Some toner cartridges have a so-called Starter, Initial or Introductory version in addition to the regular version. This is the toner cartridge that is delivered together with the machine. These cartridges can often only be filled with a smaller capacity or not at all and are therefore not purchased or at a lower price. Depending on the manufacturer, the models can be distinguished on the basis of these criteria:

Starter criteria for Brother toner cartridges

Starter toner cartridges from Brother have only TN and the color printed on the label instead of the complete article number (e.g. TN-325, TN-1050, etc.):

Starter criteria for Canon toner cartridges

Starter toner cartridges from Canon have Starter on the label in addition to the regular article number:

Starter criteria for Hewlett-Packard toner cartridges

With starter toner cartridges from HP, Introductory is written on the toner cartridge in addition to the regular article number:

Starter criteria for OKI toner cartridges

Now it's getting creative: Starter toner cartridges from OKI lack the black plugs on the side!

Starter criteria for Samsung toner cartridges

Starter toner cartridges from Samsung are missing the actual article number. Instead Replace with (followed by different article numbers) and Initial are printed.