An Industry in Demand
Customer demand is fueling the growth of the ink and toner cartridge industry. Consumers and businesses alike are looking for a retailer that can offer exceptional value, local convenience, expertise and great personal service. Our ready to sell inventory (we do not ask our customers to wait), knowledgeable customer service associates and green printing alternatives ensure that our customers become loyal, repeat buyers.
Rapid Refill offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to create the business of their dreams, whether this means a single unit retail location or multiple units. Beyond our core beliefs of great product value and exceptional service, the Rapid Refill business model is unique and scalable, focused on helping franchisees grow their businesses fast!
Typically, franchisees who have multiple locations, own one full-service store and one or more retail-only location. The full-service store supports the retail-only units with remanufactured products. Each store model operates in the same manner as far as customers are concerned because Rapid Refill brand remanufactured products are already on the shelf. The only difference between the operating models is the physical location where the cartridges are remanufactured.
This unique approach (owing a combination of full-service and retail-only units) offers Rapid Refill franchisees the ability to build multiple units economically as retail-only stores can be opened for significantly less than full-service stores and have the same sales potential. Rapid Refill's current growth strategy is focused on multi-unit development and, as a result, we expect to see a higher concentration of multi-unit franchisees as the system matures.
Company History
The Rapid Refill concept was established in 2002 in Eugene, Oregon. As demand for recycled products increased, Rapid Refill continued to grow. The successful business model was franchised in 2004 so they could reach more communities by involving local entrepreneurs. A business that once served a single city has rapidly grown into a franchise company serving locations from coast-to-coast.
Soon, our growth attracted experienced franchise talent, large-scale investment and ultimately the sale of the company to Rapid Refill, LLC. The company headquarters was moved from Oregon to Minneapolis, Minnesota where significant enhancements were made to the company's infrastructure. Our retail strategy is focused on growing our franchise system through both single, multi-unit and very soon Master Franchise owners and to becoming the ink and toner retailer of choice in every market in the United States.
| Total Number of Units: |
96 |
| Franchise Units: |
94 |
| Year Established: |
2003 |
| Franchising Since: |
2004 |
Benefits of Owning Your Franchise
Rapid Refill is seeking franchisees that are interested in being a significant part of the communities they serve. Our Rapid Start program allows new franchisees to quickly (prior to store opening) get involved in selling product and generating revenue. Our franchisees enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning a business but without the crazy retail hours. They deliver expert, customer-focused, value-priced, high-quality and sustainable print solutions for families, students, schools, clinics, hospitals, and businesses in their exclusive territories. Most importantly - our customers love us!
As a Rapid Refill franchisee you'll enjoy pride of ownership, experience superior training and on-going corporate support, have the tools to grow your business, offer significant cost savings over OEM products, be a valued community resource, and quickly integrate your business into the fabric of your community – all while providing an environmentally friendly product.
Financial Investment
|
Total Initial Investment: |
$89,000 to $199,950 |
|
Franchise Fee: |
$30,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required: |
$50,000 |
|
Net Worth Required: |
$300,000 |
Training and Support
In depth training is provided on a regular basis starting with two weeks at our Franchise Support Center in Minneapolis. It begins with printing supplies and service industry training, Rapid Start, which allows franchisees to hit the ground running by employing an aggressive marketing and direct business contact strategy which will help build sales quickly. The training is developed by industry, retail and sales experts and designed to guide our franchisees through the process of starting a business, opening their store and becoming a successful Rapid Refill franchisee.
Our support is multiple layered and comprehensive giving franchisees access to a Franchise Business Consultant who is accountable to the franchisee and there to help navigate through printer technology, POS systems, supplier management, negotiation, marketing, commercial client management, merchandising and store level management.
Networking and staying up to date are critical elements of success and we keep franchisees in the loop through regional and national meetings, a robust internet portal, monthly conference calls, e-newsletters and more. Monthly intelligence reports provide operational and financial insights into the entire Rapid Refill system helping franchisees understand and leverage strengths and identify gaps for continuous improvement.
| Does Corporate Assist in Site Selection: |
Yes |
| Does Corporate Provide Advertising and Marketing (Local, National): |
Yes |
| Does Corporate Provide Continued Training: |
Yes |
Franchise Requirements
Our most desired candidate will be executive level business builders – ready to become an ambassador of their own business by local involvement in their communities. They must be willing to be outside their store working with small to medium sized businesses, schools systems and government entities –local regional and state.
They can be singular or part of a partnership – husband/wife, siblings, friends etc have made successful partners as Rapid Refill franchisees.
Hiring, training and motivating employees is paramount to success which makes people skills a very important trait. These skills are also needed in working with customers of all types.
Location Requirements
The most successful location will be “A” and “B” retail real estate with square footage between
800 and 1100 sq feet. In –line shopping centers with a grocery store/big box retailer is preferred. Heavy traffic and easy parking is a must.
Small markets are also great targets for Rapid Refill locations as our competition (Office supply stores, WalMart, Target, etc.) generally has OEM product but does not offer any level of service or re-manufactured products.
We offer protected territories of a population radius of 50,000 people.
Top 35 Target Market Areas
Currently approved in all US states with the exception of Maryland.