How can I use the Warranty on my LaserJet Toner Cartridges ?

Question

 I have accumulated a total of 4 malfunctioning LaserJet toner cartridges in the last 6 months and I seem to be stymied trying to do anything. They are for LaserJet models 5, 6p, and 2100, and the failures are each unique print quality problems, move from printer to printer with the toner cartridge and  are all completely resolved by using another toner cartridge. Each of the cartridges yielded between 100 and 800 pages before failing, outlasting the 14 day return policy at local Staples where they were purchased. None of the cartridges depleted its toner supply.
The Warranty Return Card in the package is very simple. It says "this toner cartridge is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship during its useful lifetime", and "does not apply to cartridges that have been refilled or to those which are simply empty as a result of normal use."
HP's Limited Warranty Statement at http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/privacy/limite d_warranty.html under the heading "HP Limited Warranty Statement - LaserJet Print Cartridges and Imaging Drums" seems simple and  straightforward,  "HP LaserJet Print Cartridges and Imaging Drums are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship" then a clause excluding cartridges refilled, tampered abused, or simply worn out from use, "To obtain warranty service, please return the product to place of purchase (with a written description of the problem and print samples) or contact HP customer support. At HP’s option, HP will either replace products that prove to be defective or refund your purchase price."
N.B.: There is no period stated for the Warranty, nor is there any on the Warranty Return Card in the product package. Also, these toner cartridges do not contain any smart chips, toner depletion sensors, etc.
When I tried to return the cartridges to Staples, they called HP and were told by HP I had to have my receipt to prove the cartridges were less than 1 year old, and then that they wouldn't take them back at Staples anyway but that if I called HP would "mail me one". Since I buy a spare to sit next to a printer for when it runs out of toner, I'm not sure they were all purchased within the last 12 months, only that they were put into service within the last 12 months.
When I called HP support they opened up a trouble ticket for my printer and said someone would get back to me within 10 days. I'm half expecting to get an email in 10 days apologetically noticing that HP no longer supports any of these printers. An email to ship them somewhere far away and expect a reply in 90 days is a definite possibility. I definitely don't expect an HP field service technician to arrive at my door to service the toner cartridges in person.
I don't understand how to use the Warranty. I've (over) paid for piles of genuine HP LaserJet Toner cartridges and having 4 fail for quality problems in the last few months got my attention and its enough money to chase it rather than tossing them like the other 6 or 7 defective ones over the last 10 years.
Does anyone know how to actually get a replacement toner cartridge for a defective one? Please tell me the Warranty isn't just smoke and mirrors...

Answer 1

Sorry to say.  TheHP Warranty is worthless.  I have a friend witht eh EXACT same problem.  DOA cartridges (2 BRAND SPANKING NEW ONES).  One fail about half wai the other did not even over 600 pages.  At $140 per cartridge (plus tax) that is about 21 cents per page plus the cost of paper.  That is color inkjet prices.  And that does not take into account cost of electricity, printer, and time wasted to buy the worthless cartridges.
I listen in his last tech call and I had to go out because it was enfurating.  The technician even email him prve that the toner had NP time based warranty and still in the same breath said our policy is that the warranty is 1 year.  Huh?  What the #%^&* !  Really?  I mean REALLY?  Is like sending you a picture of a perfectly blue sky as proof and telling you that the sky is red with yellow dots.  I hope there is  class action lawsuit agains HP since they are clearly ripping people off.  And the sad part is that some small businesses will also get screw since they sell HP cartridges and some actually say in their web site that the cartridges aare warranted for life. 
I would say either:
- Do NOT buy HP cartridges
- Never stock spare cartridges
- or btter yet, buy another brand of printer.
I actually have the same printer simlilar to his and I used generic with no problems.  Plus I buy my cartridges for $35 if he had done the same he would had at least $400 towards another printer so even if the toner blows up and destroys his printer he would have enough money to buy a replacement.
Check out this link
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c01848047&jumpi...
it actually says:
"There is no expiration date for the use of HP toner cartridges."
This came from the tech guy at HP!
And then he had the guts to say it is a 1 year warranty?  This only can happen when you have tech support in India.  I guess in India's English no expiration means 1 year.  I have not found an Indian English to American English dictionary but I am sure that is what it should be because they guy did not even hesitated for 1 second when he send that and said it.
Welcome to HP!