brown box, but they're usually complete and under warranty.

Wrapping Up

While Amazon is a convenient platform for purchases, it's essential to be aware of potential issues like receiving returned items sold as new. This guide should help you navigate through such situations and understand how to make your printer chipless. If you need further