Are Empty Genuine HP Cartridges from eBay Safe for Refilling?

Question:
In your videos, you mentioned buying empty genuine HP cartridges on eBay. I did a search and found that there are many empty cartridges listed for sale. Are these empty cartridges generally safe and reliable to use for refilling?

Answer:

To address your question, eBay is indeed one of the most trustworthy sources for finding genuine empty HP cartridges suitable for refilling. However, there are important factors you need to pay attention to:

1. Look for "Virgin" Cartridges

   • The term virgin means the cartridge has never been refilled before. This is important because once a cartridge has been previously refilled, it may have compromised seals, weakened sponge material, or dried ink residue that could affect print quality or even damage your printer.

   • Always read the listing carefully and make sure the seller specifies that the cartridges are "virgin."

2. Establishing Trust with Sellers

   • Over time, you can build a reliable relationship with certain sellers. Many trustworthy sellers consistently provide clean, empty cartridges.

   • Some sellers may have regular access to fresh empties from sources like doctor's offices, clinics, or office managers, where genuine HP cartridges are used heavily and disposed of quickly. These are some of the best sources because the cartridges are typically in excellent condition and haven't been left to dry out.

3. Watch for Potential Risks

   • Be cautious of listings that don't clearly state whether the cartridges are virgin or refilled.

   • Avoid cartridges that appear damaged, cracked, or excessively worn. Even if they're inexpensive, they can lead to printer errors such as "Cartridge Problem" (Error 0x6100004a) or poor ink flow issues that make them unusable.

4. Testing and Routine Use

   • When you receive your cartridges, it's a good idea to visually inspect them before refilling. Look for intact nozzles, clean contact points, and minimal residue.

   • Once you've identified a seller who consistently provides good-quality empties, you can stick with them for regular purchases, saving you both time and hassle.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It may take a few weeks before we can accept your printer for drop-off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Therefore, we encourage you to explore self-help options online. You can start by searching our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for detailed guides-use the search icon next to "About" in the menu bar to find specific topics. YouTube may also recommend other helpful content from different creators.

Thank you again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies. Your engagement helps us continue providing guidance to the printer community.