Starting a Copy Shop

103 comments
132,837 views

We have seen that price of copiers and printers has gone down tremendously, which anyone can afford to buy, but why will anyone buy one if he/she has to use it once in a while? No matter how low the cost of an all-in-one printer is, many will love to get their task done through a color copy and printing shop rather than buying one.

An increasing number of people often look for copy centers that provide photocopying and printing services.

These people include students who need color copying and binding services for their school requirements and professionals who need quality copies and copy posters for their profitable business ideas. Starting a copy shop is, therefore, a good idea if you are looking for startup business ideas and you are looking for innovative business schemes. The best thing about starting a copy store is you are not required to have special skills and technical educational background to provide your clients with color copying and copy services. It would be best if you had sufficient startup cost copy shops required. Here are some entrepreneur guides and business startups ideas if you are looking for tips on opening a copy center:

What you will need when starting a color copy and printing shop

You need not have particular expertise and skills to have a copy shop business plan and to start operating a copy shop. Creating a copy shop business would help with equipment like copy and print machines, copiers, and printers. This equipment will allow you to provide photocopying and printing services in your photocopy shops. However, these printing and photocopy machines are costly, especially if you intend to purchase the best copy machines for your print copy shop. It is ideal if you have enough savings that you can use to start a business in the photocopying and printing industry. Suppose you lack the capital to create a print shop and copy company. In that case, however, you can take advantage of startup loans and grants that provide entrepreneur help for people seeking business opportunities.

Ideal location for a photocopy center

If you want to know how to start a copy shop and run one that will more likely become successful, it is best to establish your copy companies in areas with a high demand for copy shops. The best locations for a photocopy shop include near or inside schools and universities because most of your prospective clients are students who look for copy stores that can provide bulk copies and color copies for their school lectures and requirements – you can also check out places near to the court, railway station, notary office, shopping malls. You can also establish your photocopy shop in establishments where people, such as government buildings and agencies, will more likely need to submit photocopied documents.

