Local toner and ink supply for small offices

Small offices, medical and legal practices, schools, churches and nonprofits that want a reliable local supplier instead of reordering online.

You sell cartridges at a markup over your wholesale cost. Recurring supply agreements and standing orders bring steady monthly sales, and you can add paper and basic office supplies to each order.

• Sales and relationship building
• Organizing orders and stock
• Reliable, on-time delivery

• Check whether you need a local business license and a state sales tax permit, and how resale certificates work for your wholesale purchases
• Margins can be thin against big-box stores and online sellers, so work out your prices before promising contracts
• Check the quality and warranty terms on compatible or remanufactured cartridges before selling them, and know your supplier's return policy
• General liability insurance, and check whether your vehicle policy covers business deliveries
• If you store stock at home, check your lease, HOA rules and any home occupation permit

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you hold and how you set up delivery. These are estimates, so work out your own prices and stock needs before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many offices you serve and how often they reorder. These are estimates, and margins can be thin against big-box and online sellers.

Check whether you need a local business license and a state sales tax permit, and how resale certificates work for wholesale purchases. Also check general liability insurance, whether your vehicle policy covers business deliveries, and any lease, HOA or home occupation rules for stock stored at home.