PC Universe

Full review
I ordered a New (not rebuilt) cartridge for my HP LaserJet IIIp from PC Universe. The reason I chose PC Universe is that they had a new one and the price was very reasonable - OK, it was the lowest price on the Internet, by far. Most places sell a reconditioned one for more money than PC Universe charges for OEM NIB - an HP manufactured cartridge(new in box). How they do this is beyond me.

The cartridge arrived 3 days later - as promised. The only problem I had was that the cartridge was damaged - although the box was fully intact (with no damage to it) the plastic door that covers the laser drum was broken at the hinges. Since there were missing pieces from the broken parts (part of the hinge was missing) and the bag was factory sealed by HP, I suspect that it was broken by HP during manufacturing and not caught by their quality control - clearly not PC Universe's fault.

I called PC Universe and they said that they backed up their products but that I would have to send that cartridge back and wait for them to get it, inspect it, and then send me a replacement - that the process would take a week to ten days to complete (before I had the replacement in hand). The other option open to me was to order another one, have it shipped to me, and when it arrived call them to return the broken one and get a refund on it.

While normally either of these situations would have been acceptable (though somewhat inconvenient) I needed the cartridge for a pressing print job and so I elected to change out the broken door on the new cartridge with the old one from the exhausted cartridge I was replacing. It worked flawlessly and I was able to start printing immediately.

All in all, I would have to say that my experience with PC Universe was a positive one. When I called with my problem it was handled professionally - even if it was a solution that I could not live with. I would recommend them on their prices alone. I suspect that my next order with them will show that receipt of broken merchandise is an exception - rather than the rule.