In this issue we look at some of the challenges the aftermarket faces, mainly combating a vuvuzela-full of noise from the OEMs about the quality of our products.
What should all importers and potential customers of cartridges from a Chinese source know about the industry there? Recharger talks with Arnald Ho of Print-Rite about the ongoing quest for quality cartridges at an inexpensive price.
In the recent Recharger survey, we found that many companies are moving beyond the standard list of items to repair. It is possible that tighter economic times have forced service shops to find creative ways to find new customers and bring in new revenue, including a few who are repairing such items as shredders, paper folders and even air conditioners.
How does the aftermarket take the share gains it has made in recessionary times and keep these gains as the global economy regains its bearings? MSE's Luke Goldberg discusses the state of the aftermarket in 2010 and what the OEMs are doing to retrench after a year that can only be described as brutal.
According to a recent report from Lyra Research, Inc., at least 80 percent of businesses currently using remanufactured laser toner find that their performance is equal to or better than OEM performance. However, when it comes to maintaining market share, OEMs remain at the forefront. ILG's Kristie Barge offers ways to build your company's brand equity and compete against the OEMs.
Selling in the imaging industry is much like competing in a high-level track meet. GreatAmerica Leasing's Jennie Fisher offers sales tips to help you finish strong.
Technical: Step-by-Step
In May 2010, Hewlett-Packard released the LaserJet P1606 printer. The HP P1606 series of laser printers are based on a 25 ppm, true 600dpi Canon engine. These cartridges use a chip that controls the toner low functions. The CE278A is rated for 2,100 pages.
Technical
More and more service technicians find themselves dealing with printer communication issues, since printers have become more complex. Printer drivers, firmware and connectivity between MFPs and computers are significant aspects of printer and MFP service. Savvy technicians need to know some “IT” fundamentals about drivers, firmware and network-related issues.
The opportunity for ink and toner businesses has never been greater than it is right now and will be in the coming years, driven by a convergence of economic, social/environmental and governmental conditions. INK & TONER USA's Bob Bloom relays the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.