Franchisee Geoff Quo Says the Brand’s No-Cost Printer Program Has Been a Boon to His Business
Geoff Quo was sold on franchising as a business model. He was a multi-unit owner and operator of a leading hair franchise as well as a satisfied customer of Cartridge World, a global leader in providing high-quality printers, printer and toner cartridges, and customized business services. So, when an existing Cartridge World franchise became available, he seized the opportunity to invest.
Quo added the Little Rock, Ark., Cartridge World franchise to his portfolio in 2017, and he expanded the territory by combining a smaller location in nearby North Little Rock.
Educated and trained as a mechanical engineer with 20 years’ experience in senior-level operational positions, Quo left the corporate world to go all in with franchising about four months after investing with Cartridge World. For the last two years, Quo has had the top store in the Cartridge World system.
An Innovative Business Model
The printer supply market was valued at $26.9 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $37.13 billion by the end of 2030 with a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.94%, according to Verified Market Reports.
Cartridge World boasts more than 110 U.S. franchisees and hundreds more in some 20 countries outside the U.S. Its eco-friendly printing program provides remanufactured cartridges that reduce waste, conserve resources and lower the carbon footprint, while the brand’s recycling program ensures proper disposal of used cartridges.
Founded in 1988 in brick-and-mortar retail locations, Cartridge World recently introduced its executive model, enabling franchisees to work remotely and to sell to any business anywhere, with limitless boundaries and no pre-defined territories. “The sky is the limit for any franchisee who is ambitious and growth-driven,” says Cartridge World President Gregory Carafello, adding that ideal franchisees are high-energy individuals who are friendly and customer-focused.
Another innovation has been Cartridge World’s No-Cost Printer Program. Carafello explains the concept: “We offer a simple solution. Businesses need to print, and we have the best toner. It’s an easy sell. We provide a printer at no cost and service it for free. All the customer has to do is buy toner from us and commit to a three-year contract. That’s it.”
No-Cost Printer Program
Cartridge World’s No-Cost Printer Program has been a boon to Quo’s business. Being able to grow revenue and increase product offerings beyond simply providing printer supplies are his proudest accomplishments, which he attributes to strategic decisions to provide same-day delivery, implement the No-Cost Printer Program and focus on printer service.
Quo says the Cartridge World Fusion POS software platform, implemented in 2020, was also pivotal in enabling the growth of his business. “Because the system is cloud based, we can access the software from multiple computers anywhere. It fuses all functionality into a single package, including inventory purchasing, customer online ordering, and many other functions, as well as a CRM module to track customer contacts,” he says.
Several customers have commented that “no one does what Cartridge World does,” he says, adding that he likes to share feedback with employees. “Since several employees are out in the field all day on service and delivery, they are often unaware of the things that go on in the office, so I like that information shared with all in daily morning huddles. We share wins and fails. Wins are anything positive including new customers, atta boys and customer problems solved. Fails are learning opportunities including mistakes, misses and criticisms.”
The greatest challenge his Cartridge World franchise has experienced is keeping up with increasing demand, including following up on sales calls and leads. With all team members busy with their responsibilities, Quo often picks up the overflow.
“My typical day at Cartridge World is spent on customer follow-ups – proposals, printer surveys, previous cold calls, accounts receivables. Other times, I’ll assist with delivery or service,” he says, admitting that he’s still working on “working on the business, not in the business.”
A Game-Changing Business Opportunity
Carafello says Cartridge World has no competition because it beats online retailer Amazon, which doesn’t service, lease or give away printers, or provide knowledgeable customer service. Cartridge World also bests the big-box retailers, which typically require customers to pay for service or repairs.
With 28 million small to medium-sized businesses that need toner, “there is so much opportunity out there – it’s truly unbelievable,” Carafello says.
Quo agrees: “We need to focus on reaching more customers and making them aware of Cartridge World and what we do. There is still so much business that we need to capture even within a 30-mile radius.” For more information, visit https://cartridgeworldusa.com/franchise.
