business plan for print shop

Print Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Print Shop Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their print shop companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a print shop business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a print shop business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Print Shop Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your print shop business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Print Shop

If you’re looking to start a print shop business or grow your existing print shop company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your print shop business to improve your chances of success. Your print shop business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Print Shop Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a print shop business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for print shop companies.

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How to write a business plan for a print shop business.

If you want to start a print shop business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your print shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of print shop business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a print shop business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of print shop businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the print shop industry.
• Discuss the type of print shop business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of print shop business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of print shop businesses:

• Digital printing : This type of printing is one of the most cost-effective and fast printing processes available today. Electronic files and digital images replace the need for paper, press set-up and ink, which helps reduce the carbon footprint on the earth.
• Offset lithography printing: Used for magazines, circulars, brochures and books, this type of print shop specializes in larger volumes and includes traditional methods of binding.
• Screen printing: Any material that is not flat is a candidate for screen printing: shirts, hats, fabric bags, etc. Screen printing forces ink through a screening process that is replicated onto fabric or other materials used.
• 3D printing: This type of printing is performed through design, initiated by a computer program, followed by the print process in a 3D printer. The 3D printer is calibrated and outfitted with special plastics to fulfill the specifications of the 3D computer program.

In addition to explaining the type of print shop business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of printing projects completed, the amount of revenue earned, or reaching X number of clients served, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the print shop industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the print shop industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your print shop business plan:

• How big is the print shop industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your print shop business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your print shop business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, charitable organizations, corporations, and innovators.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of print shop business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other print shop businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. Stores that house copy machines or overseas service companies may be examples of indirect competitors. You will want to mention any direct competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of print shop business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide bundled services including printing and binding?
• Will you offer large 3D printing projects that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a print shop business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of print shop company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide cover design, book layout and digital printing to create a niche service for authors?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your print shop company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your print shop business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your print shop marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your print shop business, including answering calls, planning and providing printed items or 3D printed items, billing customers and assisting with maintenance of equipment, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth print project , or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your print shop business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your print shop business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing print shop businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a print shop business or successfully running a small co-op of screen printers.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 new customers per day, and/or offer discounted packaged pricing? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your print shop business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a print shop business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of corporations on a monthly printing contract.

Writing a business plan for your print shop business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the print shop industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful print shop business.

Print Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my print shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your print shop business plan.

How Do You Start a Print Shop Business?

Starting a Print Shop business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Print Shop Business
• Create Your Print Shop Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Print Shop Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Print Shop Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Print Shop Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Print Shop Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Print Shop Business Equipment
• Develop Your Print Shop Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Print Shop Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

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OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Click here to see how a Growthink business plan writer can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Print Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Print Shop Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Print Shop business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their print shops.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Print Shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Quick Process Print Shop is a startup printing company located in Cypress, Texas. The company is founded by Taylor Owen, a senior print manager who has been in business for over twenty years while working for a nationally-known chain of print shops. Taylor has garnered a high degree of respect and a large following of those who count on his printing abilities for every project they have. As a result, Taylor is confident he will be able to take his depth of experience and wide customer base with him as he opens his own print shop. The emphasis will be on commercial and individual clients seeking printing for any number of projects, including printing and binding of diverse materials.

Quick Process Print Shop will follow its name by offering unparalleled turnaround times for printing projects that competitors do not offer, in addition to offering numerous binding options, folder or book covers, paper stock assortments, and other customized ways to bring each customer’s vision to reality. The products and services will align to create the Quick Process Print Shop; the premier printing facility in Cypress, Texas.

Product Offering

The following are the services and products that Quick Process Print Shop will provide:

• One to four-color printing using CMYK color process
• Printing stock paper or custom, cut-to-size paper
• One-hour turnaround time on select printing projects
• Staple-bound or comb binding in wide variety of colors
• Print and bind corporate folders, presentation binders, brochures
• Custom designs, including holographic and 3D layout
• Printing wedding, birthday, anniversary invitations
• Printing personal/corporate letterhead, business cards

Customer Focus

The target audience for Quick Process Print Shop will be individuals and corporations, along with community, civic and government entities within the greater Cypress and Houston regions. The individuals with personal or business projects will be primary targets, as will administrative managers of corporations, and civic and government entities within the area. Also targeted will be non-profit organizations that will need printed materials on an on-going basis. Whether the client is an individual or corporate account, Quick Process Print Shop will dedicate the experienced full staff of the company to execute excellent results for each client.

Management Team

Quick Process Print Shop will be owned and operated by Taylor Owen. He recruited his former print coordinator, Derek Manahan, to be the Office Manager. His responsibilities will include overseeing employees and day-to-day operations of the print shop.

Taylor Owen is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He has been working for a nationally-known chain print shop for over twenty years as the Print Manager, where he has developed his expertise and dedication to perfectly execute each printing project.

Derek Manahan has been the print coordinator, working under the direction of Taylor Owen, for the past ten years at the same chain print shop. Derek holds a commercial printing certification from Cypress Community College. Derek’s organizational and administrative skills have propelled the former print coordinator to new heights of efficiency and turnaround times for clients; as such, the high expectation is that he will do so again for the Quick Process Print Shop in his new role as Office Manager.

Success Factors

The Quick Process Print Shop will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team at Quick Process Print Shop
• Guaranteed fastest turnaround time on select print projects, making the company the fastest in the region to turn projects around.
• Quick Process Print Shop offers the best binding pricing in town. Their pricing structure for over twenty types of available bindings is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Quick Process Print Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its print shop. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office and print equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the marketing campaigns and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office and print equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Quick Process Print Shop.

Company Overview

Who is quick process print shop.

Quick Process Print Shop is a newly established full-service print shop in Cypress, Texas. Quick Process Print Shop will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for customers in Cypress and the surrounding communities. Quick Process Print Shop will provide a comprehensive menu of printing and binding services for individuals, corporations, civic, and governmental entities in Cypress. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive set of standard and customized printing and binding processes, designed to meet every customer’s needs.

  Quick Process Print Shop will be able to manage small to oversized printing projects, as well as projects that include binding or other special treatments, and will do so on select projects within a very fast turnaround process. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in printing and management of day-to-day operations and print coordination. Quick Process Print Shop removes all headaches and issues of the printing and binding process and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously, while delivering the best customer service.

Quick Process Print Shop History

Quick Process Print Shop is owned by Taylor Owen, a former Print Manager for a nationally-known chain print shop. Taylor Owen is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. During his many years of printing, Taylor developed a high degree of expertise within his craft and used that dedication to perfectly execute each printing project. He gained the trust of his clients during twenty years of printing and binding projects; those relationships will now stabilize the revenue for the Quick Process Print Shop while the clientele grows and projects increase in size and number.

Since incorporation, Quick Process Print Shop has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Quick Process Print Shop as a C-corporation, to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Has a lease contract in place for 10,000 square feet at the building Quick Process Print Shop will utilize.
• Reached out to numerous corporate contacts to secure advance contracts for Quick Process Print Shop.
• Began recruiting a staff of Quick Process Print Shop employees.

Quick Process Print Shop Services

The following will be the services Quick Process Print Shop will provide:

• One to 4-color printing using CMYK color process
• Print and bind corporate folders, presentation binders

Industry Analysis

The Print Shop industry is expected to grow over the next ten years to over $483 billion. The growth will be driven by an increased print market for packaging, which is expected to rise by 66 percent in the coming decade. The market for printing books will decrease in the coming ten years by 15 percent; however, the need for commercial, business, and personal printing will increase as expectations for professionally-prepared materials will rise in every market sector. Future parameters, including an uncertain economy or supply-chain shortages, could impact the printing industry; however, all industry markets will have the same issues in play should such uncertainties come about. Costs will likely be reduced as print collaborations and partnership work together to lower costs, while increasing efficiencies, particularly on large-volume projects.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Quick Process Print Shop will target individuals or entities required printing or printing and binding services in the Cypress, Texas region. They will target individuals, corporations, civic or governmental agencies, as well as non-profits, and other associations who need printing and/or binding services. .

Customer Segmentation

Quick Process Print Shop will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals
• Corporations (for-profit/non-profit)
• Civic/community entities
• Governmental agencies

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Quick Process Print Shop will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company follows:

TJ’s Speedy Print Shop

PJ’s Speedy Print Shop provides customer self-service printing using copy machines. A customer can select a copy machine when bringing in documents or a flash drive document to be printed. The copy machines print and collate the projects per the instructions of the customer using self-instruction on a self-serve copy machine. Standard materials, such as paper and staples are provided for a fee. While copies are printed at-will and offer a fast turnaround, no binding services are offered. Color copies, customized print processes, high-quality color separation and other quality services are not offered within this self-serve model.

The owner of TJ’s Speedy Print Shop, legally registered as a limited liability company, has been in business for over thirty years and the shop is well-established as a neighborhood copy and print shop. The motto is “Your Printing Your Way” and the focus is on speed and accessibility, as the print shop is open 24 hours per day. An employee is always on site to assist customers who walk in and a full-time repair person oversees the copy machines. The print shop owner, Tomas Johanson, has been talking to customers about retiring; the outcome of his retirement for the print shop is unknown.

RiverEdge Printing & Packing Services

RiverEdge Printing & Packing Services is located in Houston, Texas and is a legal entity formed to serve the grocery store market sector within the regional area. Originally a sole proprietorship, the company was reframed legally as a C-corporation five years ago, when the family-owned business leadership changed from the father to the son. The company prints commercial projects only, focused on printing grocery bags, grocery boxes, packaging materials and other ancillary products that serve one national chain customer with 583 grocery stores in the chain. Products are printed, collated, glued, bound and packed according to the client specifications and the long-term contract is renewed yearly. The labor union is represented in this company, which requires contract negotiation on a yearly basis.

Excelsior Printing Company, Inc.

Excelsior Printing Company, Inc. is a nationally-recognized book printing company known for the 4-color printed, paper-over-board books they produce for children. This specialty printing company faces competition from Asian print providers; however the company provides a fast turnaround on projects that are short and follow a company template for printing production. Based in Houston, Texas, the company is held by two shareholders who take pride in the quality of books produced and the expediency offered in a process they’ve titled, “Fast Track” shipping. Fast Track shipping guarantees printed books will be delivered to bookstores within 4 weeks of a print order placed with Excelsior Printing Company, Inc. This guarantee provides the fastest delivery schedules of any printer in the U.S.

Competitive Advantage

Quick Process Print Shop will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of Quick Process Print Shop employees, who will work with each client to ensure orders are correctly entered into the system, printed and delivered according to specifications.
• The comprehensive menu of services offered by Quick Process Print Shop outshines all other competitors in terms of the variety of printing and binding processes offered, quality maintained and turnaround delivery times guaranteed.
• Quick Process Print Shop offers comparable pricing for printing and binding. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Quick Process Print Shop will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide comprehensive printing and binding services for each client, including customized sizes, materials, designs or other parameters needed for completion of the project.
• Competitive prices with on-the-job service representatives to assist every step of the way.
• Binding products and services to compile corporate reports, organization presentations, and other documents or materials.
• Guaranteed fastest turnaround service for select projects.
• Reasonable pricing for outstanding results.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Quick Process Print Shop is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Taylor Owen has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to his clients. They have communicated to Taylor that they kept renewing their contracts because they were happy with the service Taylor was providing. Once Taylor Owen advised them he was leaving to open his own print shop, they agreed to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of the Quick Process Print Shop.

