Plan and drawing print shop

Builders, architects, surveyors, engineers, planning consultants and local self-builders.

A price per print, based on paper size and whether it is black and white or colour. Larger projects are priced as a set, with extra charges for scanning, binding and rush jobs.

• Comfortable with printers and file formats such as PDF and CAD exports
• Attention to detail and accurate scaling
• Customer service and reliable turnaround

• Public liability insurance, plus cover for your equipment
• Check commercial lease terms and business rates for your unit
• Plotter running costs such as ink, paper and servicing can eat into margins, so price with them in mind
• Client drawings may be confidential or copyrighted, so check how you store files and handle copying requests
• Many firms now share plans digitally, so check demand locally before committing to a unit

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your plotter, scanner, unit and fit-out. Running costs such as ink, paper and servicing can eat into margins, so price with them in mind.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your local trade customers and turnaround times. Many firms now share plans digitally, so check demand locally. The idea assumes at least around 20 hours a week.

Check public liability and equipment insurance, plus commercial lease terms and business rates for your unit. Also check how you store files and handle copying requests, as client drawings may be confidential or copyrighted.