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CARTRIDGE WORLD
The leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling |
By Terrie Hall
Copyright© 2004, all rights reserved
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The greatest printing expense for a business is not in the printer itself, it’s in the cost of buying those pricy ink cartridges. At $30 and up for a black ink jet cartridge, the cost can really add up quickly. Whether you are a buying a cartridge for your home ink jet printer or charged with keeping the color laser printers of a multi million dollar corporation in ink, you are probably aware of the growing cost of those disposable cartridges.
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Fortunately, there’s a company doing something about both the cost and the waste. Cartridge World, headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, is an international franchise company which provides a refilling service for empty printer cartridges.
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There are currently 550 stores worldwide. The company began franchising in the US early last year. From the US headquarters in Emeryville, CA, Burt Yarkin, CEO of Cartridge World North America, says, “We have set up master franchise areas throughout most of the US and have 140 stores open or under construction. Our business is growing rapidly. We’re awarding a franchise a day here in the US.” |
Yarkin says Cartridge World can refill both inkjet and laser cartridges, both color and black ink. Customers can then save up to 50% over the cost of a new cartridge. “Besides saving money, it’s also a good thing for the environment,” says Yarkin. “Americans throw out something like 400 million cartridges per year, after only one use.” Most cartridges can be refilled, whether they are for a printer, photocopier, or fax.
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While a newer franchise concept in the US, Cartridge World has been in business since 1988. Founded by Bryan Stokes, the company is an innovator in both the technology and service of refilling cartridges. As technology changes, Cartridge World franchisees are kept up to date so they can feel confident giving their customers the most current advice and service. |
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Cartridge World stores are about 1,000 square feet, and located in convenient shopping centers and strip malls. The front of the store is a retail center, selling paper, new cartridges and other supplies. The back of the store houses the refilling production area.
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“We save companies a tremendous amount of money,” says Yarkin. “It’s all about giving consumers and businesses a choice.”The customer base includes walk-in consumers, small businesses, and large corporations. A franchisee will find a great business in repeat customers and will also offer a pick up and delivery service for larger accounts.
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“We help our new franchisees find locations and assist with the build out of their stores. We offer a complete two-week training program and cover all the details of the business including marketing. We are then at the store opening and provide in-depth support as they first begin.”
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All equipment and inventory are supplied. The store only requires a small staff and there’s a sophisticated point-of-sale computer system to help franchisees manage the details of their business. An intranet aids in the ordering of products and in connecting with other franchisees. “We’ve put a lot of money into our technology,” says Yarkin, “to support our franchisees.”
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Sales and networking skills are necessary in a franchisee as people need to be made aware that this service is available. Otherwise, it is a great business for people of all ages and backgrounds.
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“We have the potential for three to four thousand stores in the US so there are opportunities everywhere. Many owners find they can manage multiple operations,” adds Yarkin. “Franchisees really get to know their customers and the customers always leave happy because they’ve saved money. Much of the time we are able to refill the cartridges as they wait so they have convenience as well.”
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Cartridge World is the largest retailer of ink refilling services in the world. The opportunity is there for potential franchisees to become part of a business that has and will continue to dominate the industry.
“There’s probably more opportunity in our business right now than in most franchise systems. If you look at other industries – like food or cleaning, for example – these are mature industries. Our business is right at the beginning of a high growth movement,” says Yarkin. “That’s the exciting thing – that franchisees can get in now and end up having multiple stores because some of the best areas are still available.”
“This is a fun business,” says Yarkin, “and we help people save money. It’s as simple as that.”
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The Benefits of Owning a Cartridge World Franchise
- Cartridge World is the world leader in refilling printer cartridges
- Market research shows that 80% of cartridges are thrown away after one use
- High demand business – as technology grows, so will the need for this service
- Virtually everyone is a potential customer
- Refilling can save the user up to 50% over the cost of a new cartridge
- The service is 100% guaranteed
- Great growth potential with repeat business
- Proprietary equipment, stock, ink and supplies provided
- Great looking storefronts in highly visible, convenient locations
- Comprehensive training in all areas of operation, from bookkeeping to sales
- Ongoing company support
- Refilling is good for the environment – reduces waste
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Copyright © 2004, all rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited.
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