Professional Associations and Networking

Quick Process Print Shop will become a member of commercial and residential professional associations within the region, due to the fact that each entity will need print services internally for a variety of projects that will need completion. In return, Quick Process Print Shop can offer reduced pricing for community efforts at fund-raising or other worthy causes by way of reciprocation and appreciation for the associations.

Print Advertising

As a printing company, Quick Process Print Shop, will advertise via printed pieces that describe the full range of services offered by Quick Process Print Shop. These printed pieces will be delivered to each resident in Cypress, Texas as a drop-in card inside The Cypress Daily, a city newspaper with a circulation of over 500,000 residents.

Website/SEO Marketing

Quick Process Print Shop will utilize their in-house employees who designed their print ads to also design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services that Quick Process Print Shop is able to provide. The website will also list their contact information and list the multiple print and binding services and products available. A short-term social media marketing manager will also manage the website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Fast Printing Cypress” or “print and bind near me”, Quick Process Print Shop will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Quick Process Print Shop will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value and quality when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Quick Process Print Shop. Operation Functions:

• Taylor Owen will be the Owner and President of the company. He will act as the Senior Print Manager to oversee all major print projects, build client relationships and represent the company within the greater Cypress region. Jay has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Derek Manahan – Office Manager who will manage the day-to-day operations of print projects and oversee the employee team.
• Shelly Duhane – Staff Bookkeeper, who will manage the financial accounts and compile records for payroll and tax purposes.
• Kelly Martin – Social Media Marketing Manager who will develop all initial marketing strategies for Quick Process Print Shop during the first three months of business.
• Carl Snowdon – Maintenance Manager who will provide all equipment and premises maintenance at the property.

Milestones:

Quick Process Print Shop will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease location space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Quick Process Print Shop
• 6/1/202X – Finalize long-term contracts for Quick Process Print Shop clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at regional association events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Quick Process Print Shop location
• 7/1/202X – Quick Process Print Shop opens its building for business

Quick Process Print Shop will be owned and operated by Taylor Owen. He recruited his former printing coordinator, Derek Manahan, to be his Office Manager to help manage the office and day-to-day operations.

Taylor Owen graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He has been employed by a local printing company for over twenty years as a Print Manager. Jay has successfully secured the assurances of former clients that they will bring their business needs to the Quick Process Print Shop upon opening and he is in the process of obtaining new long-term contracts with corporate clients.

Derek Manahan has been the print coordinator, working under the direction of Taylor Owen, for the past ten years at the same chain print shop. Derek holds a commercial printing certification from Cypress Community College. Derek’s organizational and administrative skills have propelled the former print coordinator to new heights of efficiency and turnaround times for clients; as such, the high expectation is that he will do so again for the Quick Process Print Shop in his new role of Office Manager.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Quick Process Print Shop are the fees they will charge to the clients for their services and products .

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff and equip the Quick Process Print Shop location. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Quick Process Print Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its property management business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the location space and purchasing printing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Projects, Services and Products Sold Per Month: 600
• Average Fees per Month: $55,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, print shop business plan faqs, what is a print shop business plan.

A print shop business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your print shop business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Print Shop business plan using our Print Shop Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Print Shop Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of print shop businesses , some examples include: Digital printing, Offset lithography printing, Screen printing, , and 3D printing.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Print Shop Business Plan?

Print Shop businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Print Shop Business?

Starting a print shop business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Print Shop Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed print shop business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your print shop business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your print shop business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Print Shop Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your print shop business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your print shop business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Print Shop Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your print shop business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your print shop business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

How to Start a Print Shop

Printing shops offer a variety of print and copy services to the public. This includes online printing, direct mail, and business printing. Most printing stores offer additional services to the public, depending upon the specific needs within the community.

You may also be interested in additional low cost business ideas .

Learn how to start your own Print Shop and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a print shop by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Print Shop
• Form your Print Shop into a Legal Entity
• Register your Print Shop for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Print Shop
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Print Shop
• Get Print Shop Insurance
• Define your Print Shop Brand
• Create your Print Shop Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your print shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Print Shop Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your print shop?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a print shop.

Before identifying your budgetary needs, you must first determine the exact services you intend to offer. Industry leaders report spending between $146,000 and $400,000. Your initial investment will include the following:

• Location - Many novice printers start out working out of their homes. To realize significant success, however, a storefront location is recommended. To offer a full menu of services, you will need enough space to house all your printing equipment and enough workspace to spread out and work on multiple projects at once. Start-up costs for your brick and mortar will include first and last month’s rent and a security deposit, which could range from $4,000 to $12,000, depending upon location.
• Electrical upgrades - Prior to opening your doors and testing out equipment, make sure you have an electrician out to inspect your shop’s electrical needs.
• If you want to do digital printing, you need to start out with $300k-$400k and will need to get the electric upgraded in your new shop
• Equipment - The equipment you invest in will be defined by the specifics of the services you offer. This could include: embossing machine, offset printing press, plate maker, color copier, standard copier, laminator, and finishing equipment. Each item ranges from $1,500 to $12,000 in cost, but can be purchased used for a fraction of the cost. To save on start-up costs, many entrepreneurs choose to lease the equipment, paying for their equipment over time.
• Computers - You will need at least one computer to handle your design and administrative needs. Many print shops also invest in at least one floor computer, which can be used by clients for a by-the-minute fee.
• Software - Design software such as Adobe, should also be purchased. Many software companies now offer software licensing for a monthly fee. It is also recommended that you invest in business management and accounting software, to insure proper management of your organization.
• Franchise fees - Entrepreneurs realizing significant profits report having invested in a franchise such as The UPS Store or PostNet . While start-up costs are higher, the expertise and support of industry leaders has proven invaluable.
• Marketing materials

What are the ongoing expenses for a print shop?

In addition to the standard overhead costs that come with running a business, there are a number of items you will need to budget for each month:

• Design software - Software vendors offer monthly contracts, ranging anywhere from $30 to $150/month, depending upon the product and your specific needs.
• Equipment leasing fees - Varies depending upon a variety of factors
• Maintenance and replacement of equipment
• Payroll costs

Break-even monthly sales average between $10,000 and $15,000 a month, with approximately half of that going to materials. This number varies, depending upon your area.

Who is the target market?

The most successful print shops target a number of different audiences including: small businesses, large businesses, and individuals. While each group will require a slightly different marketing strategy, this diversity sets your business up for greater success.

How does a print shop make money?

Print shops generate revenue from each account they attend to. The more services your store offers, the better you’re able to thrive and serve the needs of your community.

Fee specifics will vary from project to project, depending upon the specific needs of the client, the intricacies of the project, and how much printing the client needs. As indicated, working with reputable vendors will help insure quality products at a fair price. Business owners who pass that savings on to their clients will gain a loyal following.

How much profit can a print shop make?

New print shop owners are urged to plan for one to three years of little to no profit. This offers ample time to develop relationships with clients and vendors, and establish a name for yourself within the community. Business owners in larger cities realize quicker profits than those from smaller communities.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While quality work will help your profits grow year-by-year, there are a number of additional services you can provide to accelerate growth:

• Expand your target audience to include online customers
• Offering premier services, such as delivery, will make your business more memorable
• Sell office supplies and products
• Offer additional services such as notary, passport/ID photos, and shredding
• Many print shops have also found success offering packaging services and partnering with the postal service and other shipping companies. PO boxes have also proven to increase annual profits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your print shop is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a print shop business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A print shop business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a print shop business business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your print shop business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Print Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Print Shop.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a print shop

To insure potential clients understand the services your enterprise offers, have a simple, yet informative website built. Position yourself as a thought leader in the industry by regularly publishing a blog. This content marketing strategy educates your clients and helps search engines like Google target your business. As your experience and projects expand, make sure to update your online portfolio. Prospective clients who are surfing the web are more likely to partner with an organization whose work is available for viewing.

Additionally, it is recommended that your shop regularly offer business promotions to attract and retain customers. Partnering with reputable vendors and negotiating the best prices is also critical. This insures each client receives the fairest price, without sacrificing quality. Allow your work to speak for itself by printing your own quality marketing materials. Consider your target audience(s) and design promotional material to fit each niches’ needs.

Online directories such as Printguide also offer unique, cost-effective ways to reach prospective clients. It is also recommended that you join local business associations and attend networking events. National Print & Sign Owners Association and Printing Industries of America   are a great resources for both novice and experienced print shop owners. Convention booths will set you back approximately $3,000, but the connections you make will be well worth it. Entrepreneurs who have included car wraps in their marketing strategy have realized a significant return on their investment. One $2,500 car wrap stands to bring in an average of $15,000 in profits annually.

How to keep customers coming back

Delivering consistent, quality service will be your primary retention tool. This, combined with your strong interpersonal skills, is what will set you apart from the competition. Building long-standing relationships with vendors, community business leaders, and customers will insure a positive reputation. We live in an information-rich business landscape, meaning there is no room for error or poor customer service.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Industry leaders indicate that, due to the services offered, the individual with a background in printing is most suitable for this business venture. If you have the background, necessary capital, and are ready to work hard to insure a stable financial future for you and your family, now is the time to consider becoming your own boss.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a print shop?

Since your print shop will likely offer a wide variety of services, each day will be fast-paced and very different from the last. Modern day print shops typically offer the following:

• Professional small business printing - digital printing, offset printing, binding, laminating, and other document finishing services.
• Online printing - client uploads and submits documents for printing and finishing.
• Personal and professional copying - both self and full service
• Package and mail services

In addition to managing your client’s printing needs, you will also want to dedicate a portion of your time to your own business’ demands. Marketing is a critical component to every business owner’s day, as is administrative duties such as accounting and corresponding with representatives from various accounts.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful print shop?

Whether you plan to take an active or inactive role in the day-to-day operations of the business, it is important that you fully understand the particulars before formulating a business plan. It is recommended that you work in the industry for at least a year or two. This will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the equipment, processes, terminology, and pricing. Those taking an active role should not only be an astute businessman, they must also possess design and printing skills. Strong leadership skills, including attention to detail, delegation, and communication, will also prove critical to your enterprise’s long-term success.

What is the growth potential for a print shop?

Collectively, the printing industry is poised to grow at an astounding 30% over the next few years. Entrepreneurs who have led the market, however, urge novice business owners to strive to provide a full menu of services. While this business strategy requires employing a more educated and talented workforce, the long-term benefits far outweigh the increase in payroll costs.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a print shop?

The printing industry is very competitive. Therefore, it is critical that you stand out for your exemplary service and dedication to your clients. If someone calls the shop at 5pm, hoping you are able to print a complex report by 10 am tomorrow, be realistic when considering the job. If you are able to complete the work, without sacrificing quality, do so. Such a service is what sets you apart from the competition and gets your shop recognized within the business community. Enterprises are willing to pay a significant rush-job fee, as long as the job is completed accurately and on time. To insure you work efficiently and remain competitive, stay aware of industry trends and adjust accordingly.

How and when to build a team

Many business owners start out working every aspect of the business themselves. To avoid burnout, consider starting out with at least one team member, even if it is just to handle administrative tasks. As the business grows, more staff members will be necessary. Since customer service is your primary marketing and retention tool, make sure you hire individuals with prior experience. While a well-rounded employee will cost $22 to $26 per hour, they will save your budget in the long-run. Industry experts cite reprints from employee mistakes as one of their largest business costs.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• National Print &Sign Owners Association

Real World Examples

• Greko Printing and Imaging
• The Print Shop LA

Further Reading

• What Do I Need to Open a Print Shop Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

• ⚡ Request Free Demo »

How To Start A Print Shop Business: Create A Business Plan

• Posted in Business Tips / Digital Printing / Screen Printing
• Business Tips
• Digital Printing
• Screen Printing
• Post author: Colin Hubbard
• Post published: Jan 13, 2022
• Reading time: 7 mins read

Have you been thinking about starting your own print shop? 

