Fax, scan and document counter
Run a walk-in counter where people send and receive faxes, plus scan, copy and print the paperwork that goes with them.
- A$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shopfront or shared counter offering faxing as the main service, backed by scanning, copying, printing and help with sending documents.
Your first three steps
- Visit local print shops, newsagents and post offices to see who already offers fax and what they charge
- Look at small shops or a shared counter spot near medical centres, courts, council offices or a busy shopping strip
- Price a commercial multifunction machine, a reliable fax line and a basic point-of-sale set-up, then work out your break-even point
Who pays
Walk-in customers, local tradies, older residents, and nearby offices, clinics and agents who still need paper or fax for some documents.
How it makes money
Per-page fees for faxing, scanning and copying, plus charges for printing and document help. A busy location matters more than anything else.
Skills that help
- Customer service and patience
- Comfortable with office machines and basic IT
- Handling confidential paperwork responsibly
Watch out for
- Fax alone is unlikely to cover shop rent, so check that scanning, printing and other services bring in enough
- Check the lease terms and your local council's rules for the premises
- Privacy of customer documents; check your obligations and how you will avoid keeping copies
- Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff, as set by your state scheme
- Register for GST if your turnover reaches the threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: fax, scan and document counter
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a fax and document counter in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your premises, equipment and fit-out. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your location before you commit to a lease.
How much revenue can a fax and scanning counter make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on foot traffic and the services you offer. Fax alone is unlikely to cover shop rent, so check that scanning and printing bring in enough.
What should I check before opening a fax and document counter?
Check your lease terms and your local council's rules for the premises, and your privacy obligations for customer documents. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire staff under your state scheme, and GST registration at the turnover threshold.
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