Online copier supplies store with local delivery

Small offices, medical and law practices, schools, churches, print shops and home-based businesses that want reliable delivery and a real person to call.

Markup on products bought from wholesalers or distributors, plus repeat orders on a regular schedule. Many shops offer a standing monthly order or free local delivery above a minimum order to keep customers.

• Knowing printer and copier models and which toner fits
• Organizing stock and reorders
• Customer service and follow-up with business clients

• Sales tax registration and how to handle resale certificates for business buyers, check with your state's revenue department
• Thin margins against big chains and online marketplaces, so avoid competing on price alone
• Rules on selling remanufactured or compatible toner and any brand claims, check supplier guarantees
• General liability insurance and cover for stock kept at home or in storage
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock and take deliveries at home
• Check any local rules on recycling empty cartridges

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on opening stock, your website and any storage space you rent. Costs vary with how many toner models and paper types you carry.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many local office accounts you win and how often they reorder. Margins can be thin against large retailers, so this is revenue, not profit.

Check sales tax registration and how to handle resale certificates for business buyers with your state's revenue department. Also check rules on remanufactured or compatible toner claims, supplier guarantees, and any home occupation or HOA rules.