The calendar has turned to the year 2022 and what better time to finally act on your dream of owning and operating a print shop than right now. 

Owning your own business isn’t easy. There are a lot of steps involved and the capital needed to get you started. Whether you’re ready to pull the trigger, or if you’re still on the fence, we’re here to help. 

We here at DecoNetwork want to give you a guide on how to start your own print shop and what you will need to do in order to get the ball rolling. 

In this first article, we will give you information on how to form a business plan. This will include costs of operation, what type of shop you want to run, and more. 

Creating a Business Plan

The first thing you need to decide on is what kind of business you want to run. Print shops come in all shapes and sizes. If you’ve clicked on this article and have made it this far, you probably already have an idea of what you want your business to look like. 

Finding a niche, or two is always a good idea when starting a business. If there are already several people in your area doing what you have in mind, your success might be hindered. Make sure that what you plan to do fills a need in your local market. At the end of the day, you will need customers to make your business successful. 

Do research on your local market and make sure that your business model is achievable. Whichever model you go with will impact every move you make from here on out. 

The location in which you intend to operate will dramatically affect your startup costs and month-to-month expenses. The beauty of this business is that you don’t have to work out of a brick-and-mortar location. You can own and operate a business right out of your own home and work your way up from there. 

If you want to operate your business out of a storefront, your cost of operation will increase rather quickly. Depending on your area, you will be spending thousands of dollars a month on rent. But if you want to have a large operation with the potential of making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, that will be a necessary investment. 

The size of your location will directly affect how much and what type of equipment you will need to purchase. 

From a screen printing standpoint, your startup cost varies depending upon the size of your operation. But it is reasonable to assume that you can start screen printing for less than $10,000. The list of things needed to get started will include a manual press, flash dryer, exposure unit, screens, ink, emulsion and a handful of other miscellaneous items. 

If you plan on going big from day one and you have the required square footage at your disposal, an automatic screen printing machine will run you upwards of $100,000 depending on the number of colors it can handle. A high-quality 8-color automatic press is in the neighborhood of $75,000. 

There are payment plans for these machines, however, that will allow you to not spend as much money up front if you’re looking to purchase a piece of equipment that’s on the higher end. 

And while that might sound like a lot of money to be shelling out for one piece of equipment, the speed at which the machine can print shirts will allow your business to produce more shirts per day, ultimately leading to more revenue per day. 

DTG Pricing

If you’re looking to get into DTG printing, you will likely be spending anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 for one machine. You will also need to purchase a heat press and a pretreat machine. But just like the screen printing equipment, DTG machines can be financed, too. This will allow you to make a monthly payment rather than one lump sum. 

If you go the finance route, finding out what your daily break-even point would be one of your next moves. If your monthly equipment costs are $500 and you profit around $10 per shirt, your break-even point per month would be 50 shirts. Anything over the 50 shirt-per-month mark would be your profit. 

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to how much money you will need in order to get your operation underway. It all depends on what type of printing you’re looking to do, what size operation you’re going to have and whether or not you will want to finance those things. 

Miscellaneous Purchases

There are other miscellaneous things you will need to purchase to get your business up and running. A computer, software programs like Adobe, and a print shop management software like DecoNetwork to help with production workflow, and eCommerce and help set you up with a website. You’ll also need some type of insurance and payroll if you have employees working for you. 

One of the last major things you will need to do when creating your business plan is to come up with a name for your business. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or super catchy, but it needs to be something customers can easily remember and recognize. Creating a good logo to pair with your business name can go a long way in helping your business. 

To summarize everything, formulate a business plan. Figure out where you are going to operate your business. Decide on what equipment you need to purchase. Budget for the remaining miscellaneous items you will need such as software programs and come up with a business name. 

In the next article, we will talk about forming a legal identity, registering for taxes, opening business bank accounts, obtaining permits and more.

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Writing a business plan for a photo printing shop

Table of Contents

Business description

Mission statement, products and services, unique selling point, market analysis, competitors, target audience, goals and strategy, financial projections, how countingup can help make projecting and managing finance easy.

If you want to start a small photo printing business to help people relive their favourite memories, you’ll need a plan. A business plan can provide you with clear objectives to get started and refer back to as you progress. Your aims may change over time, but you can analyse your success by comparing your positions to your expectations.

More than that, you may need to cover costs for a shop location or require equipment to get started. A business plan will help you secure funding to make your print shop possible. 

This guide will cover writing a business plan for a photo printing business, including:

• Aims and strategy

Describe what the company is and what it represents in your plan, this will help explain the idea when approaching an investor or bank for a small business loan . 

One way to do this is by writing a mission statement for your company. It is a declaration of your business’ purpose and what it will add to customers’ lives or the local community, in the case of a small business. For example, you could seek to bring back an appreciation for the experience that photos provide and make that appreciation accessible.

With a mission statement, you have an idea behind the business, but to communicate that to your customers, you need a brand that suits it. Branding is the public identity of your business. How the brand presents itself goes further than a name and logo as well. To have branding that is cohesive, you can also put together brand guidelines . 

Your guidelines include what to follow in your marketing strategy, such as: 

• Name — what variations of the name to use.
• Logo — what variations of the logo to use.
• Colour scheme — two or three colours the brand will use.
• Tone of voice — the way you speak to customers (e.g. friendly and casual or corporate and serious).

Having a solid brand represented in your business plan shows that your photo printing company will build a relationship with customers and have growth potential. Branding is crucial to see for professional investors, especially.

Another significant section to include within your business plan is what products and services you intend to offer customers. Your products and services should be fully explained through the plan. You may be presenting it to investors or lenders with little knowledge of your industry.

Your unique selling point (USP) to your business is the core reason for customers to buy from you. Your point will either be a specific product you offer or a unique service you provide. 

Your unique selling point should be something that customers can’t get anywhere else. Your key selling point communicates the strengths of your business, which can also be used in marketing.

Market analysis is another important section for your business plan. Your analysis will feature two main things: what competition you have and who your customers are .

To find as much out as you can about your competition, conduct market research . This activity involves visiting competitors’ sites or stores and noting their services and which marketing channels they use. 

If they sell similar products, purchase them and directly compare them with yours. Carrying out comparative physical research is called benchmarking, which may help you to create a better quality product than competitors. For example, perhaps you could look at the prints that competitors sell. 

Continuing with your research, you should be investigating the groups of people who are most likely to want to engage with your business. You can speak to the public directly to help find this out. Surveys and interviews allow you to ask questions about what people want.

Suppose you start to find similarities between the people who respond positively to what you offer. In that case, these form your target audience. A helpful way to present those findings in your plan is to put together a customer profile (sometimes called customer avatar). A profile is a hypothetical person that represents an ideal customer.

Customer profiles should include:

If the purpose of your business plan is to help you secure funding, include your business goals. Beyond funding, including short, medium, and long-term plans for the business gives you something to work towards and track your progress. To make that easier for yourself to compare, make sure the goals can be measurable and set timeframes for reaching them.

When you establish goals, it’s also crucial to produce strategies to achieve them. For example, if you aim to have a hundred customers in the first month, you can plan how to market your launch. After the first month is over, you can look back to see if you reached a hundred purchases.

Financial projections is another crucial section that investors and lenders will look for. In this part, create a sales forecast to provide your plan with a detailed prediction of the expected money coming into the business.

A sales forecast includes your expectations for the number of sales you expect to earn multiplied by the amount customers will spend. Calculating that forecast can give you a picture of how much revenue you expect for a month, quarter or year.

As you complete your photo printing business plan, and start your business, you’ll need to manage your finances well. By setting up a separate account for your photo printing business, you will be able to keep track of everything going in and out. Staying on top of your finances will also be useful when it comes to filing tax returns. Countingup can provide you with cash flow insights so you can keep a record of finances easily.

Countingup is the current business account with built-in accounting software. It includes an expense categorisation feature that lets you sort your costs together to look at different financial information for each business area. 

Start your three-month free trial today.  Find out more here .

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Printing Business

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How to Start a Printing Business

Written by: Howard Tillerman

Howard Tillerman is the Chief Marketing Officer for Step By Step Business and an award-winning marketing professional.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on August 11, 2021 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$8,100 - $32,200

Revenue potential

$100,000 - $200,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$50,000 - $100,000 p.a.

Industry trend

The global printing industry is worth more than $800 billion and presents a wealth of opportunities amid the shift to digital and 3D printing. You could grab a slice of this vast and growing market, but you may have to work hard and acquire the relevant entrepreneurial knowledge first.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place, as this in-depth guide lays out every step you’ll take to develop and launch your own successful printing business.

Let’s dive right in!

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

The first step is market analysis, to understand what’s happening in the industry and the prospects of building a successful business.

Pros and cons

Before you open a print shop, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons to help you determine if the risk is worth it.

• Highly profitable
• High customer retention rate
• Easy to start; work from home if needed
• Broad and exciting market
• Little experience required
• Cutthroat competition
• High overhead costs

Printing industry trends

The printing industry is seeing a rebirth. For starters, research firm Mordor Intelligence expects the global printing market to see steady annual growth of nearly 2.5% for the next five years.(( https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/commercial-printing-market )) 

That’s nothing compared to the explosive forecast for 3D printing, which is becoming more common in many sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US printing industry has seen a gradual decline in recent years and is valued at about $79 billion as of 2022, according to market analyst IBISWorld.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/printing-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – The US digital print market is headed toward impressive annual growth of almost 7% through 2026(( https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/10/2226163/0/en/The-digital-printing-market-size-is-expected-to-grow-from-USD-24-8-billion-in-2021-to-USD-34-3-billion-by-2026-at-a-CAGR-of-6-7.html )) while the 3D printing market is seen to grow from $14 billion in 2021 to $51 billion in 2028 — a more than 350% expansion in just seven years.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/3d-printing-industry-analysis ))
• Number of businesses – There are nearly 45,000 printing businesses in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/printing-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 350,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/printing-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the printing industry include:

• Growing preference for 3D and digital printing
• Emergence of erasable printing technology, security printing, and cloud printing

Challenges in the printing industry include:

• Declining demand due to adoption of digital technology
• High level of competition

What kind of people work in printing?

• Gender – Around 66% of all printers are male, while 34% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 36% of printers have a high school diploma and 28% hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – The average age of an employed printer is 48 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a printing business?

The cost of starting a printing business depends on location, initial equipment, and upfront supplies.

You should expect to spend at least $40,000 for a barebones operation and up to $400,000 on the higher end. However, most in the printing business spend about $200,000 for a well-rounded print shop.

Signing on with a franchise such as the UPS Store boosts income. But if you’re not getting a franchise, your startup investment as an independent printing business will cover the following:

How much can you earn from a printing business?

Depending on industry segment and size of operation, a printing business tends to generate $100,000 to $200,000 in annual revenue, at a 50% profit margin. After costs, such as design software subscriptions, equipment maintenance, supplies, salaries, rent, and insurance, you’ll have a pre-tax profit of $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

Of course, if you add another printer, move to a larger space, or open a second and third location, you can make significantly more.

What barriers to entry are there?

The biggest barrier to entry in the printing industry is the high level of competition. Printing is a relatively popular market, attracting a lot of entrepreneurs. Your ability to offer competitive pricing and custom print options can help you gain a share of the market.