103 Comments

KEAN Socheat said on May 19, 2009
How could I do if I have other work and I want to startup a photocopy shop by hiring the people to work for me?
Geneva A. Ceasar said on May 22, 2009
Can you please explain step by step actions to establish a copy shop?
Saleh said on August 1, 2009
I need more detail step in how to start a copy and printing shop.
mary nkhwa said on October 10, 2009
i would like to know more about operating a copy shop.
Stephen said on November 1, 2009
Whoever wrote this article never ran a copy shop! You will need all your wits about you and a good understanding of computer programs and printing from a computer. People will ask you to do the impossible with little regard to the practical. Want to know more - then I suggest you get a job in one first to really see what goes on.
Scott Sherman said on January 22, 2010
Over 30 years experience in print and copy shops. The day of pushing a green button and making copies for pay is gone. Customers want you to be able to print and finish their projects. This means being able to work in InDesign, Quark, Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw, Microsoft Office - Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as MS Publisher and others. Inserting data, fixing files, finishing the prints etc. have to be done. So don't be mislead about buying some computers and digital equipment - if you don't have the knowledge or can hire someone that does the chances of succeeding are not good.
said redouani said on March 11, 2010
i wanna start my own copy shop in Dubai, united arab emirates. I am a xerox customer support engineer i think it helps me to do this kind of work.
mana said on March 16, 2010
I wrote in hope for help the copy shop for my own business, and it'll located in front of the High school of cambodia in siemreap city.
NONTSIKELELO BOOI said on May 31, 2010
i wanna start my own copy shop in botshabelo next to bloemfontein so i need to know where should i get the good supplier for those machine i'm gonna use please help me
Fadi EL-KHOURY said on June 29, 2010
it would be appreciated if you can help to have a buisness plan for the bank to establish a copy shop center. My area is an active one, more than 30 schools, 3 universities and construction booming which means lot of engineering companies and offices... in addition to government administration and private companies. thanks a lot.
ayaz said on July 3, 2010
hello sir, i'm from pakistan karachi sir i deal in photocopier parts i wanna sell my product in international market and also want purchase printers plz tell me how i can handle efficiently my business
Xolisa Nkonyeni said on July 9, 2010
i am located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and am starting a copy shop, what sort of extra features can i consider? I have thought of a vending machine and small stationery like pens and envelopes. What else can I consider to pass turn around time?
rhea said on July 19, 2010
how much capital needed to start a copy shop? is P30000 enough for it?
kinjal sapariya said on September 18, 2010
we want to start photocopy shop at our college campus. surat, c.k.pithawalla institute of management
hemalata said on September 21, 2010
malaysia kuala lumpur -location. would like to set up photocopy shop at my multipurpose shop
Emmanuel Slinger said on October 11, 2010
I want to combine a copy shop with Internet Cafe's, what would be my best implementation strategy
Prasannaka Liyanage said on December 6, 2010
I hope to start a Printing & a Photocopying facility in Sri Lanka, Moratuwa, & I wish to get further information regarding this. (Specially what should you consider the costs, profits, etc, etc). Thanking you, Prasannaka Liyanage.prasannaka666@gmail.com
sthembiso memela said on January 18, 2011
i am starting a copy shop combining it with an internet cafe, how effective that is?. its gonna be near five colleges three driving schools, seven matric schools plus on a busy path way next to shops where more than a thousand people goes past in an hour. what will be a good way of starting it, and what are the possibilities of making good profit
Shrinath Nara said on January 22, 2011
I'm representing the company who is the sole distributor of SHARP photocopiers & MFPs in UAE. We also provide various solutions related to Printing & Document Management for the organization to bring down their cost & increase their productivity. Please contact Mob: +971 50 3702457 for any such requirements.
prasad lakmal said on January 31, 2011
i have a p.copy shop in kelaniya. i can supply bulk orders for very lowest price. how can i find dealers. please contact +9477 555 15 85. e mail: nadeeinternetcafe@gmail.com
Rainy said on March 21, 2011
I am going to run a copy shop in PP. What should I have?
Robin crammond said on May 30, 2011
Hi, I work in a copyshop and I want to open my own copy center, copyshop in my country of Belize Central America. I know it would work, I just need to know how to go about it.
Ganesh Jaydeo Nalkande said on June 20, 2011
I want to start as Photocopy business in Akola Dist Akola Maharashtra, India
Joy Rodrigues said on July 30, 2011
Hi, I want to start Xerox copy center in my place Karnataka Uttara kannada not a big city Please advice me which brand and model Xerox machine best for me and Karnataka where can get good deal also how can i start my business this my e mail joydandeli@yahoo.com
