Neighborhood computer and print shop
Run a small shop where walk-in customers pay for computer time, printing, copying and scanning.
- $12k-45k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
2,264 US businesses with employees in this field, -54.2% in a year
NAICS 561439 “Other business service centers (including copy shops)”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small storefront with a handful of computers, a printer/copier and a scanner. Customers pay by the minute or hour for internet access and basic computer use, and per page for printing, copying and scanning.
Your first three steps
- Check which nearby areas lack a library, copy shop or quick-print option, and visit them to see what they charge and how busy they are
- Price out a lease, 4 to 8 computers, a printer/copier, session-timer software and a content filter, then draft a simple budget
- Ask your city or county about zoning, a business license and sales tax registration for your chosen address
Who pays
Students, job seekers, travelers, people without home internet or a printer, and anyone who needs a document printed, scanned or faxed quickly.
How it makes money
Time-based charges for computer use, per-page fees for printing and copying, and small add-ons such as scanning, laminating, passport-style photos or form help.
Skills that help
- Friendly, patient customer service
- Basic IT troubleshooting
- Simple bookkeeping and cash handling
Watch out for
- Zoning and local business license rules for your address, check with your city or county
- Some states and cities restrict or ban 'internet cafes' linked to sweepstakes games; check your state's rules and keep the business to plain access and print services
- General liability insurance, and check what your landlord requires
- Software licensing for commercial use, plus customer privacy: wipe sessions and saved files after every user
- Whether your state charges sales tax on printing or computer-time services
- Accessibility (ADA) requirements for the space and entrance
- Strong competition from libraries, phones and home printers, so location and opening hours matter
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: neighborhood computer and print shop
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 computer and print shop?
Startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $45,000, depending on your premises, number of computers, and printer and scanner equipment. These are estimates, so get local quotes for rent and hardware.
What rules should I check before opening a print and computer shop?
Check zoning and local business license rules with your city or county, and your state's rules on internet cafes linked to sweepstakes games. Also check insurance, software licensing, sales tax on services, and ADA accessibility.
How much can a computer and print shop earn, and how much time does it take?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on location and opening hours. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week. These are estimates, and competition from libraries and home printers matters.
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