The high cost of equipment is another barrier. Printing equipment is expensive, and unless you have adequate capital, you’ll have a problem running a well-rounded service or outperforming your competitors.

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Step 2: hone your idea.

The second step to starting a printing business is to get more clarity about what you need to do to achieve success. Here’s what you need to do during this phase:

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Your competition will be other businesses offering the same services in your area. You will also be competing against larger companies with a nationwide presence, such as American Printing.

One of the easiest ways to establish a strong presence quickly in the printing industry is to leverage franchising. Partnering with printing franchises such as The UPS Store can provide your business a steady stream of business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials to boost income.

These materials are an integral part of fostering relationships during seminars, trade shows, and other promotional events.

What? Determine your products or services

Running a print shop typically involves providing one or more printing services, including screen, offset, 3D printed products , or digital printing. You could also offer a combination of services, such as screen and digital. Most printing businesses offer various specialized services such as T-shirt printing, signage, brochures, magazines, business cards, catalogs, and more.

Knowing which commercial printing service to start will help you determine your target customers, competition, and how to stand out.

• Digital printing involves creating designs on a computer and then printing it on various materials, including paper, canvas, fabric, and more. The leading digital printing technologies include inkjet and laser. Inkjet is commonly used for signages, short print runs, and posters. Laser printers are used for direct mails and brochures.
• Traditional offset printing, also known as lithography, is ideal for high-volume commercial jobs. Ever seen a video of newspapers running through big rollers? That’s offset printing.
• Screen or silk printing involves pressing ink through a stenciled mesh screen to create a printed design. It is popular for T-shirts, mugs, and billboards.
• The newest and fastest growing market segment is 3-D printing, which involves the construction of a three-dimensional object from a computer design. This is not your grandfather’s printing method.

With a niche strategy, you can leverage your expertise in a particular area to stand out from your competition.

Think of it as a way to help you focus on printing services that your competitors aren’t offering in your area.

Decide whether you want to provide digital, screen, or offset printing services, or a combination of these services. That way, you won’t have a problem identifying your ideal customers.

While most print shops run from Monday through to Friday, operating hours depend on your current orders, which means you might work on weekends and late hours if you have a deadline to meet.

How much should you charge for printing?

Your pricing structure can make or break your printing business. Here are a few pricing strategies you can use:

Cost + markup pricing

This model involves determining the price by forecasting the cost of printing for a specific project then adding the desired profit markup on top.

Gain market share pricing

This strategy involves setting low prices to gain market share against competitors. The model works well if you’re offering multiple printing services.

For instance, you may lower prices for 3D printing to attract new customers knowing that you’ll later sell these clients more profitable services such as long-run offset printing. Research industry rates to help you determine the best pricing model for your business.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

You’ve chosen your niche. The next thing you want to do is pinpoint your target customers. Targeting specific groups of potential clients can help reduce your marketing costs and maximize profits.

For instance, if you run a 3D printing business, your target customers would be display companies, ad agencies, marketing firms, and manufacturers. If you’re operating a screen printing business, your customers would include college students and T-shirt design firms.

When you know the printing customers to target, you can easily reach them, not to mention that you’ll be in a better position to provide quality services.

Where will your business be based?

While you can run your printing service from home, you’re better off with a storefront location. Ideally, you’ll want an area that’s visible and accessible.

Even if you don’t plan to attract many walk-in customers, a visible location can help spread the word about your business to local customers. You’ll also need a site that offers quick access to clients picking up their orders and people delivering supplies.

Also, as you evaluate a potential location for your print shop, consider zoning regulations to ensure that your chosen site allows for the legal operation of your business. Lastly, make sure that the cost of renting and running your selected location is within your budget.

You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe . When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Printing Company Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “printers” or “digital printing”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Inkwell Printing Solutions” over “T-Shirt Printing Hub” or “Business Card Printing Solutions”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity. 

Step 4: Create a Printing Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview of the business plan, summarizing key points and objectives.
• Business Overview: A detailed description of the printing business, including its mission, vision, and core values.
• Product and Services: Clearly outline the printing services offered, such as digital printing, offset printing, and additional services like graphic design.
• Market Analysis: Research and analysis of the printing industry, including target market demographics, trends, and potential opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: Assessment of competitors in the printing market, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to gain a competitive edge.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling printing services, including pricing, advertising, and sales channels.
• Management Team: Introduction to key members of the management team, highlighting their skills and roles in the business.
• Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of the printing business, covering production processes, equipment, and workflow.
• Financial Plan: A comprehensive financial forecast, including startup costs, revenue projections, and a break-even analysis.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials, such as resumes, additional market research, or legal documents, supporting the information presented in the business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to printing. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your printing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a printing business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Printing Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a printing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your printing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You can use design software such as The Print Shop , Canva , and Printavo , to create professional print layouts, adding flair to your projects.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Launching a printing business can be a lucrative venture, and success hinges on strategic marketing. Here are some practical tips beyond website development and networking to ensure your printing business thrives.

• Local Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, such as event planners, schools, and restaurants, to offer exclusive printing services, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Sample Kits: Develop eye-catching sample kits showcasing your printing capabilities and distribute them to potential clients, leaving a lasting impression and tangible evidence of your quality.
• Social Media Engagement: Leverage social media platforms by regularly sharing visually appealing content, highlighting your printing projects, and engaging with your audience through contests or polls to build a strong online presence.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program where existing clients receive discounts or perks for referring new business, turning satisfied customers into advocates for your printing services.
• Specialized Packages: Create specialized printing packages for occasions like weddings, corporate events, or product launches, demonstrating your ability to tailor services to specific needs.
• Community Events Sponsorship: Sponsor local events or community gatherings to increase brand visibility, and consider providing on-site printing services to showcase your capabilities directly to potential customers.
• Interactive Workshops: Host workshops or seminars on printing techniques, design trends, or DIY printing projects, positioning your business as an authority in the field and attracting a diverse audience.
• Customer Loyalty Programs: Develop loyalty programs offering discounts or exclusive deals for repeat customers, fostering long-term relationships and incentivizing clients to choose your printing services consistently.
• Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns: Design and execute targeted direct mail campaigns to specific industries or demographics, showcasing how your printing services can meet their unique needs.
• Testimonials and Case Studies: Collect and showcase client testimonials and case studies that emphasize successful collaborations, building trust and credibility with potential customers.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your printing meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your printing business could be:

• Fastest printing service in town!
• If you can design it, we can print it
• No job is too small, or too big

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a print shop, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in printing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in printing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from home, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a printing business would include:

• Designers and Printers
• General Manager
• Marketing Lead

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Printing Business – Start Making Money!

In the near future, 3D printing and digital printing will likely come to dominate the market. Other trends to look out for include erasable printing technology, security printing, and cloud printing. A smart entrepreneur would get in now while the market is still taking shape.

You’re now ready to start printing and making money! Thought you might want to bookmark this page, just in case.

• Printing Business FAQs

Yes, you can. However, you’ll need to partner with the right people and stores. Also, you must have a well-thought-out marketing plan and, of course, sell high-demand products. One of the critical determinants of how much money you can make with a print-on-demand business is the quality of your designs – so create high-quality designs to attract customers.

The amount of revenue you can generate with a t-shirt business depends on several factors, such as your customer base and location. You can make about $573 with an average order of 72 custom t-shirts which takes one hour to print. Wages and materials cost about $169, leaving you with a profit of $304.

Yes, it is. Even so, revenue may vary depending on your target market and location. Industry insiders say the prospects look good since 3D printing is still at its infant stage. The trick is to invest in the right equipment to produce work that customers can buy at a premium price.

Printing companies can acquire clients through networking, referrals, online presence, direct marketing, local partnerships, and participating in industry events.

Digital prints can be profitable due to cost efficiency, quick turnaround times, and the ability to offer customized prints, but profitability may vary.

To make a printing business successful, focus on high-quality products/services, excellent customer service, strong branding and marketing, staying updated with industry trends, building relationships, expanding service offerings, efficient operations, and continuous improvement.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Printing Company Name
• Create a Printing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Printing Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Printing Business - Start Making Money!

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Start a Print Shop: Your Complete Guide

Opening your own print shop can be a very rewarding business venture. However, it is important to do your research and plan accordingly in order to establish a successful business. This guide provides everything you need to know in order to start a print shop from scratch. From choosing the right equipment to marketing your business, we have you covered! So, what are you waiting for? Start printing today!

Table of Contents

What is a print shop business, how do i find customers for my print shop business.

A print shop business is a service that provides printing services to businesses and individuals. The most common type of print shop is a commercial printer, which offers a wide variety of printing services, including business cards, flyers, brochures, and more. Many print shops also offer design services, allowing businesses to create custom-designed products. In addition to commercial printers, there are also digital print shops, which use digital technology to print products. Digital print shops typically offer a wider range of services than commercial printers, including photo printing, large format printing, and more. Print shops can be found in both brick-and-mortar locations and online. Online print shops typically offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar shops and often provide a wider range of services. When choosing a print shop, it is important to consider the type of services offered, the quality of the products, the price, and the turnaround time.

Why would I want to start a Print Shop business?

You’ve decided you want to be your own boss. You want to set your own hours, make your own decisions, and reap the rewards (and challenges) of running your own business. But what kind of business should you start? If you’re creative, organized, and enjoy working with your hands, have you considered starting a print shop business? In this section, we’ll explore some of the reasons why a print shop business might be the right fit for you.

Low startup costs

Unless you’re planning on opening a brick-and-mortar store (more on that later), the startup costs for a print shop are relatively low. You’ll need to invest in some quality printing equipment, but beyond that, you can run your business from the comfort of your own home. This keeps overhead costs to a minimum, which is always a bonus when you’re first starting out.

Flexible hours

One of the benefits of being your own boss is that you get to set your own hours. So if you don’t want to work 9-5, Monday through Friday, you don’t have to. Of course, that also means that if you want to work weekends or evenings to make up for lost time during the week, you can do that as well. It’s entirely up to you.

Be your own boss

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it bears mentioning nonetheless. When you run your own business, YOU are in charge. You get to make all the decisions, both big and small. Granted, this can also be a bit of a double-edged sword (see point #4 below), but overall, most people who start their own businesses do so because they want to be their own boss.

Unlimited potential for growth

When you start your own business, there are no limits on how big or successful it can become. It’s entirely up to you how much time and effort you put into growing your business. If things are going well and you want to expand by opening a brick-and-mortar store or hiring additional staff, there’s nothing stopping you from doing so—the sky really is the limit!

If you’re considering starting your own business, a print shop may be the perfect fit for you. With low startup costs and flexible hours, it offers the chance to be your own boss and grow your business as big as you want it to be—the sky really is the limit!

How do I start a Print Shop business?

There’s nothing quite like starting your own business. When you’re your own boss, the sky’s the limit. If you’re thinking of starting a print shop business, there are some things you need to know. In this section, we’ll outline the basics of what you need to get started and how to make your business thrive. So read on and start planning your new business!

Define Your Niche

When you’re starting a print shop, one of the most important things to do is define your niche. Figure out what kind of printing services you want to offer and who your target market is. Do you want to focus on business cards, flyers, and other promotional materials? Or do you want to offer more specialized services like fine art printing or wedding invitations?

Once you’ve determined your niche, you can start to build a client base and market your business effectively. Keep in mind that you can always expand your services later on, but it’s important to start out with a clear focus. By defining your niche from the beginning, you’ll set your print shop up for success.

