Starting a Home-Based Toner and Ink Refill Business

The toner and ink cartridge refill business grew out of the popularity of modern computer printers. Printers continue to come down in price, but the cost to replace ink cartridges or toner cartridges remains expensive. Toner and ink cartridge refill businesses address this problem by refilling printer cartridges at a cost that is lower than purchasing a new cartridge.

Getting Started

The supplies and equipment that will need to be kept in inventory for this business will depend on which brands and types of cartridges you plan to refill. Discussing the mechanics of refilling cartridges is beyond the scope of this chapter because of the variety of ink and toner cartridges on the market; however, there are many video and text tutorials available on the Internet for the entrepreneur who has never refilled printer cartridges.

Business customers will likely be responsible for the bulk of sales in this business. Businesses use large volumes of ink and toner cartridges for their printing needs and, therefore, are likely to save a lot of money by using refilled cartridges. Businesses may also be easier for a home-based, ink and toner cartridge refill business to cater to since the cartridges can be shipped in bulk or picked up and delivered on a schedule.

Consumers also purchase refill ink and toner cartridges, though not nearly as many as businesses. Business customers may be easier for a home-based business to manage as well, since consumers may be more likely to purchase refilled cartridges from a retail store.

Marketing

Cold calling on area businesses can be a good way to jump start any business that caters to other businesses. Carry along brochures and business cards to pass out to any businesses that are willing to consider using your refill service. Brochures may work best if they highlight how the business customer will benefit from using refilled cartridges. Cold calling is not for everyone, but it does offer the opportunity to find steady business customers quickly.

Direct mailings to existing or new businesses can also be effective. Mailings should include an introductory letter, a brochure and a business card. Mailing lists can be purchased online from sites like Melissa Data or compiled manually from databases or directories of local businesses.

Brochures and business cards can posted in office parks or commercial areas where business people pass by or congregate. This is a low-cost approach to spreading the word about your business that can still produce customers.

A vehicle sign for ink and toner cartridge refill businesses that offer pickup and delivery can be a great marketing tool. The vehicle sign promotes the business wherever it is parked or driven. This is particularly effective when neighboring businesses see your vehicle making regular pickups and deliveries in their area.

Advertising in local business publications can be a good way to keep your business in front of local business people. Rates can vary considerably between publications, but discounts may be available for long-term advertising agreements.

Setting up a business website allows you to promote your business to anyone who is looking for ink or toner cartridge refills. Optimizing the site for local search will make it easy for local customers to find your business when they are searching for ink or toner cartridge refills.

Cautions

Printer manufacturers, like manufacturers in many other industries, may threaten warranty problems for printer owners who use non-factory or refill printer cartridges. The cost savings available by using refilled cartridges can be significant though and, consequently, people will still use refilled cartridges. This is an objection that you are likely to encounter sooner or later when attempting to secure new customers.

Zoning and land-use regulations vary considerably between communities. Ink and toner cartridge refill businesses that plan to have a lot of truck or customer traffic at the home should consult with their local or county clerk about zoning regulations in advance.

Conclusion

Starting a home-based, ink and toner cartridge refill business can be a profitable venture for entrepreneurs who do not mind getting their hands dirty at work.

SOURCES

Ink And Toner Refill Business. My$mallBiz.com. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.

Alyssa Gregory. Ink and Toner Cartridge Refilling Small Business Idea: The Pros and Cons of Starting a Ink and Toner Cartridge Refilling Business. About.com. Site accessed on 3 December 2010.