When It Comes To Ink, Think Genuine Epson
There’s a counterfeit for just about everything these days. From luxury goods such as perfumes and jewellery, to spare parts for cars and bikes and more, there are fakes that look very similar to the genuine article but don’t cost as much in the market. Printer ink is not an item that comes to mind when one says the word ‘counterfeit’. Yet counterfeit or non-genuine printer ink is a very common problem and one that poses serious consequences to consumers who unwittingly or deliberately use them.
What is a counterfeit ink?
It is a poor ink formulation that is packaged in ink bottles that closely resemble those made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), but cost less than genuine Epson ink. They are available at multiple physical stores as well as online portals. The reduced cost makes it more attractive to unsuspecting consumers who are looking to save a few bucks.
Risks of using non genuine Epson inks
Using a non-genuine ink can have several consequences — from poor quality prints and more frequent refills, to printer damage and worse. Here are the risks of using a non-genuine ink:
Voids your warranty: The greatest risk of buying and using a non-genuine ink is that it voids the warranty of your Epson printer. Your printer warranty covers a host of potential problems, and is not limited to just the printer ink or number of prints per refill, so this is quite a huge risk.
Leads to printer damage: Epson inks are specially formulated to be used with Epson printers. Non-genuine inks are usually made from inferior quality materials that could lead to leaks, which not only cause unsightly stains but can also damage your printer’s hardware.
Low quality prints: Mediocre colour quality, streaked, splotchy or smudged prints are some of the effects of using non-genuine ink. They also affect print speed.
More frequent refills: Not surprisingly, your printer runs out of ink faster, and you need to refill it more frequently.
So how can you identify genuine Epson ink?
Spotting a fake from the real deal can be difficult as there are many sophisticated manufacturers who work hard to replicate Epson’s packaging. However, it’s not impossible. Here’s what you need to do:
Download the Uniqolabel app: To identify a genuine product from Epson, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and download the Uniqolabel app and register on it. Once you have registered, the app will show you the scan screen, where you can scan the QR code to know if an Epson ink bottle pack is genuine or not.
Spot for the hologram: Epson ink bottle packaging also has a Colour Shifting Label, to help users identify genuine Epson inks. This hologram shifts between bronze and green depending on the angle, to verify authenticity.
Check the pricing: A significantly lower price is a clear indicator of a counterfeit product. Epson ink is usually priced in the same range, both in physical stores and online. You could also look up reviews to identify trusted suppliers before making your purchase.
Examine the packaging and bottle design: While manufacturers of fake ink work hard to replicate packaging design, there are often minor differences in the packaging or the bottle design. Another telltale sign is poor print quality.
So, there you have it — the risks of using fake ink and how you can spot the fake and original ink . Epson India works hard to eradicate this scourge of counterfeit inks and conducts raids across the country to protect its consumers from being cheated. You can help by being mindful when buying your ink, and contacting Team Epson on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you suspect that you are being sold fake ink.