Create a Business Plan

Before you start a print shop business, it’s important to create a business plan . This will help you set goals, determine start-up costs, and track your progress over time. To get started, consider the following key points:

• Define your business: What services will you offer? Who is your target market? How will you stand out from the competition?
• Set financial goals: How much money do you need to start your business? How much do you hope to make in the first year? What are your long-term financial goals for the business?
• Create a marketing plan: How will you let potential customers know about your print shop? What kind of advertising and promotion will you do? How will you build relationships with clients and vendors?
• Develop a production plan: What equipment and supplies will you need to get started? How will you produce high-quality prints on a consistent basis? What steps will you take to ensure efficient production?

By taking the time to develop a comprehensive business plan, you’ll increase your chances of success as a print shop owner. By outlining your goals, marketing strategy, and production process, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful business.

Find Funding for Your Business

Before you can open your doors for business, you need to find the funding to get your print shop off the ground. There are a few different ways you can go about this.

One option is to take out a business loan from a financial institution. Another is to look into grants specifically for small businesses or for businesses in the printing industry. You could also choose to fund your business yourself by using personal savings or by taking out a personal loan.

Whichever route you decide to go, be sure to do your research and create a solid business plan before approaching potential lenders or investors. With careful planning and preparation, you’ll be on your way to starting your own successful print shop in no time.

Get the Necessary Permits and Registrations

Before you open your doors for business, you’ll need to take care of some legalities. That means getting the necessary permits and registrations. The requirements will vary depending on your business location and type, but there are a few general things you’ll need to do.

First, you’ll need to obtain a business license from your city or county. You may also need to get a seller’s permit, which will allow you to collect sales tax on the products you sell. Once you have your license and permit in hand, you’ll need to register your business with the state. This is usually done through the Secretary of State’s office. Finally, once your business is up and running, you’ll need to obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN). This is used for tax purposes and can be obtained through the IRS website.

With these few steps out of the way, you’ll be ready to start your print shop business!

Purchase or Lease Printers

When you are ready to start your print shop business, you will need to purchase or lease printers. The type of printer you choose will depend on the types of products you want to offer.

For example, if you plan to offer T-shirts, you will need a garment printer. If you want to offer mugs, you will need a mug press. In addition to the type of printer, you will also need to consider the price, speed, and quality of the printer.

Once you have chosen the right printers for your business, you will be ready to start printing your products and making money.

Find the Training You Need

You may have a passion for print and design, but running a successful print shop requires more than just creative talent. You’ll also need to be well-versed in the latest printing technologies and practices, and have a strong understanding of business management principles. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get the training you need to start your own print shop.

Many community colleges offer specialized courses in print production and graphic design. Alternatively, you can look into online programs or even apprenticeships with experienced printers. With the right training, you’ll be well on your way to success in the exciting world of print.

Find Your Location

Print shops are a great way to promote your business. But where do you start? The first step is finding the right location. Look for a place that is centrally located and has high foot traffic. This will ensure that potential customers will see your shop and be able to easily come in and check out your products.

Another important factor to consider is the cost of rent. You don’t want to overspend on your shop, so be sure to compare prices and find a location that fits within your budget. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can start setting up your print shop and begin promoting your business.

Get the Required Equipment

Starting a print shop business can be a great way to earn extra income or even make a full-time living. However, before you can start printing flyers, business cards, and other materials, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment. While the specific type of equipment you’ll need will vary depending on the type of printing you plan to do, there are a few basic pieces of equipment that all print shops need.

First, you’ll need a printer. You can choose between an inkjet or laser printer, but laser printers are generally better for printing large quantities of documents quickly.

Next, you’ll need a paper cutter. This will allow you to quickly and easily cut printed materials to the desired size. Finally, you’ll need a bindery machine to help you finish documents by binding them together. With the right equipment in place, you’ll be well on your way to starting your own successful print shop business.

Hire and Train Staff

Before you can open your doors for business, you will need to hire and train a staff. In a print shop, it is important to have employees who are skilled in graphic design, customer service, and printing. You will also need to choose employees who are reliable and have a good work ethic.

Once you have hired your staff, you will need to provide them with training. They should be familiar with the different types of printing equipment and software that you use. They should also know how to handle customer inquiries and how to process orders. With a well-trained staff in place, you will be well on your way to opening a successful print shop.

Market Your Business

Starting a print shop can be a great way to tap into a niche market and build a successful business. However, before you get started, it’s important to take some time to market your business.

One of the best ways to do this is to start by creating a website. Make sure to include clear and concise information about your services, as well as plenty of high-quality images. You should also create social media accounts for your business and make sure to post regularly.

In addition, consider distributing flyers and brochures in local businesses and community centers. By taking the time to market your business properly, you’ll be in a much better position to attract customers and get your print shop off to a successful start.

How much does it cost to start a Print Shop business?

So, you’re thinking about starting a print shop business. Maybe you’ve been toying with the idea for a while, or maybe it’s a brand new concept that you’re just beginning to explore. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the costs associated with starting a print shop business so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right business venture for you.

One of the first questions people usually have when they’re considering starting a business is, “How much will it cost?” When it comes to starting a print shop business, there are a few different factors that will affect the overall cost. The largest expenses will likely be the cost of equipment and the cost of rent for your commercial space. Below, we’ll break down these costs in more detail so that you can get a better sense of what it will take to get your print shop up and running.

Equipment Costs

In order to start your print shop, you’ll need to purchase some essential equipment. This includes items like printers, scanners, computers, and software. The exact equipment you’ll need will depend on the specific type of printing services you plan to offer at your shop. For example, if you want to offer digital printing services, you’ll need to invest in some high-quality printers and scanners. On the other hand, if you want to offer more traditional offset printing services, you’ll need different kinds of equipment. The bottom line is that you’ll need to do some research into the specific equipment required for the services you want to offer at your shop. Once you’ve done that research, you can start shopping around for prices on the individual pieces of equipment you need.

Commercial Space Costs

Another major expense associated with starting a print shop is finding and renting commercial space for your business. Depending on the size of your operation and the location of your shop, this could be a relatively small expense or a very large one. Obviously, rent prices vary widely depending on factors like location and square footage. So, once again, it’s important to do your research before making any decisions about where to locate your print shop business.

Starting a print shop business can be a great way to tap into a lucrative industry and achieve financial success. But as with any business venture, there are associated costs that must be taken into account before making the decision to move forward. In this section, we’ve given you an overview of two of the biggest expenses associated with starting a print shop: buying essential equipment and renting commercial space. We hope this information has been helpful as you continues exploring the idea of starting your own print shop business!

It can be tough to find customers for a Print Shop business. It’s not like people need stationary and cards all the time! But with a few strategies, you can drum up some business for your shop and keep things humming along. Here are several tips to get you started.

Define Your Target Market

As a savvy business owner, you know that in order to be successful, you need to have a well-defined target market. Your target market is the group of people who are most likely to buy your products or services.

When it comes to a print shop business, your target market could be businesses that need print materials for marketing purposes, individuals who need invitations or announcements printed, or even students who need help with print projects for school.

Once you’ve identified your target market, you can start to think about how to reach them. Do they spend time on social media? Do they read certain publications? Knowing where your target market spends their time will help you determine the best way to reach them and get them to become customers of your print shop business.

Create a Marketing Plan

Whether you’ve just started your own print shop or you’ve been in business for awhile, attracting new customers can be a challenge. A well- crafted marketing plan will help you to identify your target audience and find the most effective way to reach them.

One of the first steps in creating a marketing plan is to define your target audience. Who are your ideal customers? What are their needs and how can your print shop meet them? Once you have a good understanding of who you’re trying to reach, you can begin to develop a strategy for finding them.

There are a variety of ways to reach potential customers, and the best approach will depend on your audience. Traditional advertising methods such as print ads, radio ads, or TV commercials can be effective, but they can also be expensive. If you’re working with a limited budget, there are still plenty of options available to you. Social media, for example, is a great way to connect with potential customers at little cost. You can also use word-of-mouth marketing by enlisting the help of satisfied customers to spread the word about your business.

Developing an effective marketing plan takes time and effort, but it’s essential for any business that wants to succeed. By taking the time to define your target audience and identify the best ways to reach them, you’ll be well on your way to attracting new customers and growing your print shop business.

Build a Web Presence

As a business owner, it’s essential to have a web presence. In today’s world, customers are increasingly turning to the internet to find the products and services they need. If you don’t have a website or active social media accounts, potential customers may not even know that your business exists. That’s why it’s important to build a web presence for your print shop business.

Start by creating a website that includes information about your products and services. Make sure to include clear contact information so potential customers can reach out to you. Then, create social media accounts and post regularly about your products and offers. You can also use social media to interact with potential customers and answer any questions they may have. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding new customers for your business.

Use Organic and Paid Social Media

If you have a print shop, you may be wondering how to use social media to find customers. After all, social media is a powerful tool that can connect you with potential customers from all over the world. The first step is to create a strong social media presence. Make sure to post high-quality content that showcases your print shop’s capabilities. You should also post regularly and interact with your followers.

In addition to organic social media, you can also use paid social media ads to reach a wider audience. When crafting your ad, be sure to target your ideal customer and include a call to action. By using organic and paid social media, you can connect with potential customers and grow your print shop business.

Advertise in Local Publications

As a small business owner, it is essential to think about the best ways to reach your target market. One great option is advertising in local publications. This can be a cost-effective way to reach potential customers who are interested in your products or services. When choosing which publications to advertise in, it is important to consider the type of customer you are trying to reach.

For example, if you are a print shop that specializes in wedding invitations, you might want to consider advertising in a local bridal magazine. Another option is to place an ad in the yellow pages or online directories. This can help customers find your business when they are searching for a print shop in their area. By placing an ad in a local publication, you will be able to reach potential customers who are already interested in what you have to offer.

Get Involved with Local Community Organizations

As a small business owner, it is important to get involved with local community organizations. Not only will this help you to meet potential customers, but it will also allow you to build relationships with other business owners and community leaders.

There are a number of ways to get involved with local community organizations. One way is to join a chamber of commerce or other business association. This can be a great way to network with other business owners and learn about new opportunities.

Another way to get involved is to volunteer for local charities or nonprofits. This not only allows you to give back to the community, but it also provides an opportunity to promote your business.

Finally, you can also attend local events and festivals. This is a great way to meet potential customers and spread the word about your business. By getting involved with local community organizations, you can help your print shop business thrive.

Network with Local Businesses

As a new print shop owner, you may be wondering how to go about finding customers for your business. One of the best ways to get started is by networking with other local businesses.

You can start by creating a list of businesses in your area that might need your services. Then, reach out to those businesses and introduce yourself. Explain what your print shop offers and ask if they have any printing needs that you could help with.

In addition to making some initial sales, you’ll also be building valuable relationships with other business owners in your community. And as word of your print shop spreads, you’ll likely find yourself with more customers than you know what to do with!

Get Listed in Online Directories

As a print shop owner, you’re always looking for new customers. One great way to find them is to get listed in online directories. By doing this, you’ll make it easy for people who are searching for a print shop in your area to find your business. And the best part is that it’s free!

To get started, simply do a search for online directories that list businesses in your area. Then, create a profile for your business and include all of the relevant information such as your business name, address, phone number, and website address.

Once you’ve created your profile, be sure to regularly check back to see if any new customers have found you. With a little effort, you can quickly expand your customer base by getting listed in online directories.

Offer Coupons and Discounts

There are many ways to find customers for your print shop business. One method is to offer coupons and discounts. This can be an effective way to attract new customers, as well as retain existing ones. You can offer discounts in a variety of ways, such as giving a percentage off of the total purchase price, or offering free shipping for orders over a certain amount.

