Do You Know What to Do With a Toner Pirate?

June 16, 2020 | Advanced Office

Pirates may be the last thing on your mind in the office, but they can still strike when you least expect it. Toner pirates have a number of scams that they run on small businesses. Here's how to avoid being one of their victims!

Check on Names

One of the easiest ways for toner pirates to operate is to call small businesses and offer them good deals on toner. Because the prices they offer are so good, many companies agree and make a payment. However, there may be no toner on the way to those businesses, or it may be an old stock that has dried up. To avoid this problem, be sure that you know just who you are talking to on the phone. If they give you a business name, look up that name. If there is no business name given, there is no reason to talk to the person on the phone any further. 

Ask for References

If a toner salesperson is really offering such great deals, they should have a good roster of satisfied clients. Don't be afraid to ask for a few names so that you can verify that customers have received what they paid for. If no references are given when you ask for them, this can be a major red flag. And legitimate business should be able to tell you about their clientele and have references upon demand.

Prices Too Good to Be True

If you are called or otherwise approached with an amazing price for toner, this should be a red flag in and of itself. The prices for toner are relatively stable, and huge discounts likely mean there is something wrong. Toner does expire, so it's possible that a toner pirate is taking old, expired stock and trying to sell it as new. Or, the toner containers may be empty or filled with water to fool you. If you're amazed by a deal on toner, it's time to be on guard against toner pirates. 

If you don't want to fall prey to toner pirates, do business with us instead. Contact us today about our high-quality toners.