By Will Sherman

When it comes to setting aside a budget for toner cartridges, there are two words that you need to remember; original and remanufactured.

It is these two types of toner cartridge make up the available selection for individual and professional toner use today. But what, exactly, is the difference between an original and a remanufactured toner cartridge?

The short answer is this: remanufactured toner cartridges are cheaper.

For a fraction of the price of an original toner cartridge, you can purchase a quality remanufactured toner product that performs nearly as well as an original cartridge.

Despite this, however, many professionals and individuals continue to pay more by purchasing original equipment manufactured (OEM) toner cartridges.

Why? One of the best explanations is name recognition.

Even if you have never purchased a toner cartridge, you are probably already familiar with the leading brand names associated with OEM toner cartridge products. Included in the line-up are such companies as Epson, Canon, HP, Brother, Lexmark, Sharp and many other manufacturers. While not known for their low prices, they certainly deliver a quality product.

Yet while the makers of original toner cartridges offer reliable goods, there really is a price to pay. The high cost of OEM toner cartridges can be crippling in many cases, especially if there is an extensive need for toner cartridge use in your professional, personal or academic setting.

Given the fact that toner cartridge prices are grossly inflated, it is important to be aware of the wide variety of remanufactured toner cartridges that are becoming available. Due to the growing demand for remanufactured cartridges, purchasing these products has become much easier, and oftentimes you will be able to find sellers online.

The trick? Companies that remanufacture toner supplies fully service the used cartridges before refilling them and then selling them at a discounted price. This is how the savings are passed on to the consumer.