With the immense reach that the internet now has, it is possible to get better and more cost effective deals online.
Let us discuss about the various types of cartridges and the types of bargains we can get on them. Printer cartridges can be classified into two major groups:
1) Inkjet cartridges/ink cartridges which are used for inkjet printers
2) Toner cartridges which are used in laser printers.
They can also be further classified by the manufacturing process:
1)OEM Cartridges
2)Compatibles
3)Cartridges which are remanufactured

OEM Cartridges
These were available since the time printers were available. OEM which means Original Equipment Manufacturer is also called Genuine OEM products. They are produced by the companies who are the original manufacturers or those who have a license to manufacture their parts. It carries the name of the original manufacturer which may be Canon, Epson etc. Although you will get very good quality of such products, they also have sky high prices. Many of such OEM cartridges also cost more than an ordinary printer.
Compatibles
These cartridges are a financially better option than OEM cartridges. They exceed the quality and specifications of OEMs while not compromising on quality and performance. Since they are manufactured by another company they do not carry the names of the firm on the product. They are very cost effective as they are half or one-third the price of the OEM products. So it is a better alternative to OEM cartridges which are very expensive. As these cartridges are cent percent compatible they include all the parts and can be fully useful for the service of the various printer models. Some cartridges which are not fully compatible are available at lower prices also. However they will pose problems in use. A compatible cartridge which does not have a new chip can have difficulty to communicate with a printer.
These cartridges can also have both new and used parts. If they have used parts it also reduces the price considerably.
Remanufactured Cartridges
They are also called refurbished cartridges. They are of other manufacturer's that have gone through one cycle of use and are recharged. All such cartridges have to be cleaned, used parts are to be replaced, filled with the required quantity of ink and have to pass a strict test before being used. Three quarts of oil are required to make one toner cartridge and a refilled one lasts almost forever, toner cartridges are cheaper. They are very cheap compared to OEM cartridges but costlier than compatible cartridges. Since they are already used they are available at a very competitive price.