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HP45 Empty Cartridge Grades A, B and C Explained
HP45 empty cartridge grades tell you how much an empty is worth to us. Grade A is an excellent, clean cartridge; grade B shows light wear; grade C shows heavier wear but is still a sound genuine HP original shell. Cartridges that are non-original, previously refilled, cracked or damaged are not accepted, and the final grade is set at inspection in Hong Kong.
This guide is for offices, print shops, factories and collectors who want to sell empty HP45 cartridges. It explains each grade, what we cannot accept, how a quote turns into a final payment, and simple habits that help your cartridges keep a better grade.
Why HP45 empty cartridge grades matter
Grading is how we sort used 51645A cartridges by condition before remanufacturing. The shell, the nozzle plate and the gold contact strip all go back into service, so their condition decides how much work a cartridge needs and how much it is worth.
Recycling prices are not fixed. They depend on the grade, the quantity and current demand, and the final price is always confirmed via WhatsApp. We only buy genuine HP original HP45 (51645A) cartridges; non-original, compatible, remanufactured or previously refilled cartridges are not accepted.
HP45 empty cartridge grades: comparison table
| Grade | Condition | Typical signs |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | Clean shell, intact original label, undamaged nozzle plate and gold contacts, no drill holes or plugs, bagged or sealed after use |
| B | Good | Light scratches or scuffs on the shell, some dried ink around the nozzle that cleans off, label slightly worn; nozzle plate and contacts undamaged |
| C | Fair | Heavier wear, label damaged or missing, heavy dried ink or older stock; still a genuine HP original shell with no cracks and a testable nozzle plate |
| Not accepted | No payment, not returned | Non-original, compatible, remanufactured or previously refilled cartridges; cracked or drilled shells; damaged nozzle plate or contacts |
The same table, with the volume arrangements, is on our HP45 recycling price list and grades page.
What grade A, B and C mean in practice
Grade A cartridges look almost as they did when they were removed from the printer or coder. They were bagged or sealed soon after use, so the nozzle plate stayed protected.
Grade B cartridges have been handled more: light scuffs, a worn label or some dried ink. None of this damages the parts that matter, and dried ink usually cleans off.
Grade C cartridges are older or well used, with a damaged or missing label or heavy dried ink. They still qualify because the original shell has no cracks and the nozzle plate can be tested.
What we do not accept
Some cartridges cannot be graded at all. Check for these before you ship:
- Non-original, compatible or remanufactured cartridges
- Previously refilled cartridges, often shown by holes, plugs or glue
- Cracked, drilled or crushed shells
- Damaged or scratched nozzle plates, or missing contacts
- Other cartridge models, toner, loose ink or waste
Items not accepted, or sent in error, receive no payment and cannot be returned; they are sent for responsible material recycling. If you are unsure, read how to identify a genuine HP original HP45 empty cartridge or send us photos first.
How to sell empty HP45 cartridges: 6 steps from quote to payment
- Sort. Keep only genuine HP original HP45 (51645A) cartridges and remove everything else.
- Estimate the grade. Use the table above to estimate how many cartridges are A, B or C.
- Send photos and quantity on WhatsApp. Message +86 158 1405 1051 with the quantity, estimated grade and your country. We reply with an indicative price per grade, valid for one month from the date of issue.
- Pack and ship. Our Hong Kong receiving address is provided after the quantity is confirmed. Label the carton with your quote reference and follow our how to ship instructions.
- Inspection in Hong Kong. Every cartridge is verified as a genuine original and graded. You receive the count per grade and the number of rejected items with the reason.
- Confirm and get paid. The final price is confirmed via WhatsApp, and payment is made after inspection and your confirmation. The payment or escrow method is agreed by mutual negotiation between both parties.
How to keep a better grade
Most grade losses happen after the cartridge leaves the machine. Bag each cartridge in its own sealed plastic bag as soon as it is removed, and use the original clip or tape if you still have it. Store empties in a cool, dry place, away from direct sun and heat, and never pile them loose where the nozzle plate can rub against other items.
Do not try to clean the nozzle yourself; wiping with paper can scratch it. Pack tightly in a strong double-wall carton with padding. Shipping cost is agreed by mutual negotiation, and the risk of loss in transit stays with the sender until delivery, so good packing protects both the grade and the shipment. Full details are in our recycling terms.
Large quantities and bulk pickup
Bulk pickup is available for 1,000 units or more. Bulk partners receive volume-based pricing per grade, confirmed via WhatsApp, and a written inspection report for each shipment. Mixed loads with non-original cartridges slow down inspection, so pre-sort before you ship.
Where graded cartridges go next
Cartridges that pass inspection are deep-cleaned, refilled with water-based black ink and quality-tested at our Hong Kong base, then sold as the remanufactured black cartridge for HP45 (51645A). We also supply new cartridges. Both have an MOQ of 10 units, and prices are on request via WhatsApp. If you run 12.7mm thermal inkjet coders, our sister site tijinkjet.com covers coders and TIJ cartridges.
FAQ: HP45 empty cartridge grades
What are the HP45 empty cartridge grades?
Who decides the final grade?
Do you accept refilled or compatible HP45 cartridges?
Do you publish a fixed price per grade?
Can rejected cartridges be sent back to me?
Written by the team at Shenzhen Mufeng Technology Limited Company. Questions or orders: WhatsApp +86 158 1405 1051. HP is a trademark of HP Inc. MufengTech is not affiliated with HP Inc.
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