mohammed ali said on August 15, 2011
Please note some companies are renting copy machines to clients monthly basis if you don't have money to buy a new machine you can a rented a copier and printer. thanks and regards. ali
RISSE said on August 23, 2011
Hi, i am planning to start a photocopying business, would u ind telling me, maybe how much should i need to start that kind of business, and what else should i also consider to start it over.. ??
Babu .K said on September 2, 2011
I am planning to start a small photo copy shop in East Delhi.I would like to know which machines are suitable for this purpose with minimum investment.And please tell me about the dealers in Delhi.
julito Razon said on September 2, 2011
2own a computer shop in philippines close to school i want photo copy business at the same time can you give me on advice to start up
azeem said on December 14, 2011
i am graphic designer and i have been working last 6 year in this industry now i want to start my digital business so kindly let me guide. thanks regards, azeem
V. Windows said on January 2, 2012
Fayetteville, Tennessee; I am researching all that is necessary to start a print shop even if it starts in my home at first. I am very computer savvy but need much more information to get started. Can you assist me in getting started?
Jaid said on February 12, 2012
Hi, i am intending setting up a photocopy center in a students environment but i 'e no idea of d engines to buy either new or tokunbo if its one of them please kindly tell me the best product for d two
ardiana baldo said on February 24, 2012
hi, i'm planning to start my photo copy shop as soon i have my start up capital , so, this time i want to know everything about it how and where to buy or maybe installment basis pls. advice, i'm at alaminos, laguna philippines
MDASME said on April 17, 2012
i WOULD LIKE TO START UP A PRINT AND COPY BUSINESS IN HAITI. WHAT SHOULD I DO PLEASE?
M. Bean said on April 18, 2012
i am planning to run a copy shop. i want to know how much money is enough to run this business. and what equipment should i purchase?
Manuel Perez said on May 20, 2012
I have been in the printing business for over 30 years and off and on in copy shops and I know these days i have seen the copiers take over more of the jobs that used to be done in the offset presses. I would like a little more info on whether to buy, lease or what would be the best Idea for the copy aspect of the business or in other words what company to contact.
S.K.Barik said on June 13, 2012
Sir, I am planning to run a copy-cum-DTP-cum-Internet Cafe business in Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar. But in this area one copy shop & one internet cafe shop already situated. Please give me advice it will better for me or not.
winnie said on June 14, 2012
i want to have a printing copy business.how much it is.i want to locate in san jose del monte bulacan near school. thanks po...
peng hooi said on June 20, 2012
i plan to have a printing copy, stationary business in Kampar Eastlake coz Westlake already fully occupied and want to know how much money is enough to run this business, pls advise.
Mumtaz Zaffar said on August 10, 2012
i want to start copy center which type of copier should i use in my copy center. which is the best copier in commercial use
Nick said on August 17, 2012
I have been involved with duplicating, finishing, laminating, etc. for several years. As Stephen and Scott both stated above there is alot that goes on in the Copy Center that most people would never think of. We run high speed color and black and white devices that can sometimes barely keep up with the workload. Daily requests for jobs that run the gamut from plain b&w to full color with bindings, acetates, vinyl backs and prep for distribution. The idea has often crossed my mind, but seeing what we do here with the equipment that we have, it would cost more than a few bucks to start a shop outside. If you've got money to spend, let me know if I can help.
Philip said on August 25, 2012
After reading this article it felt like it is so easy to start a copy shop. Yes it is.. if you are strictly copying. Since I have been researching for an year and studying the shops and scenarios, you need a good knowledge of the equipment, computers and graphics program to be successful. If you want to be successful you need a number of quality equipments and help in succeeding in copy shop. As someone has mentioned above copiers are everywhere. What you need to be successful is more than just copiers and abt 200,000 dollars if you are willing to do the leg work.
JP said on October 5, 2012
It is quite hard to start a shop. Now even more, but you can get one going for about 15,000 USD if you know how to do it.
Daniel said on November 9, 2012
Skopje, Macedonia. I want to open a copy shop in university I study. Every September and March students are buying books from copy shop 500 meters far (illegal books, but allowed). So, I'm going to take all the customers from my faculty (around 3000 students and the number goes up every year) and 2 high schools in range of 50 meters and additional customers (they probably will be not more than 5% of monthly copies). Please suggest me, share your knowledge to me what will be my needs? Will be enough copier with around 25 p/pm, or I'm going to need something like 40 or 50, 60 p/pm? Also, please tell me which brand have lower costs for service? In my country almost everyone, 90% of copy shops are using Rich copiers. Gratitude for helping me.
