Have you ever thought about the shelf life associated with toner? Maybe this is not something that has crossed your mind before, because toner seems like one of those things that should last forever in your office. However, toner expires just as anything else does. Let’s take a look at some things you need to know when it comes to toner expiration dates.

Start with proper storage

Before we get to the details of the expiration date, it’s important to first mention proper storage. If you don’t properly store your toner, then there’s a good chance that your toner won’t even make it to the expiration date. Keep your toner out of humid conditions and extreme temperatures. It’s also important to keep the toner sealed in its original packaging to maximize the length of its life.

Expiration timelines

Most toner will typically expire within 18 to 24 months. When creating a supply purchasing schedule for your business, it’s important to note the expiration dates to help with future purchasing decisions. This expiration time period will depend on the brand that you use. You can check the packaging to get the exact date. When searching for the date, be careful not to mix up the expiration date with the warranty date. The warranty date is usually much shorter than the expiration date.

Does the expiration date REALLY matter?

In short, the answer here is YES, it does matter. Sometimes, we like to ignore expiration dates on certain products; however, toner should not be one of those items. Once the expiration date hits, there will be a likely decline in quality. Most importantly to note, the quality output of a product has a direct correlation to customer satisfaction. The consistency of the ink will begin to change. It often gets clumpy, potentially causing damage to your printer. Again, if you store your ink properly and emphasize for your customers to do so as well, the shelf life of your toner will be much longer and you can avoid quality issues for as long as possible.

To learn more about the ins and outs of toner and the different brands that are available, contact us at Copylite today.