State-of-the-Art Technology, Revamped Business Strategy and New Franchise Model Highlight Cartridge World’s Future-Ready Franchise Opportunity

Much has changed since Bryan Stokes founded the brand that would eventually become Cartridge World in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Originally dubbed the "Australian Cartridge Company,” Cartridge World quickly rose to fame through its robust offering of premium managed print services, printer cartridges and other related products for both homes and businesses. At its peak, the brand boasted more than 2,000 franchises globally and was selling a U.S. license every 17 minutes.

Whether it’s a home printer or a business printer fleet meant to produce documents critical to organizational success, Cartridge World has always been proud to function as a local business partner, providing customized imaging solutions for each of its clients. Despite the impact of technology on the printing industry at large, the brand’s mission has remained steadfast. This is not to say the brand has sat back and rested on its laurels in the face of digital progression—as the times have changed, so too has Cartridge World.

By migrating away from in-store printer cartridge refilling driven by now-diminishing foot traffic to instead focus on on-site, all-encompassing printer service solutions for local businesses of all sizes, Cartridge World has revamped its business model for the modern age. This strategic evolution has required the brand to shed a number of its brick-and-mortar locations as at-home printing has decreased before arriving at the position it currently occupies: A 211-unit franchise on the precipice of a major transformation.

Business Model Shift

The process of arriving at this point of immense opportunity was a measured one; over the last five years, Cartridge World has expanded its franchise offering to include an Executive Office Model, revitalized its leadership team and implemented new services and technology including its industry-revolutionizing Why Buy a Printer Program to better meet the needs of a growing pool of small and mid-sized businesses seeking a comprehensive solution to their printing and imaging needs.

“Our 20-plus years of experience in a notoriously turbulent industry is one of our business’ greatest assets,” said Cartridge World CEO Mark Pinner. “While we have certainly been impacted by the changing technology landscape, our resilience, perseverance, and innovation have gotten us to this point where the path to sustainable growth is clear. We’ve put in the work to revamp our business strategy so it’s powered by technology rather than threatened by it, developed a franchise model optimized for the future and recruited the right team to help get us there.”

When compared to other players in the crowded printer services and products segment, Cartridge World stands out for many reasons. By operating on a model that puts local businesses first, Cartridge World franchisees establish themselves as on-the-ground experts, a strong foundation for delivering exemplary customer service. Instead of simply selling printer cartridges, the brand has carved out a niche that offers holistic and flexible business solutions for any budget and solves real-world printing challenges for the local communities in which it operates.

Franchise Benefits

Cartridge World also stands out in the industry thanks to its low cost of entry and Executive Office Model, which carries an initial investment ranging from $58,900 to $106,300, including the $40,000 franchise fee. Without the need to rent costly real estate for a retail storefront, the Executive Office Model makes it easy for Cartridge World franchisees to get their new business up and running expeditiously while simultaneously allowing a flexible schedule, a perfect recipe for achieving their desired profitability and work/life balance as soon as possible.

As the printing industry evolves, businesses are eager for reliable, local companies that can provide all-encompassing printing and imaging products and service-based, problem-solving relationships. Through its Why Buy a Printer Program, Cartridge World offers brand-name printers to businesses at no cost and with no service charges for installation or subsequent maintenance. The program’s agreement solely requests that by opting in, the customer agrees to buy exclusive Cartridge World ink and toner—effectively making the deal the perfect alternative to an expensive, binding copier contract.

“What many businesses don’t realize is that a multi-function printer is capable of performing every relevant feature a copier does, for just a fraction of the cost,” said Mike Mancuso, a Cartridge World franchisee and Master developer based in Rhode Island. “Print-related expenses are, on average, the third-highest line item of a given business’ expenses, behind rent and labor. The Why Buy a Printer Program completely eliminates that line item but for replacement ink and toner, making it the best deal in the marketplace for businesses, by far.”

Cartridge World has evolved alongside technology and developed additional tools not only to survive, but thrive, in today’s marketplace thanks to a clear point of differentiation as it relates to its service or offering; a defined vision for the future through the eyes of a supportive, refreshed and experienced leadership team; a sound investment and rate of return; the right territory available for growth; and a strong B2B value proposition.

Such are the reasons why Cartridge World is optimally positioned to usher in a new era of growth with the help of qualified, well-capitalized franchise partners. The brand is actively seeking entrepreneurs with business acumen, B2B experience and a strong desire to develop and maintain long-term client relationships. Ideal Cartridge World franchisees are business-savvy people who will happily carry out the brand’s mission, leverage their local footprint to serve as their community’s on-the-ground expert, and want to scale their business and evolve with the changing technology landscape.

“At every point throughout our brand history, entrepreneurs have entered our system for the same reasons they do today: Belief in the product; the engineered cost to open and the strength of unit-level economics; validation; and the ability to pursue business wherever they please,” Pinner said. “Our owners are in full control of their schedules, determine their preferred vendor partners, make a difference in their communities and as a result, exit the system extremely well-positioned for retirement.”

The initial investment required to open a Cartridge World Executive Office Model franchise ranges from $58,900 to $106,300, including the $40,000 franchise fee. For more information on franchise opportunities with Cartridge World, please visit