High street ink refill and printer supplies shop

Households, students, home workers, and small offices, tradespeople and community groups that print regularly.

A fee per refill, plus margin on cartridges, toner, paper and accessories. Regular office customers can add repeat orders.

• Careful, tidy hands-on work
• Basic knowledge of printers and cartridges
• Friendly customer service
• Simple stock control

• Public liability insurance, and cover for stock and equipment
• Check how to handle used cartridges and ink waste, and whether you need waste carrier registration or a waste contract
• Check trademark and patent rules before selling compatible or remanufactured cartridges
• Refilled cartridges can leak or fail, so agree a clear return or refund policy
• Demand may be lower where people print less, so check footfall and rent before signing a lease

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your premises, refill equipment, initial stock and insurance. Check footfall and rent before signing a lease, as demand may be lower where people print less.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on location, footfall and how many regular household and small-office customers you attract. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.

Check how to handle used cartridges and ink waste, including whether you need waste carrier registration or a waste contract. Also check trademark and patent rules for compatible or remanufactured cartridges, and arrange public liability insurance and a clear refund policy.