I have recently purchased an Epson EcoTank ET-2860 printer, which includes Epson 104 inks for Black, Yellow, Magenta & Cyan. Whilst this will help me do a load of printing, I prefer to purchase additional ink in case the ink tanks run low. So, as my usual supplier is 999inks, I used their search facility to input my Printer Brand, Series and Model and it gave me a list of both Original and Compatible Inks all of which are the 104 ink variety. I then purchased a "Compatible Multipack Epson 104 1 Full Set Ink Bottles (4 pack)" plus a "Compatible Black Epson 104 Ink Bottle" (Order 34599994).
Imagine my surprise when the package arrived as I received 2xBlack 104 ink (as expected) and 1 each of Y/M/C 102 ink. I immediately contacted 999inks and explained the problem. Their solution - They will re-send the Y/M/C 104 inks and get me to return the Y/M/C 102 inks. Sounds fine, except that the replacement Y/M/C inks are still 102!
I then made a formal complaint. 999inks answer is that 102 inks are bigger than 104 inks but they are the same and therefore compatible so their processes give 102 inks if 104 is out of stock. My argument is if that is true then why (1) Does 999inks website for my Printer Brand, Series and Model only state 104 inks and not 102 inks, (2) Why does Epson give you 104 inks included with the printer and (3) Why, when on the 102 ink box it states "Suitable for use in: (and a list of printer models)", is the ET2860 not included in the list.
Aside from the difference in size, why would Epson develop the 104 ink if the 102 already exists - There must be a difference between the 2 types. Also, if I start using 102 inks in the ET-2860 and the printer needs repairing, would Epson honour the repair if I'm using the wrong ink? I don't think so!! Will 999Inks repair it free of charge if Epson refuses to do so? I doubt it very much.
999inks resolution is to give me a full refund after receiving all the inks back as they have no 104 ink in stock. Fine!
One more thing - When it lists all the inks for the ET2860 (as I said previous all 104 inks) it states the following: "999inks stocks a wide range of Ink cartridges for your Epson EcoTank ET-2860 printer. We offer you value, with both original and high-quality compatible cartridges available at low prices. We know running out of printer ink can cost you time, money and peace of mind, we keep all our Ink cartridges for your EcoTank ET-2860 in stock and ship on the same day free of charge."
This statement is so not true. Do 999inks have Epson 104 Compatible ink in stock - No! Has it saved me time - No! Has it given me peace of mind - Certainly not!!
I'll never use 999inks again!