Independent printer and copier reseller
Sell and service printers and copiers for small local businesses, working from home and visiting clients on site.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You supply printers, copiers and other office machines from a distributor or manufacturer dealer program, set them up at the customer's office and handle basic servicing and supplies.
Your first three steps
- Contact two or three distributors or dealer programs to compare product ranges, pricing and any training they offer
- Choose a niche, such as small offices in your town, and make a short list of 30 local businesses to call or visit
- Set up your business registration, insurance and a simple quote and service agreement template
Who pays
Small offices, clinics, law and accounting firms, schools, trades companies and non-profits that want a local contact instead of a big-box store.
How it makes money
Margin on machine sales or leases, plus service contracts, repair visits and recurring toner and supply orders.
Skills that help
- Basic technical troubleshooting
- Selling to small businesses
- Reliable follow-up and customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for products you sell
- Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
- Lease or service contracts can tie you to long commitments, so read the terms carefully
- Machines can be heavy, so plan for safe lifting and a suitable vehicle
- Check any requirements for handling and disposing of old equipment and toner in your province
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: independent printer and copier reseller
Researched with live web search for Canada: 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 start a printer and copier reseller business?
Estimated startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the stock, tools and vehicle you need. Lease or service contracts can tie you to long commitments, so read the terms carefully.
What should I check before reselling printers and copiers in Canada?
Check whether you need commercial general liability insurance, including cover for products you sell, and ask your municipality if a home-based business licence is needed. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, and requirements for disposing of old equipment and toner in your province.
What skills do I need to sell and service printers?
You typically need basic technical troubleshooting, the ability to sell to small businesses, and reliable follow-up and customer service. Machines can be heavy, so also plan for safe lifting and a suitable vehicle.
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