SIKIRU ADENIWE said on November 10, 2012
I WILL LIKE TO SET UP A COPY/PRINT SHOP IN GHANA, WEST AFRICA.CAN YOU ADVISE ME ON ALL THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT I WILL NEED FOR THIS PROJECT AND WHERE TO OBTAIN THEM.
Josphen Phillip soliman said on November 14, 2012
I want to start a copy shop in Canada , How could I start ? if you could advice me?
zintle gali said on November 17, 2012
i want to open copy shop in eastern cape queenstown so want to know more information and assist me with the equipment that i will need
SHAFI ALHAJRI said on November 21, 2012
I am in the process in preparing a business plan to start a print & copy center in Alkhober, Saudi Arabia. I request you, please to provide me with all require equipment, staff required, limitation etc. Regards, Saudi Arabia, Alkhober 31952
neea said on November 22, 2012
I WOULD LIKE TO OPEN COPY AND PRINT SHOP WHICH ALSO SELLS STATIONARY IN LESOTHO. HOW CAN I START?
ailene b.abatas said on November 27, 2012
Hello plz tell me how much i need to start a photocopy shop here in ca marin caloocan city. i need your response asap. thanks
rayees ahmed shaikh said on January 18, 2013
i have good idea to open a copy and print shop. I have experience in this field as well i know graphic designing. I don't have capital if anyone interested in UAE you can call me at 00971554365084. To start a copy shop it require at least 2lakhs UAE DIRHAMS
Sandip S. Tapkire said on January 20, 2013
Want to startup a stationary & gift item shop in Aurangabad, I have some experience in the same field, I want some financial support or tell me about government scheme for the loan grant.
Nader said on February 7, 2013
I need expertise workers to work in a new photo copy center, knowledge in computer graphics and other things related to this kind of job, preferred from India , please reply to this email: copycenterbh@gmail.com
Nader said on February 7, 2013
I forgot to tell that the copy center is located in Kingdom of Bahrain
mohd.umair said on February 8, 2013
i would like to start my own copier center in Indore M.P. how much money i needed to start a copier center kindly guide me.
EVANS KAZONGA MWABWAKA said on February 19, 2013
I WOULD LIKE TO START A PRINTING AND COPY BUSINESS IN NAIROBI KENYA. I NEED HELP ON HOW TO GET BEST EQUIPMENT/MACHINES FOR MY BUSINESS. I WILL APPRECIATE ALL THE HELP I CAN GET.
muhammad amjad iqbal said on February 28, 2013
hi, i would like to start a photocopy retail shop complete setup in small business pl guide me in details with advice best equipments and details of services include my location in daira dubai
Manhar said on March 24, 2013
I do not have any experience in this particular field,however,as far as I have observed, this business has expanded in last few years and has high potential and margin. Key to make money is prime location and minimum skills.
Suggestion- Best location- Outside Court, railway station, notary office, shopping malls, Schools, colleges.
Investment- To give it a good start..depending upon your currency- 2-3 Lakhs India rupees, close to $6000 US,AUS,CANADIAN.
You may choose to buy used machines or if possible rent these machines first. if it works buy them,copier should be able to print papers of all sizes.
Skills- Bare minimum- how to print from computer using pen drive and various Software- Adobe, MS office, Corel etc.IMPORTANT-How to use these software to edit the files.
Additions to this work- Resume building, Scanning, Binding, Stationary, Travel agency. Common govt. forms and result printouts when results come online, Cyber cafe. adn lot more.
sunil said on May 1, 2013
hi i want to purchase a color photocopy machine. Can u suggest me which one i buy & can u tell me what is running cost on color copy and black & white copy.
Cy Stapleton said on May 3, 2013
I am in Lufkin, Texas. There is a great deal more than just equipment to be successful. I was in the business for 40 years and was quite successful. I retired in 1995 but still have occasional requirements that I prefer to outsource rather than do myself on my strictly basic equipment. I took a simple 1-color job first to the local Kwik Kopy only to find they do not stock anything but white 20# bond and they only order stock once a week. I then took it to our only big box store, Office Depot. The job required a single cut, but OD's cutter had been out of service for two weeks. You need to know more than just a little about the business. Your basic needs will be something like a Xerox color work station and a B&W work station with a scanner on the color one. You will need a wide format B&W printer and it would be nice to have a wide format color printer. You need a 24-29" paper cutter, a folder, either a booklet maker or a saddle stitcher, GBC/Plastic Coil punch & binding equipment, a 24" roll laminator and a 12" pouch laminator, and a paper punch with several sizes of punches. You will need a few supplies like an extra cutting blade, cutting sticks, padding