You can also offer discounts for referrals, or for repeat customers. Whatever method you choose, be sure to clearly advertise the discounts so that potential customers are aware of them. You can also use social media to spread the word about your print shop business and your special offers.

About Jeremy Reis

Jeremy Reis is a serial entrepreneur from the Franklin, Tennessee area. Jeremy is the founder of multiple businesses and is the VP of Marketing for CRISTA Ministries. Jeremy has his MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from The Ohio State University.

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How to open a printing shop?

Want to start a printing shop but don't know where to begin? Then you've come to the right place!

Our comprehensive guide covers everything related to opening a printing shop - from choosing the right concept to setting out your marketing plan and financing your business.

You'll also learn how to assess the profitability of your business idea and decide whether or not it can be viable from a financial perspective.

Ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey? Let's begin!

In this guide:

What is the business model of a printing shop?

• What is the ideal founding team for my printing shop?

Is there room for another printing shop on the market?

How should i position my printing shop on the market.

• Where should I base my printing shop?

What legal form should I choose for my printing shop?

How much money do i need to start a printing shop.

• How will I promote my printing shop's?
• How do I build my printing shop financial forecast?
• How do I choose a name and register my printing shop?
• What corporate identity do I want for my printing shop?

What legal steps are needed to start a printing shop?

How do i write a business plan for a printing shop.

• How to raise finance for my printing shop?

What to do after launching my printing shop?

Key takeaways.

Before thinking about starting a printing shop, you'll need to have a solid understanding of its business model (how it generates profits) and how the business operates on a daily basis.

Doing so will help you decide whether or not this is the right business idea for you, given your skillset, personal savings, and lifestyle choices.

Looking at the business model in detail will also enable you to form an initial view of the potential for growth and profitability, and to check that it matches your level of ambition.

The easiest ways to acquire insights into how a printing shop works are to:

Speak with printing shop owners

Undertake work experience with a successful printing shop, participate in a training course.

Talking to seasoned entrepreneurs who have also set up a printing shop will enable you to gain practical advice based on their experience and hindsight.

Learning from others' mistakes not only saves you time and money, but also enhances the likelihood of your venture becoming a financial success.

Gaining hands-on experience in a printing shop provides insights into the day-to-day operations, and challenges specific to the activity.

This firsthand knowledge is crucial for effective planning and management if you decide to start your own printing shop.

You'll also realise if the working hours suit your lifestyle. For many entrepreneurs, this can be a "make or break" situation, especially if they have children to look after.

First-hand experience will not only ensure that this is the right business opportunity for you, but will also enable you to meet valuable contacts and gain a better understanding of customer expectations and key success factors which will likely prove advantageous when launching your own printing shop.

Undertaking training within your chosen industry is another way to get a feel for how a printing shop works before deciding to pursue a new venture.

Whichever approach you go for to gain insights before starting your printing shop, make sure you familiarise yourself with:

• The expertise needed to run the business successfully (do you have the skills required?)
• How a week of running a printing shop might look like (does this fit with your personal situation?)
• The potential turnover of your printing shop and long-term growth prospects (does this match your ambition?)
• The likely course of action if you decide to sell the company or retire (it's never too early to consider your exit)

At the end of this stage, you should be able to decide whether opening a printing shop is the right business idea for you given your current personal situation (skills, desires, money, family, etc.).

Create your business plan online!

Think your business idea could be profitable? Find out how with a business plan

Assemble your printing shop's founding team

The next step to start your printing shop is to think about the ideal founding team, or to go in alone (which is always an option).

Setting up a business with several partners is a way of reducing the (high) risk of launching a printing shop since it allows the financial risk of the project to be shared between the co-founders.

This also allows the company to benefit from a greater diversity of profiles in the management team and to spread the burden of decision-making over several shoulders.

But, running a business with multiple co-founders brings its own challenges. Disagreements between co-founders are quite common, and these can pose risks to the business. That's why it's crucial to consider all aspects before starting your business.

To make an informed decision, we suggest asking yourself these questions:

How many co-founders would increase the project's chances of success?

Do you and your potential partners share the same aspirations for the project, what is your plan b in case of failure.

Let's examine each of these questions in detail.

The answer to this question will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your savings compared with the amount of initial capital needed to launch the printing shop
• The skills you have compared with those needed to make a success of such a project
• How you want key decisions to be taken in the business (an odd number of partners or a majority partner is generally recommended to avoid deadlock)

Put simply, your partners contribute money and/or skills, and increasing the number of partners is often a good idea when one of these resources is in short supply.

One of the key questions when selecting your potential partners will be their expectations. Do you want to create a small or large business? What are your ambitions for the next 10 or 15 years?

It's better to agree from the outset on what you want to create to avoid disagreements, and to check that you stay on the same wavelength as the project progresses to avoid frustration.

Of course, we wish you every success, but it's wise to have a plan B when setting up a business.

How you handle the possibility of things not working out can depend a lot on the kind of relationship you have with your co-founders (like being a close friend, spouse, former colleague, etc.) and each person's individual situation.

Take, for instance, launching a business with your spouse. It may seem like a great plan, but if the business doesn't succeed, you could find yourself losing the entire household income at once, and that could be quite a nerve-wracking situation.

Similarly, starting a business partnership with a friend has its challenges. If the business doesn't work out or if tough decisions need to be made, it could strain the friendship.

It's essential to carefully evaluate your options before starting up to ensure you're well-prepared for any potential outcomes.

The next step in starting a printing shop is to undertake market research. Now, let's delve into what this entails.

The objectives of market research

The goal here is straightforward: evaluate the demand for your business and determine if there's an opportunity to be seized.

One of the key points of your market analysis will be to ensure that the market is not saturated by competing offers.

The market research to open your printing shop will also help you to define a concept and market positioning likely to appeal to your target clientele.

Finally, your analysis will provide you with the data you need to assess the revenue potential of your future business.

Let's take a look at how to carry out your market research.

Evaluating key trends in the sector

Market research for a printing shop usually begins with an analysis of the sector in order to develop a solid understanding of its key players, and recent trends.

Assessing the demand

After the sector analysis comes demand analysis. Demand for a printing shop refers to customers likely to consume the products and services offered by your company or its competitors.

Looking at the demand will enable you to gain insights into the desires and needs expressed by your future customers and their observed purchasing habits.

To be relevant, your demand analysis must be targeted to the geographic area(s) served by your company.

Your demand analysis should highlight the following points:

• Who buys the type of products and services you sell?
• How many potential customers are there in the geographical area(s) targeted by your company?
• What are their needs and expectations?
• What are their purchasing habits?
• How much do they spend on average?
• What are the main customer segments and their characteristics?
• How to communicate and promote the company's offer to reach each segment?

Analyzing demand helps pinpoint customer segments your printing shop could target and determines the products or services that will meet their expectations.

Assessing the supply

Once you have a clear vision of who your potential customers are and what they want, the next step is to look at your competitors.

Amongst other things, you’ll need to ask yourself:

• What brands are competing directly/indirectly against your printing shop?
• How many competitors are there in the market?
• Where are they located in relation to your company's location?
• What will be the balance of power between you and your competitors?
• What types of services and products do they offer? At what price?
• Are they targeting the same customers as you?
• How do they promote themselves? 
• Which concepts seem to appeal most to customers?
• Which competitors seem to be doing best?

The aim of your competitive analysis will be to identify who is likely to overshadow you, and to find a way to differentiate yourself (more on this see below).

Regulations

Market research is also an opportunity to look at the regulations and conditions required to do business.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need a special degree to open a printing shop?
• Are there necessary licences or permits?
• What are the main laws applicable to your future business?

At this stage, your analysis of the regulations should be carried out at a high level, to familiarize yourself with any rules and procedures, and above all to ensure that you meet the necessary conditions for carrying out the activity before going any further.

You will have the opportunity to come back to the regulation afterwards with your lawyer when your project is at a more advanced stage.

Take stock of the lessons learned from your market analysis

Market research should give you a definitive idea of your business idea's chances of commercial success.

Ideally, the conclusion is that there is a market opportunity because one or more customer segments are currently underserved by the competition.

On the other hand, the conclusion may be that the market is already taken. In this case, don't panic: the first piece of good news is that you're not going to spend several years working hard on a project that has no chance of succeeding. The second is that there's no shortage of ideas out there: at The Business Plan Shop, we've identified over 1,300 business start-up ideas, so you're bound to find something that will work.

Don't start from scratch!

With dozens of business plan templates available, get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like

The next step to start your printing shop is to define precisely the market positioning your company will adopt in order to capitalise on the opportunity identified during your market research.

Market positioning refers to the place your product and service offering occupies in customers' minds and how they differ from the competition. Being perceived as a low-cost solution, for example.

To find a concept and a market positioning that will resonate with your customers, you need to address the following issues: 

How can you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

Is it better to start or buy a printing shop already in operation, how will you validate your concept and market positioning before investing in the business.

Let's look at these aspects in more detail.

Opening a printing shop means starting with a major disadvantage compared with competitors already active on the market. 

While you will have to create everything from scratch, your competitors already have everything in place.

Your competitors' teams know the business well, whereas yours has only just been recruited, their customers are loyal and they benefit from word of mouth that you don't yet have.

So you're going to need a solid plan to succeed in taking market share from your competitors and making your mark.

There are a number of aspects to consider in order to try to avoid direct confrontation if possible: 

• Can you target a different customer base than your competitors?
• Can you offer products or services that are different from or complementary to what your competitors already sell?
• How will your competitors react to your printing shop entering their market?
• Can you build a sustainable competitive advantage that will enable you to compete with your current and future competitors?

The alternative to setting up a new independent business is to buy out and take over a printing shop already in operation. 

A takeover is a good way of reducing the risk of your project compared with a pure start-up.

Taking over a business has two enormous advantages over setting up a new one: you start out on an equal footing with your competitors since you take over the team and the customer base, and you don't increase the supply on the market enabling you to maintain the existing balance on the market where the business operates.

However, the capital requirements for a takeover are higher because the business will have to be bought from its previous owners.

However you decide to set up your business, you will need to ensure that there is a good fit between what you sell and what customers are looking to buy.

To do this, you'll need to meet your target customers to present your products or services and check that they meet their expectations.

Explore the ideal location to start your printing shop

The next stage in our guide on how to start a printing shop: choosing where to set up shop.

Setting up your business in the right location will have a direct impact on your chances of success, so it's a good idea to think things through before you launch.

To help you decide where to set up your business, we recommend considering the following factors:

• Visibility and foot traffic - A printing shop relies on attracting customers who need printing services. Therefore, it is important to be located in a visible and high traffic area to increase the chances of being seen by potential customers.
• Parking space, road and public transport accessibility - Customers may need to transport large or heavy items for printing, so having ample parking space and good road and public transport accessibility is important for convenience.
• Proximity to target customers - A printing shop typically serves a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood or city. Being located near the target customer base can help attract and retain customers.
• Competitor presence - While some competition can be healthy for business, too much can lead to a saturated market. It is important to consider the number and proximity of competitors when choosing a location for a printing shop.

These criteria will need to be refined according to the specific features of your project.

After weighing the factors mentioned earlier, it's crucial to focus on your startup's budget. Look for a location that suits your business needs while being affordable, especially in the short term.

One of the issues that will also come up is the long-term future of your location, particularly if you opt to rent your premises rather than buy. In this case, you will need to consider the conditions for renewing the lease (duration, rent increases, etc.).

Lease agreements vary widely from country to country, so make sure you check the terms applicable to your situation and have your lawyer review your lease before you sign.

