Why distributors fear “same model, different performance”

When the same toner cartridge model performs differently from one shipment to the next, distributors get hit with returns, complaints, and lost trust. That’s a batch consistency problem.

What “batch consistency” means

Across different production lots, the same model should stay stable in:

• darkness and density

• clean background (no gray haze)

• leakage/defect rate

• recognition/compatibility behavior

Why it’s a distributor nightmare

• Returns spike even though you didn’t change the model

• Support costs rise because issues are hard to reproduce

• Customers lose confidence and pause reorders

• Inventory becomes risky: you don’t know what the next lot will look like

How distributors reduce the risk

• Require lot/batch numbers on cartons and invoices

• Request basic print checks per lot (density + background + defects)

• Standardize one supplier instead of switching for small price gaps

• Agree on DOA/leakage replacement rules before scaling volume

Next step: Ask your supplier one question: “Can you trace any complaint to a specific lot and show what was tested?”
Suppliers with strong lot control—like ASTA—make this easier and keep after-sales costs predictable.