compound, roll laminating film, pouches,and copier toner. You will need a budget for advertising. You will also need at least one employee and a location. You can get by with about 500 sq ft, but a little larger would give more room for storage and expansion. You will need one employee to start, providing you are a working owner, and finally, you will need a few thousand dollars as working capital. When you are ready to open you need to make that opening a major event, sending personal invitation to all of your area's movers and shakers, media, purchasing agents, etc., and an invitation to the general public through media advertising. At your opening have a decent promotional item that has your logo, phone and address that you have helpers handing out to everyone and have spot give-aways for $25 or $50 in free services. For most of the equipment you can lease or the manufacturer will finance it for you. That cuts substantially on the amount of start-up capital you will require. Good luck
Anas said on May 6, 2013
I am planning to open a copy and print shop Dubai. I have 10 years experience in Copy Centre and Digital Printing as well I am a Graphic Designer. I don't have capital if anyone interested in UAE you can call me at 00971503089355. To start Professional Print Shop it require at least 500000 UAE DIRHAMS. vpanas2003@gmail.com
vishakha thorat said on June 29, 2013
We have a copy shop in mumbai from last 10 Years. We are planning to start a new Supporting business to our shop. Please suggest us any kind of business idea that we want.
Businessman said on July 4, 2013
I apologize, but, in my opinion, you are making a mistake. Let's discuss it. Write to me in PM, we'll talk.
andres said on July 22, 2013
we are a colombian base company more tan 600 employees , we are interested in purchasing a large copy center in Colombia , i am looking for a consultant , one with lots of experience in the field , if any one interested let me know. andres j lenis
Sherry Faustine said on July 27, 2013
I want to start a copy shop combining it with an internet cafe, typing services, laminating services, binding services etc and general office stationery. I have experience particularly in the typing field and want more information on how to go about it, which machinery and equipment are the best and I also need financial support too.
Siju said on September 22, 2013
Hi I would like to start a small copy center in Dammam, KSA. Pls share good advise regarding all levels. Thanks.
Nandhakumar said on October 22, 2013
I would like to start my own photocopy center(for xerox,spiral binding & laminating process)in kangayam, tamilnadu. How much it will cost to start? and can i get loan for that from bank? is there any possibilities? guide me
Tshepo Mtshepula said on November 5, 2013
mine operates from home in Gabane (Botswana, Near Gaborone)it has been 3 months now, i'm planning to expand it, now the problem is handling the little money of my business, i want to learn to have financial discipline.
Christian tonia said on November 11, 2013
Plz sir like how much will it cost me to start up a photocopy business and how will manage it
Surendra said on November 14, 2013
I want to xerox copy centre in kurnool for this which equipments i needed
mario said on December 10, 2013
If anyone knows or has to sell the copy and internet shop in Dubai, I am interested to buy Thanks
Zakhele Mkhize said on December 13, 2013
I would like to open up a photocopy shop and an internet cafe in a very busy area in South Africa, KwaZulu Natal on Port Shepstone. My main challenge is to draft a convincing business plan so that I would be able to get funding or a grant from various departments in South African Government. Could you please urgently advise or help me out with a well structured business plan in order to realize my vision.
nikhilesh chavan said on January 5, 2014
i am from India newly starting my business like to know how much copy can be printed from 1 cartage. and profit margin in every 100 copy. and any other detail necessary for this business. help me out to get the detail.
Mashego Kgaugelo said on January 8, 2014
I'm Mashego Kgaugelo i want to open an internet cafe but i dont know where, how and how much can i set up a network. help please asap.
Evangeline said on January 13, 2014
I would like to open photocopy shop in Toronto close to he university or college. please let me know , If you know any place to buy
Evangeline said on January 13, 2014
I like to buy photo copy machine shop in Toronto, Scarborough, Canada
Adil said on February 1, 2014
Photocopy business plan in Lahore Pakistan
Tendayi Mapangwa said on March 2, 2014
I am based in Zimbabwe. Copyshop is a wide business and one need to be prepared to meet the start-up costs. I started off with second equipment. I am now 12 years in the business. The following equipment will make you successful:
1. Large format printer 24inch to 44inch
2. Colour copier and i recommend Xerox machines
3. Duplicating machine and i recommend Riso and also have a variety of colors , different color drums
4 Large format laminating machine i e up to 24inch
5. Full house black and white copiers , at least three
6. Heavy duty punch and stapler
7. Binding machine , wire and spiral
