Neighborhood Print and Copy Shop

Nearby small businesses, students, offices, contractors, nonprofits and residents needing fast printing.

Per-page and per-item prices, plus finishing such as binding, lamination and cutting. Repeat business accounts give steady monthly income.

• Operating and maintaining print equipment
• Customer service
• Basic design and file preparation
• Managing costs and supplies

• Check local business license, zoning and signage rules with your city or county
• Register for sales tax with your state and check how it applies to print jobs
• General liability and property insurance; workers' compensation once you hire
• Equipment is costly and repairs can halt work, so check service plans
• Rent and equipment payments are fixed costs, so test demand before committing to a long lease

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your equipment, lease, fit-out and supplies. Equipment is costly and repairs can halt work, so check service plans before you buy.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, equipment, and how many regular business accounts you win. The estimate assumes a full-time schedule of about 35 hours a week or more. Rent and equipment payments are fixed costs.

Check your local business license, zoning and signage rules with your city or county. Register for sales tax with your state and check how it applies to print jobs. Also check general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire.