Home-based short-run digital printer

Local businesses, tradies, real estate agents, cafes, schools, clubs and community groups that need small, quick print jobs.

You charge per job based on quantity, paper stock and finishing, with repeat clients reordering stationery and marketing material.

• Basic graphic design and file preparation
• Attention to colour and detail
• Customer service and quoting
• Organising jobs and deadlines

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a home-based business
• Printers can be noisy and need ventilation, so check the space suits the equipment and the neighbours
• Public liability insurance, and cover for your equipment and stock
• Copyright on client artwork and images, so get confirmation clients have the right to use what they send
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the printer you choose, finishing equipment such as a trimmer, folder and laminator, and your initial paper stock.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many local business clients you win and the size of your jobs. That is revenue before costs, with at least about 15 hours a week estimated.

Check with your local council whether you need approval for a home-based business, and whether the space suits the noise and ventilation needs. Also check public liability and equipment insurance, copyright on client artwork, and ABN and GST registration.