Gone are the days of just pushing the green button . You need to be well versed in designing , using photoshop , correl draw etc. If you can not do it employ . A strong advertising budget is needed.
boingotlo bigto mokalake said on April 8, 2014
i want to start a copy and internet shop near a college of about 350 students. will it work for me and help with the business plan.
Tshepiso Monageng said on June 21, 2014
I luv the idea
Clarkfield Ink Spot said on July 18, 2014
The Ink Spot is located at Clarkfield Minnesota USA . Town of 863 people. We are a family owned business that bought it from a couple that started it 22 yrs ago and retired. Copier, print,picture frame shop with some gift shop items. We have painted pheasant-turkey feathers that are framed . We have wild life prints for sale as well as some consignment items. My son inlaw does copier graphics and framing and runs the shop. He does great work and we have been to local craft shows and are on a web site. Paying wages and taxes for one has taken and made it really hard for our first year. I am paying for shop ownership and to move would be hard. So I have been looking into ideas to increase income but seems we need a break through to make it profitable over wages and taxes. Any ideas out there?
Pat Antenor said on August 11, 2014
I am interested to star-up a small copy shop business. Kindly provide me the list of equipment will I possibly needed other than the photocopy machines, desktop computers, printers & fax machines. Appreciated to received your feedback on my inquiries. Thanks.
vinc said on August 13, 2014
I want to start a copy shop so how much do I need to start and what equipment do I need
RAJESH R C said on August 16, 2014
FROM GULBARGA KARNATAKA STATE INDIA. I AM ALREADY RUNNING DTP CENTER + INTERNET + COLOR PRINT. I WANT EXPAND IT SO PLEASE TELL ME TO EXPAND IT HOW TO DO IT
MIR AHMED ALI said on September 6, 2014
Dear @Rajesh, I am from Pakistan I am thankful to you for replying me, kindly send me your precious advice. Thank You,
chakauya rugare said on September 17, 2014
how much can be needed to start this business.
Santhosh said on October 21, 2014
Contact me at santhuintouch14@gmail.com if you are going to start a new Business in Photocopier
Elmon said on November 3, 2014
Hi i'm a copier technician i want to open a printing company and copier shops at limpopo but i dont have money to start
Oluseye Samuel said on November 11, 2014
How could i do if have other work and i want to startup photocopy and printing shop by hiring the people to work for me
VIKRAM said on December 4, 2014
I want to start my own photo copy & printing scanning center at borivali, mumbai in Maharashtra India
Anand said on December 23, 2014
I would like to know the needs to open a xerox shops and co jobs with it where we can do along. And what amount approximately i would be in need for this to open.
Mary said on January 13, 2015
My son would like to start a copier, print, internet cafe, binding, laminating shop in Kenya. He has knowledge of computer related services. how can he go about it
Shepherd Munemo said on February 5, 2015
i WOULD LIKE TO START A COPYSHOP IN KWEKWE, ZIMBABWE. CAN ANYONE HELP WITH FINANCES I HAVE ALL THE DETAILS READY
Oluseye Samuel said on February 27, 2015
i want to locate to Ibadan or Ogun state
noluvuyo said on March 2, 2015
I need assistance I want to open up a copy shop. Can u help me achieve that please.
Mahendra Sawant said on April 15, 2015
Andheri east. I want to open small xerox copy centre in my area please guide me ?
korvi Philip said on June 21, 2015
I just complete school and i want to do copier business but i dont have enough income. please can u help me get some of the machines and computer
Houch Chantith said on August 3, 2015
The copy shop can be made by first thinking about these few area:
1. Legalism or registration to run a business shop
2. Services: B/W copy, Color Copy, Printing, Laminating, Typing Documents, Translation, Internet, Stationary...
3. Materials and Equipments: Computers, Printers, Scanners, Laminator, Puncher, Cutter, Staplers...
4. People: Staffs, Service Skills such as: using the equipments, using computer programs, making books skills...
5. Expense budget: Renting, Salary, Utilities, Other expenses...
6. Sparing budget for 6-12 months: you need some amount at least to spend for expense budget.
7. Location: must be a place where has high demand of copying such as schools or university no other places.
Thank you. Huch Chantith, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
starr middleton said on August 27, 2015
Hello I want to start a copy shop in Lake los Angeles and I need to know how to start it even if I start it in my home first then relocate to small building.
v.ravichandran said on August 29, 2015
very good idea i have in copy shop people contract me
Afzal Ahmed said on September 29, 2015
Hi Everyone,Am planning to start a printing and photocopy shop in outskirt of mumbai near 3 engineering college with more than 20000 students.My budget is 35 Lacs for this,If condition favors I may start internet cafe too next to it. for that I have separate budget. Anyone with complete information from pin to plane can write me with exact business plan and will involve him in my business.my email id is indianimpulse123@gmail.com

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