Cartridge World

About Cartridge World

Cartridge World is specialist a supplier of printer ink cartridges and laser toner printer cartridges for printing machines and photocopiers, with stores across the country as well as online ordering facilities with free next day delivery.

Cartridge World can provide both high-quality compatible ink and toner cartridges and cartridges supplied by all the major brands, often at discount prices.

Over the years, the company has broadened its business model to include other forms of print supplies, paper, and printer servicing. This diversity was demonstrated when the company opened up its first showroom in Harrogate in February 2017. The showroom includes free WiFi and and coffee, with meeting areas and other facilities. There are plans to develop more showrooms in the future, through the master franchisor or via franchisees.

What is the background of the Cartridge World franchise?

In 1988, Bryan Stokes began refilling laser printer cartridges in his shed after being inspired by an advert promoting Australian Laser Charge and going on a training course.
Before long, he launched his own business, Australian Cartridge Company.

Joining forces with Paul Wheeler, Bryan began franchising the concept, the first franchise being sold in South Australia in 1997. In 1999, the company began
expanding globally under the name Australian World, selling master franchises, with the first international master franchise being established in New Zealand in 2000.

The first franchise in the UK was established in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in February 2001.

Franchising the business in America began in 2003 and, expanding at the rate of a new store per day, the company opened its 1,000th Cartridge World outlet in August 2005.

Bought out by Wolseley Private Equity in 2007 for a reported AU $70m, the company relocated its HQ from Australia to California. By the end of the decade, Cartridge World was operating 1,650 stores in 60 countries.

In 2015, Chinese organic photoconductor manufacturer Suzhou Goldengreen Technologies acquired the Cartridge World franchise network and the recapitalised company has broadened its offering of printing supplies and printer maintenance for home and office customers as well as entering a number of strategic partnerships.

In December 2016, the UK and Ireland master franchisor also took over the development of the company in Europe, purchasing rights to offer the Cartridge World master franchise in France, Spain and Portugal.

How does a Cartridge World franchise model work?

Cartridge World has said that their franchise business model has allowed the business to dominate the printing industry - it took only 20 years to spread around the globe, with 170 stores in the UK.

With over 50 per cent of UK households having printers, and by working under the tried-and-tested Cartridge World formula, and greatly depending on your performance, franchisees have the potential to turn over £300,000 a year.

Total investment costs can reach £100,000, plus a royalty fee of 6 per cent and marketing service fee of 3 per cent.

What support and training does Cartridge World offer its franchisees?

Cartridge World states that its business model cannot be learned overnight. Franchisees will participate in a comprehensive 12-month training programme, which covers all aspects of the business, products and marketing.

Cartridge World also provides franchisees with national advertisements and public relations collateral, as well as access to its Marketing Research Centre to create and order branded materials for the franchisee’s targeted local promotions.

The training begins with start-up lessons where the franchisee learns the basics from a master franchisee at one of the Cartridge World training stores.

Cartridge World and its master franchisees support the franchisee throughout the setting up of the new store, in the field, on the phone, through the web, at meetings and utilising strategic vendors.

The company provides training and development, technology, financial management, product knowledge, equipment and marketing.

Cartridge World’s territory masters work with franchisees to develop, refine and execute their business plan. Building a strong financial roadmap, setting lifestyle goals and even developing an exit strategy will provide a clear path of what needs to be accomplished in order for the franchisee to achieve the lifestyle they desire.

Regional meetings, online technical forums, conferences, newsletters and technical updates are among the ongoing support the Cartridge World franchisee receives. Ongoing training is also available through specialised training modules, webinars, conference calls, online videos, regional and national events.

Did you know?

Cartridge World has outlets available across the UK

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Cartridge World believe its training programme will give franchisees the confidence to run their own stores.

What are the advantages of using Cartridge World printer cartridges?

There is a considerable cost saving, up to 30 per cent of the average selling price of an original printer-branded cartridge. Cartridge World guarantees that its inks and toners are specifically formulated to match the leading brand cartridges, so the print quality is just as good, if not better. All cartridges are guaranteed to match the performance of original cartridges under similar conditions.

Does Cartridge World have an ethical recycling policy?

Every year, millions of printer cartridges needlessly end up in landfill. With Cartridge World, recycling ink cartridges is good for the environment, free, and simple to do.
Freepost bags are sent out with cartridges and customers are encouraged to put their empty cartridges in the bag and pop them in the post. Unfortunately, toner cartridges cannot be recycled using this Freepost service, but they can be returned to the nearest Cartridge World franchise store.

Cartridge World believes that by demonstrating that it is a responsible business, and by selecting suppliers who do the same, the company’s reputation is enhanced in the eyes of existing and potential customers.

Where are Cartridge World stores located in the UK?

As well as being able to order printer cartridges online, the Cartridge World franchise has a network of stores across the UK. Currently there are Cartridge World stores in the following towns and cities: Workington, Scarborough, Harrogate, Cleveleys, Headingley, Chapel Allerton, Halifax, Hull, Wakefield, Brighouse, Huddersfield, Rochdale, Wigan, Stockport, Rotherham, Tickhill, Sheffield, Mansfield, Chester, Queensferry, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Stafford, Oswestry, Wellington, Tamworth, Peterborough, Norwich, Nuneaton, Sutton Coldfield, Selly Oak, King’s Heath, Shirley, Coventry, Northampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Evesham, Milton Keynes, Sudbury, Colchester,
Apsley, London, Swansea, Bridgend, Swindon, Wycombe, Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke, Epsom, Croydon, Bromley, Petts Wood, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Horsham, Petersfield, Street, Taunton, Poole, Bournemouth, Fareham, Chichester and Eastbourne.

What is the resale potential of a Cartridge World franchise?

Some franchisees may prefer to take over an already established business rather than begin a new business, thus avoiding the problem of finding a location and the costs associated with setting up.

To find a Cartridge World franchise for resale in your area, you can contact Cartridge World’s franchise team for up-to-the-minute details.

What are Cartridge World’s terms of agreement and renewal?

A franchise term is 10 years with an option to renew for a further 10-year term.

Are ink and toner suppliers like the Cartridge World franchise currently in demand?

A popular statistic that floated around many industries for years was that printer ink was, measure-for-measure, more expensive than vintage Champagne. While branded printer cartridges have had the amount of ink each cartridge contained reduced by over 75 per cent, manufacturers have, at the same time, according to David Connett, editor of The Recycler, “encrypted chip technology, and used aggressive marketing tactics to discourage refills”.

In 2013, it was reported that “remanufacturers” – who recycle and refill cartridges for sale at a discount – accounted for a third of UK sales. Based on the number of printers in homes and offices across the UK, Cartridge World believes the market to be worth £1.6bn. Tapping into just 10 per cent of that, a successful franchisee could achieve annual sales of £400,000.

How can I get started on setting up my own ink and toner supply business?

The first step towards a Cartridge World franchise is a start-up lesson to learn the basics about the business. To find out more, or to request further information on franchising with Cartridge World, click on the ‘Send Enquiry’ button now.