The next step to start a printing shop is to choose the legal form of your business.

The legal form of a business simply means the legal structure it operates under. This structure outlines how the business is set up and defines its legal obligations and responsibilities.

Why is your printing shop's legal form important?

Choosing the right legal form for your printing shop is important because this will affect:

• Taxation: your tax obligations depend on the legal structure you choose, and this principle applies to both personal income tax and business taxes.
• Risk exposure: some legal structures have a legal personality (also known as corporate personality) and limited liability, which separates them from the owners running the business. This means that the business would be liable rather than the owners if things were to go wrong (lawsuit, debt owed in case of bankruptcy, etc.).
• Decision-making and governance: how you make key decisions varies based on the legal form of your business. In some cases you might need to have a board of directors and organise general assemblies to enable shareholders to influence major decisions with their voting rights.
• Financing: securing funding from investors requires you to have a company and they will expect limited liability and corporate personality to protect them legally.
• Paperwork and legal formalities: the legal structure you select determines whether certain obligations are necessary, such as producing annual accounts, or getting your books audited.

Popular business legal forms

The specific names of legal structures vary from country to country, but they usually fall within the two main categories below:

Individual businesses

Individual businesses, like sole traders or sole proprietorships, are made for self-employed entrepreneurs and freelancers rather than businesses which employ staff.

They benefit from straightforward administrative requirements, minimal paperwork to start, simpler tax calculations, and streamlined accounting procedures.

However, the downside is that there's typically no legal distinction between the business and the person responsible for day-to-day operations. This means the owner's personal assets are at risk if the business faces problems or goes bankrupt.

There is also no share capital in such a structure, meaning that individual businesses cannot raise equity from investors which seriously limits funding options.

Companies are versatile structures suited to projects of all sizes in terms of number of founders, number of employees and amount of capital.

They are a bit more complex to operate than individual businesses with more formalities, stringent accounting requirements, more complex tax implications, etc.

In return, they offer stronger protections to their shareholders. They usually benefit from having their own legal identity and limited liability, meaning co-founders and investors can only ever lose the amount of money they have put into the company.

For instance, if things were to go south (the company files for bankruptcy or there is a legal issue), the company would take the hit, safeguarding the personal assets of the founders and investors.

How should I choose my printing shop's legal structure?

Deciding on a legal form is easy once you've estimated your sales, decided whether or not you need employees and figured out the number of co-founders joining you.

It's essential to remember that a solid business idea will succeed no matter which legal structure you pick. Tax laws change regularly, so you can't rely on specific tax advantages tied to a particular structure when starting a business.

A proven approach is to look at what legal structures your top competitors are using, and go with the most common option as a working assumption. Once your idea is mature enough, and you're getting closer to officially registering your business, you can get advice from a lawyer and an accountant to confirm your choice.

Can I switch my printing shop's legal structure if I get it wrong?

Yes, changing your legal structure later is possible, though it may involve selling the old entity to a new entity in some cases, which adds further expenses. If you want to save on such costs, it makes sense to pick the correct legal form for your business the first time around.

To answer this key question, we first need to look at the resources you'll need to launch your printing shop and keep it running on a daily basis. Let's take a look at what that entails.

Since each venture is distinct, providing an average budget for starting a printing shop is impossible.

We strongly advise careful consideration when reading estimates on the web. It’s best to ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my project similar (location, concept, planned size, etc.)?
• Can I trust where this information is coming from?
• Is the data fresh or stale?

Your thinking behind the investments and human resources required to launch and operate the business will then enable you to cost each item and include them in your financial forecast (which we'll look at later in this guide).

Once complete, the forecast will give you a precise idea of the initial investment required and profitability potential for your business idea.

Startup costs and investments to start a printing shop

Let's start with the investments. To set up a printing shop, initial working capital and investments can include the following items:

• Printing equipment: This includes items such as printers, copiers, and scanners that are essential for your printing shop to operate. These are considered fixed assets as they have a useful life of more than one year and are necessary for your business to function.
• Furniture and fixtures: This category includes items such as desks, chairs, and shelving units that are used in your printing shop. These are considered fixed assets as they are essential for your employees to work comfortably and efficiently.
• Building improvements: If you own the building where your printing shop is located, any improvements or renovations made to the building would be considered a capital expenditure. This could include things like installing new flooring, updating the lighting, or adding a new entrance.
• Software and technology: As technology is constantly advancing, it is important for a printing shop to invest in software and other technology to stay competitive. This could include graphic design software, printing software, or even a new computer system.
• Vehicles: If your printing shop offers delivery services, you may need to purchase a vehicle for your business. This would be considered a fixed asset and would be included in your capital expenditures for the year.

Of course, you will need to adapt this list to your company's specific needs.

Staffing requirements to operate a printing shop

You'll also need to think about the staff required to run the business on a day-to-day basis.

The human resources required will vary according to the size of your company.

Once again, this list is only indicative and will need to be adjusted according to the specifics of your printing shop.

Operating expenses of a printing shop

The final point to consider when analyzing the resources required is the question of operating costs.

Operating expenses for a printing shop may include:

• Staff costs: This includes your employees' salaries, benefits, and any bonuses or commissions they may receive. You will also need to factor in payroll taxes and any costs associated with hiring and training new employees.
• Accountancy fees: As a business owner, you will need to hire an accountant to help you manage your finances and ensure compliance with tax laws. This will involve paying for services such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial analysis.
• Insurance costs: It is important to have insurance to protect your printing shop from potential risks such as property damage, liability claims, and employee injuries. The cost of insurance will depend on the coverage you choose and the size of your business.
• Software licenses: To operate a printing shop, you will need to invest in software for design, printing, and managing orders. This may include programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, print management software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Banking fees: You will need a business bank account to manage your finances and process payments from customers. This may involve fees for check deposits, wire transfers, and other banking services.
• Rent or lease: Unless you own the building where your printing shop is located, you will need to pay rent or lease payments for your space. This may also include utilities and maintenance costs.
• Marketing and advertising: To attract customers and promote your printing services, you will need to invest in marketing and advertising. This may include costs for creating and distributing print materials, as well as online marketing efforts.
• Supplies and materials: Running a printing shop will require a steady supply of paper, ink, toner, and other materials. You will also need to consider the cost of equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Shipping and delivery: If you offer delivery or shipping services for your printed materials, you will need to factor in the cost of postage, packaging, and any other associated fees.
• Professional fees: In addition to accountancy fees, you may also need to hire lawyers, consultants, or other professionals to assist with legal or business matters.
• Training and development: To stay competitive and provide high-quality services, you may need to invest in training and development for yourself and your employees. This may include workshops, seminars, or online courses.
• Taxes and licenses: As a business owner, you will be responsible for paying various taxes, such as income tax and sales tax. You may also need to obtain licenses and permits to operate your printing shop.
• Rent or lease for equipment: In addition to rent for your physical space, you may also need to pay rent or lease payments for equipment such as printers, copiers, and laminators.
• Office supplies: In addition to printing supplies, you will also need to purchase office supplies such as paper, pens, and printer cartridges.
• Employee benefits: In addition to salaries, you may also offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off for your employees. These costs should be factored into your operating expenses.

Here also, this list will need to be tailored to the specifics of your printing shop but should be a good starting point for your budget.

Create a sales & marketing plan for your printing shop

The next step to launching your printing shop is to think about the actions you need to take to promote your products and services and build customer loyalty.

Here, you'll be looking at the following issues:

• What is the best method to attract as many new customers as possible?
• How to build customer loyalty and spread word of mouth?
• What human and financial resources will be required to implement the planned actions?
• What level of sales can I expect to generate in return?

The precise sales and marketing levers to activate will depend on the size of your printing shop. But you could potentially leverage some of the initiatives below.

Besides your sales and marketing plan, your sales forecast will be affected by seasonal patterns related to the nature of your business, such as fluctuations during the holiday season, and your competitive landscape.

Building your printing shop's financial forecast

The next step to opening a printing shop is to create your financial forecast.

What is a printing shop financial forecast?

A printing shop financial forecast is a forward-looking tool that projects the financial performance of your business over a specific period (usually 3 years for start-ups). 

A forecast looks at your business finances in detail - from income to operating costs and investments - to evaluate its expected profitability and future cash flows.

Building a financial forecast enables you to determine the precise amount of initial financing required to start your printing shop.

There are many promising business ideas but very few are actually viable and making a financial forecast is the only way to ensure that your project holds up economically and financially.

Your financial forecast will also be part of your overall business plan (which we will detail in a later step), which is the document you will need to secure financing.

Financial forecasts are used to drive your printing shop and make key decisions, both in the pre and post-launch phases:

• Should we go ahead with the business or scrap the idea?
• Should we hire staff or use an external service provider?
• Which development project offers the best growth prospects?

Creating a financial forecast for starting a printing shop is an iterative process as you will need to refine your numbers as your business idea matures. 

As your printing shop grows, your forecasts will become more accurate. You will also need to test different scenarios to ensure that your business model holds true even if economic conditions deteriorate (lower sales than expected, difficulties in recruiting, sudden cost increases or equipment failure problems, for example).

Once you’ve launched your business, it will also be important to regularly compare your accounting data to your financial projections in order to keep your forecast up-to-date and maintain visibility on future cash flows.

What does a financial projection look like?

The following financial tables will be used to present your printing shop's financial forecast.

The projected P&L statement

Your printing shop's forecasted P&L statement will enable you to visualise your printing shop's expected growth and profitability over the next three to five years.

The projected balance sheet of your printing shop

The projected balance sheet gives an overview of your printing shop's financial structure at the end of the financial year.

The cash flow projection

A cash flow forecast for a printing shop shows the projected inflows and outflows of cash over a specific period, providing insights into liquidity and financial health.

Which solution should you use to make a financial forecast for your printing shop?

The easiest and safest way to create your printing shop forecasts is to use an online financial forecasting software , like the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

There are several advantages to using professional software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You have access to complete financial forecast templates
• You get a complete financial forecast ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• The software helps you identify and correct any inconsistencies in your figures
• You can create scenarios to stress-test your forecast's main assumptions to stress-test the robustness of your business model
• After you start trading, you can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast, and recalibrate your forecast to maintain visibility on your future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you are interested in this type of solution, you can try our forecasting software for free by signing up here .

Choose a name and register your printing shop

The next phase in launching your printing shop involves selecting a name for your company.

This stage is trickier than it seems. Finding the name itself is quite fun; the difficulty lies in finding one that is available and being the first to reserve it.

You cannot take a name that is similar to a name already used by a competitor or protected by a registered trademark without inevitably risking legal action.

So you need to find a name that is available, and be able to register it before someone else can.

In addition, you will probably want to use the same name for:

• Your company’s legal name - Example LTD
• Your business trading name - Example
• The trademark - Example ® 
• Your company’s domain name - Example.com

The problem is that the procedures for registering these different names are carried out in different places, each with their own deadlines:

• Registering a domain name takes only a few minutes
• Registering a new trademark takes at least 12 weeks (if your application is accepted)
• The time taken to register a new business depends on the country, but it's generally fast

You will therefore be faced with the choice of: either registering everything at once and hoping that your name will be accepted everywhere, or proceeding step by step in order to minimise costs, but taking the risk that someone else will register one of the names you wanted in the meantime.

Our advice is to discuss strategy with your legal counsel (see further down in this guide) and prioritise your domain names and registered trademarks. You'll always have the option of using a trade name that's different from your company's legal name, and that's not a big deal.

