Ya know, this is getting to be like a survey that has no meaning.
For those that don't trust 3rd party.... aftermarket or whatever else they're called inks for whatever reasons.... why is that wrong ??
If anyone wants to use any ink in their printer, that's not warranted or recommended..... that's quite Okay with probably everyone on this site. However, to make statements about what's happening in China with their care for other industries livelihood, I could care less.
While its a well-known fact that these manufacturers don't actively make the ink... they still set the requirements and if another ink performs 100% like it.... there must be some stepping on toes going on... otherwise, you wouldn't see all the fine lines of writing in your agreements.
Along with that thought.... another well known fact is the selling of the machine is one thing, but the selling of supplies is what most suppliers are after these days. The supplies to keep these babies running is where it's at and most of you selling third party whatever it is... is just trying to make a sale.
It's the exact same theory as a customer walking into your sign shop and asking for an 18" x 24" aluminum 2-sided sign.
- You quote him... $65.00
- He says.... wow, that's up there.
- You come back with, I'll do it on this great plastic substitute PVC for $45.00
- Ah, that's still a little steep.
- Okay, I have just the thing for you.... Corroplast. Only cost ya $25.00
- Sold !!
Now, the customer has agreed to a lesser product for lesser money. Who's fooling who ??
If the manufacturer wanted to sell third party ink... they would've made that stuff their first choice and labeled it as their own. For some reason... and it's not being tied up in a contract......
NOPE !! It just so happens, they know what works best for the longest period of time and for as little out of pocket cost and least amount of headaches happening. They still want your business in the future. They're not going to steer you completely in the wrong direction.... on purpose.
Third party inks are on the market so people that don't mind taking chances can save a little money. If you like to gamble and take chances, that's exactly what you are doing. Saving money while doing it, but still taking a calculated chance.
I'm not condemning their use or condoning it. It's a fact.... it's on the market and you guys need to sell it to stay in business, but to indicate some of your facts as you have suggested... is just a 'Used Car Salesman's Pitch' in my opinion. No need to use scare tactics, and say the obvious... like another company can make a perfect ink. That might be so, but the manufacture doesn't see it that way and I will stay on the side of the people that stand behind me and my equipment.... not the say-so from someone I don't know or have a history with me.
As for Roland, when
A V E R Y had their many problems... within a year or two.... Roland removed
A V E R Y as a supplier for almost all of their products and replaced them with mostly more 3M products. They saw the problem and changed to save their many customers any future problems. There was no big media announcement, but for those in tune with their business..... they knew what was going on.
Can you honestly say that by using OEM products and supplies I am doing something wrong ??
Would you honestly recommend to me to change when nothing is wrong ??
I probably do such a low volume that it doesn't effect me the way it would someone like wons. However, my own supplier who sells both OEM and aftermarket says he has the perfect inks for me and I could save a ton of money, but he says to me.... you stay where you are the happiest. It's your baby and you do as you see fit.
Look, what I know, I know from experience. I have YEARS of experience running 3rd party inks in 2 Mutoh Toucans, a Seiko Colorpainter and an HP Scitex XLjet. Now my Gandi 1224 has been through 3 OEM ink formulations (all from companies that also produce "3rd party" inks).