Ink refilling offers promising franchise

Some 12 million cartridges are used in annually around the world, and only three percent were refilled because of fear of damaging printers. They use 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 users wanted to cut costs on cartridges and contribute to preserving the environment, they had no choice but to stay with original equipment because of the inefficiency of refilling systems.

But with the advent of modern technology, not to mention the growing need to cut costs and environmental wastes, consumers are beginning to give ink refilling a second look. This is evident in the increasing number of ink refilling companies in the country today.

“There is a big market for the refilling and remanufacturing industry in the country,” says Babylyn Decena-Newfield, master franchisee of Cartridge World in the Philippines, one of the leading players in the market.

Now on its second year, the Australian franchise has brought refilling of cartridges and toners to a higher level using new state-of-the-art earth-friendly technology.

It refills cartridges quickly and remanufactures most types of toner cartridges, for about half the price of new products.

With more than 1,600 outlets in 52 territories worldwide, Cartridge World is the first franchise to provide a full range of services to meet the printing needs of both consumers and business sector.

“We are a new franchise system, and every month, our store has increased sales on an average of 40 percent. The breakeven point is achievable in six months,” she said.

Newfield says that the cost-cutting measures being undertaken by many businesses due to the crisis is a golden opportunity where potential franchisees can cash in.

It also sells remanufactured products and carries inkjet cartridges under the Cartridge World brand which is compatible with printers, with the same quality of a new one.

She said that their entry in the market poses a big challenge in educating customers on good quality and the need to recycle to preserve the environment. Customers should also be assured of printer warranties and be provided with satisfactory after sales service.

“We do not operate as a kiosk because of the delicate machines, materials and processes we use. Our technical staffs were trained in Australia to provide customers top-of-the-line technology and service,” Newfield said.

She said the franchise package runs up to about P 1.5 million which includes a two-week training for two staff in Australia, round-trip airfare and accommodation, refilling machine and equipment, initial inventory and marketing collaterals.

A store should have at least a 60-square meter floor area located strategically in a business area with which can provide a steady stream of customers.

Currently, Cartridge World has three outlets in Makati City —the head office in Rada St. Legazpi Village, H.V. dela Costa in Salcedo Village and at Chino Roces Ave. Ext.

It also has branches in Garnet Road and Shaw Boulevard, both in Pasig City and in Sucat Road, Parañaque with a seventh which will open soon in Biñan, Laguna.

“With a huge market potential, ink refilling has turned out to be not just a viable cost-cutting measure, but also a very promising business opportunity,” Newfield concludes.

For more information, log on to www.cartridgeworld.com.ph, call 893-7012.