Brother recommends that customers don't use generic ink cartridges or refill their Brother ink cartridges. Using non-Brother supplies may affect the hardware performance, print quality, and machine reliability since the ink formulation in genuine Brother ink cartridges prevents smearing and clogging of the print head.

Disruptions have affected the HP, Canon, and Epson printer supply, and have prompted a Brother printer shortage. Many toner and ink cartridges are being held due to backlogs at US ports. The estimated value of out-of-stock items due to the COVID -19 pandemic was $1.14 trillion.

Sourcing the raw materials that are used in printers, ink and toner has also proved a challenge due to Covid. Lockdowns and social distancing at chemical plants have meant that many of the plastics and chemicals used in the printing industry have been in short supply.

These companies, including HP, Epson, and Brother, sell their printers at a loss and recoup their investment in ink and toner sales. “That's why original brand cartridges are so expensive,” he says. These name-brand (also known as original equipment manufacturer or OEM) cartridges aren't your only options, though.