Should you use brand name (a.k.a. OEM cartridges) or compatible cartridges? How does a compatible or re-manufactured ink or toner cartridge compare with its OEM (brand name) counterpart with regards to quality, cost, and results? These questions can be very confusing to many who may not understand the process and make it difficult to decide. Compatible ink cartridges can damage your printer? Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) warn consumers against buying compatible ink and toner cartridges, claiming that “fake” cartridges can damage the printer and are poor in quality.