Start a managed print and copier reseller business

Small and mid-sized businesses, offices, clinics and nonprofits that need reliable printing and want one contact for equipment, toner and service.

Commission or margin on equipment sales and leases, plus ongoing income from supplies and service contracts, depending on your dealer agreement.

• Sales and relationship building
• Explaining costs and contracts clearly
• Organized follow-up and renewals

• Read any dealer agreement closely, including commission terms, exclusivity and who owns the customer relationship
• Check with your city or county for a business license, and your state for sales tax rules on equipment and supplies
• Lease contracts can be long and hard to exit, so be clear and honest with customers about terms
• General liability insurance, and check whether your dealer partner's coverage extends to you
• Check any HOA or lease rules and home occupation permit requirements if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your home office setup and sales tools. Because a partner dealer handles delivery, installation and service, you are not holding the technical side yourself.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many business customers you win and the equipment, supplies and leases they take. Commission terms in your dealer agreement affect what you keep.

Read any dealer agreement closely, including commission terms, exclusivity and who owns the customer relationship. Also check business license and state sales tax rules, long lease contract terms, insurance, and any HOA, lease or home occupation requirements.