Small mail house with print and inserting kit

Regional businesses, charities, schools, municipalities, marketing agencies and print shops that need mailings of thousands of pieces on a regular basis.

Per-piece prices for data handling, printing, inserting and sorting, with ongoing monthly clients such as newsletters and billing runs. Postage is normally billed to the client.

• Production planning and quality control
• Handling data lists and mail merge
• Selling to businesses and managing accounts

• Equipment is a big cost, so check leasing or buying used before committing
• Check unit zoning and your municipality's business licence rules
• Client data is personal information, so check privacy law (such as PIPEDA or provincial rules) and keep secure systems
• Get commercial general liability insurance and cover for client materials in your care
• Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province once you hire staff
• A large client leaving can leave a gap, and volumes can swing with seasons

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the equipment you choose and the unit you rent. Equipment is a big cost, so check leasing or buying used before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many regular clients you have and their mailing volumes. Volumes can swing with seasons, and losing a large client can leave a gap.

Check unit zoning and your municipality's business licence rules. Client data is personal information, so check privacy law such as PIPEDA or provincial rules. Also check liability insurance and WCB/WSIB rules in your province once you hire staff.