Printer rental for small offices

Small offices, medical and allied health practices, real estate agencies, tradie businesses, schools and community groups that want to avoid a big upfront purchase.

A fixed monthly rental fee per machine, often plus a charge per page printed over an included amount, and extra income from toner and service call-outs.

• Basic technical know-how with printers and networks
• Selling and following up local leads
• Keeping clear records and contracts

• Public liability insurance, and cover for the equipment you own while it is on customer sites
• Rental contracts must be fair to small businesses, so have your terms checked (unfair contract term rules may apply)
• Consider registering your machines on the Personal Property Securities Register to protect your ownership, and check how
• Wipe stored data from machine hard drives between customers to protect privacy
• Check with your local council whether you need approval to store stock at home
• Check whether your state requires electrical testing of hired equipment

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many machines you buy or lease and their condition. These are estimates only, so price your first few machines and any delivery needs before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many machines you have out on contract and your monthly fees. Expect to spend at least about 10 hours a week. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check you have public liability insurance and cover for equipment on customer sites. Have your contract terms checked for unfair contract term rules, consider registering machines on the Personal Property Securities Register, wipe stored data between customers, and check council and state electrical testing requirements.