Cartridge ink refilling has been in the country for several years now, but it never realized its full potential because of run-of-the-mill system refillers use in order to cut corners just to gain profit.
They use universal generic ink, manually use syringes and disregard the need to weigh and change chips, thus causing more harm than good to computer printers.
While most businesses and personal users wanted to cut costs on cartridges and contribute to preserving the environment, they had no choice but to stay with the original equipment manufacturer because of the inefficiency of existing refilling systems.
And now, the good news.
Filipinos can look forward to better service and bigger savings with the recent entry to the Philippine market of Cartridge World, the leading cartridge refilling firm and one of the world’s fastest growing franchise.
The Australia-based is a one-stop shop for all inkjet, laser, fax and photocopier needs, which recycles cartridges using new earth-friendly technology.
With more than 1,500 franchisees in almost 50 countries, Cartridge World is the first franchise to provide a full range of services to meet the printing needs of both the consumer and business sector.
It refills cartridges as quickly and as conveniently as possible, for about half the price of new products and remanufactures most types of toner cartridges.
“Initially, I wanted to put up a high-end salon. However, when we did the feasibility study of Cartridge World, we found out that there’s a huge market for the refilling and remanufacturing industry,” reveals Babylyn Decena-Newfield, master franchisee of Cartridge World in the Philippines.
Based on estimates, there were some 12 million cartridges used in 2006, and only some three percent were refilled because of fear of damaging their printers.
She pointed out that the entry of Cartridge World in the market poses a big challenge in educating customers on good quality, assuring them of printer warranties, and providing satisfactory after sales service.
“We are a new franchise system, and every month, our store has increased sales on an average of 40 percent. The breakeven point for operations is achievable in six months,” she said.
With a huge market potential, the company offers through franchising, a viable business opportunity with a minimal investment and short return on investment period.
Cartridge World takes refilling a notch higher with a more superior technology and classy market appeal.
“We do not operate as a kiosk because of the delicate machines and processes we use. Our technical staffs were even trained in Australia to provide customers top-of-the-line technology and service,” Newfield said.
The franchise package is approximately P 1.5 million which includes a two-week training to Australia for two staff, airfare and accommodation, refilling machine and some equipment, initial inventory and marketing materials.
A potential store should have at least a 60-square meter floor area located in a mixed business and residential area with which can provide a steady stream of customers.
In addition, it also sells remanufactured products and carries compatible inkjet cartridges under the Cartridge World brand to work with printers, with the same high quality of a new one.
She pointed out that with the new state-of-the-art technology used in refilling, many businesses and individuals will be happy to be part of the global efforts in reducing wastes and preserving the environment.
At present, it has three outlets in Makati City — the head office in Rada St. Legazpi Village, L.P. Leviste in Salcedo Village and at Chino Roces Ave. Ext.
It also has branches in Garnet Road and Shaw Boulevard , both in Pasig City.
As part of expanding its service base, it is accepting applications for franchisees in the northern and southern sectors of Metro Manila.
For more information, log on to www.cartridgeworld.com.ph or call the main office at 893-6994 for franchise details.