To check that the name you want is not already in use, you should consult:

• Your country's business register
• The relevant trademark registers depending on which countries you want to register your trade mark in
• A domain name reservation company such as GoDaddy
• An Internet search engine

In this area too, your legal counsel will be able to help with the research and formalities.

Develop your printing shop's corporate identity

The next step to launching a printing shop: defining your company's visual identity. 

Your corporate identity defines how your company's values are communicated visually. It makes you unique and allows you to stand out visually from your competitors and be recognized by your customers.

Defining your corporate identity can easily be done by you and your co-founders, using the many free tools available to generate color palettes, logos and other graphic elements. Nevertheless, this task is often best entrusted to a designer or agency to achieve a professional result.

Your printing shop's visual identity will include the following elements:

Brand guidelines

Business cards, website theme.

The goal is to have stakeholders identify your business logo quickly and relate to it. Your logo will be used for media purposes (website, social networks, business cards, etc.) and legal documents (invoices, contracts, etc.).

The design of your logo must be emblematic, but it's also important that it can be seen on any type of support. To achieve this, it should be easily available in a range of colors, so that it stands out on both light and dark backgrounds.

The brand guidelines of your printing shop act as a safeguard to ensure that your image is consistent whatever the medium used.

Brand guidelines lay out the details like the typography and colors to use to represent your company.

Typography refers to the fonts used (family and size). For example, Arial in size 26 for your titles and Tahoma in size 15 for your texts.

When it comes to the colors representing your brand, it's generally a good idea to stick to five or fewer:

• The main colour, 
• A secondary colour (the accent),
• A dark background colour (blue or black),
• A grey background colour (to vary from white),
• Possibly another secondary colour.

A rare paper medium that continues to survive digitalization, business cards are still a must-have for communicating your printing shop contact details to your customers, suppliers and other partners.

In principle, they will include your logo and the brand guidelines we mentioned above.

Likewise, the theme of your printing shop website will include your logo and follow the brand guidelines we discussed earlier.

This will also define the look and feel of the main visual elements on your website:

The next step in opening a printing shop is to look in detail at the legal and regulatory formalities.

Although it is possible to do the formalities yourself and draft some of the documents detailed here, The Business Plan Shop recommends that you seek advice on these aspects from a law firm.

Registering a trademark and protecting the intellectual property of your printing shop

One of the first things you need to do here is to protect your company's current and future intellectual property.

One way of doing this is to register a trade mark, as mentioned earlier in this guide. Your lawyer will be in a position to do the formalities for you and to help you select the classes (economic activities) and jurisdictions in which you have an interest in obtaining protection.

Your law firm can also advise you on other ways of protecting your company's intellectual property.

Preparing the legal documents for your printing shop

Your printing shop will need a set of legal and contractual documents to operate on a daily basis. 

Your exact needs in this respect will depend on the country in which you are launching your printing shop and the size and legal form envisaged for the company. Once again, we highly recommend having these documents prepared by your lawyer.

As a minimum, we recommend that you have the following documents prepared: 

• Employment contracts 
• General terms and conditions of sale
• General terms and conditions of use for your website
• Privacy Policy for your website
• Cookie Policy for your website

Applying for licences and permits and registering for various taxes

Here too, the list of licences and business permits required for your business to operate legally will depend on the country in which you have decided to start your printing shop.

Your law firm will be able to advise you on all the regulations applicable to your business.

Likewise, your accountant will be able to assist you and take care of the formalities involved in complying with the tax authorities.

Once you've completed all the above steps, you can start writing the business plan for your printing shop.

What is a printing shop's business plan?

The business plan is a document containing:

• The financial forecast (discussed earlier in this guide), highlighting the project's financing requirements and profitability potential,
• A written presentation, which presents your project in detail and provides the necessary context for the reader to assess the relevance and coherence of your forecast.

The business plan is particularly important: it will help you validate your business idea and ensure its coherence and financial viability.

But it's also the document you'll send to your bank and potential investors to present your plan to open a printing shop and make them want to support you.

So it's best to draw up a professional, reliable and error-free business plan. 

How to write a business plan for my printing shop?

If you're not used to writing business plans, or if you want to save time, a good solution is to use an online business plan software for startups like the one we offer at The Business Plan Shop.

Using The Business Plan Shop to create a business plan for a printing shop has several advantages:

• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete startup business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast by importing accounting data
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows

Interested? If so, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Raise the financing needed to launch your printing shop

With your business plan in hand, you can tackle one of the final steps to open a printing shop  business: the search for financing.

Raising the capital needed to launch your business will probably require a combination of equity and debt, which are the two types of financing available to companies.

Equity funding

Equity is the sum of money invested in a printing shop by both founders and investors.

Equity is a key factor in business start-ups. Should the project fail, the sums invested in equity are likely to be lost; these sums therefore enable the founders to send a strong signal to their commercial and financial partners as to their conviction in the project's chances of success.

In terms of return on investment, equity investors can either receive dividends from the company (provided it is profitable) or realize capital gains by selling their shares (provided a buyer is interested in the company).

Equity providers are therefore in a very risky position. They can lose everything in the event of bankruptcy, and will only see a return on their investment if the company is profitable or resold. On the other hand, they can generate a very high return if the project is a success.

Given their position, equity investors look for start-up projects with sufficient growth and profitability potential to offset their risk.

From a technical standpoint, equity includes:

• Share capital and premiums: which represent the amount invested by the shareholders. This capital is considered permanent as it is non-refundable. In return for their investment, shareholders receive shares that entitle them to information, decision-making power (voting in general assembly), and the potential to receive a portion of any dividends distributed by the company.
• Director loans: these are examples of non-permanent capital advanced to the company by the shareholders. This is a more flexible way of injecting some liquidity into your company as you can repay director loans at any time.
• Reserves: these represent the share of profits set aside to strengthen the company's equity. Allocating a percentage of your profits to the reserves can be mandatory in certain cases (legal or statutory requirement depending on the legal form of your company). Once allocated in reserves, these profits can no longer be distributed as dividends.
• Investment grants: which represent any non-refundable amounts received by the company to help it invest in long-term assets.
• Other equity: which includes the equity items which don't fit in the other categories. Mostly convertible or derivative instruments. For a small business, it is likely that you won't have any other equity items.

The main sources of equity are as follows:

• Contributions made by the owners.
• Private investors: business angels, friends and family.
• Crowdfunding: raising funds by involving a group of people through campaigns where they contribute money or make donations, often getting something in return for their support.
• Start-up aid, e.g. government loans to help founders build up their start-up capital.

Debt financing

Debt is the other way of financing companies. Unlike equity, debt offers lenders a limited, contractually guaranteed return on their investment.

Your printing shop undertakes to pay lenders' interest and repay the capital borrowed according to a pre-agreed schedule. Lenders are therefore making money whether or not your company makes a profit.

As a result, the only risk lenders take is that of your printing shop going bankrupt, so they're extremely conservative and will want to see prudent, hands-on management of the company's finances.

From the point of view of the company and all its stakeholders (workforce, customers, suppliers, etc.), the company's contractual obligation to repay lenders increases the risk for all. As a result, there is a certain caution towards companies which are too heavily indebted.

Businesses can borrow debt in two main ways:

• Against assets: this is the most common way of borrowing. The bank funds a percentage of the price of an asset (a vehicle or a building, for example) and takes the asset as collateral. If the business cannot repay the loan, the bank takes the asset and sells it to reduce losses.
• Against cash flows: the bank looks at how much profit and cash flow the business expects to make in the future. Based on these projections, it assigns a credit risk to the business and decides how much the business can borrow and under what terms (amount, interest rate, and duration of the loan).

It's difficult to borrow against future cash flows when you're starting a printing shop, because the business doesn't yet have historical data to reassure about the credibility of cash flow forecast.

Borrowing to finance a portion of equipment purchases is therefore often the only option available to founders. The assets that can be financed with this option must also be easy to resell, in the unfortunate event that the bank is forced to seize them, which could limit your options even further.

As far as possible sources of borrowing are concerned, the main ones here are banks and credit institutions. Bear in mind, however, that each institution is different, in terms of the risk it is prepared to accept, what it is willing to finance, and how the risk of your project will be perceived.

In some countries, it is also possible to borrow from private investors (directly or via crowdfunding platforms) or other companies, but not everywhere.

Key points about financing your printing shop

Multiple solutions are available to help you raise the initial financing you need to open your printing shop. A minimum amount of equity will be needed to give the project credibility, and bank financing can be sought to complete the financing.

Launching your printing shop is the beginning of an exciting entrepreneurial adventure, and the culmination of your efforts to turn your idea into a reality. But this is also when the real work begins.

As you know, nearly half of all new businesses fail, so you'll need to do everything you can to make your business sustainable right from the start.

Estimating the future financial performance of a printing shop inevitably involves a degree of uncertainty. That's why we recommend simulating several scenarios: a central case with the most likely scenario, an optimistic case, and a pessimistic case designed to test the limits of your business model.

Normally, your company's actual financial performance, observed after you start trading, should fall somewhere between your pessimistic and optimistic cases.

The important thing will be to quickly measure and compare this actual performance with the figures in your forecast to see where you stand, then update the forecast to re-estimate the future cash flows and cash position of your printing shop.

This forward-looking financial management exercise is the only way to know where you stand and where you're going. And, when your figures fall short of expectations, to quickly implement actions to turn things around before the company runs out of cash.

There's nothing more dangerous than waiting until you have your accounts, which takes up to nine months after the end of your financial year (if you are in the UK, abroad your mileage will vary), to then realize that you're not on the right track and that your printing shop won't have enough cash to operate over the next twelve months.

This is where using a forecasting solution that integrates actuals vs. forecast tracking, like The Business Plan Shop's financial dashboards do, can simplify the financial management of your business and help reduce the risk associated with your start-up project.

• To open a printing shop you need to go through each of the 15 steps we have outlined in this guide.
• The financial forecast is the tool that will enable you to check that your project can be profitable and to estimate the investment and initial financing requirements.
• The business plan is the document that your financial partners will ask you to produce when seeking finance.
• Once you have started trading, it will be essential to keep your financial forecasts up to date in order to maintain visibility of the future cash flow of your printing shop.
• Leveraging a financial planning and analysis platform that seamlessly integrates forecasts, business plans, and real-time performance monitoring — like The Business Plan Shop — simplifies the process and mitigates risks associated with launching a business.

We hope this practical guide has given you a better understanding of how to open a printing shop. Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or if you would like to share your experience of setting up your own business.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• Start-up business plan templates

Do you know someone who is thinking about opening a printing shop? Share our guide with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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How To Write A Business Plan (2024 Guide)

Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 11:59am

Table of Contents

Brainstorm an executive summary, create a company description, brainstorm your business goals, describe your services or products, conduct market research, create financial plans, bottom line, frequently asked questions.

Every business starts with a vision, which is distilled and communicated through a business plan. In addition to your high-level hopes and dreams, a strong business plan outlines short-term and long-term goals, budget and whatever else you might need to get started. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a business plan that you can stick to and help guide your operations as you get started.

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Drafting the Summary

An executive summary is an extremely important first step in your business. You have to be able to put the basic facts of your business in an elevator pitch-style sentence to grab investors’ attention and keep their interest. This should communicate your business’s name, what the products or services you’re selling are and what marketplace you’re entering.

Ask for Help

When drafting the executive summary, you should have a few different options. Enlist a few thought partners to review your executive summary possibilities to determine which one is best.

After you have the executive summary in place, you can work on the company description, which contains more specific information. In the description, you’ll need to include your business’s registered name , your business address and any key employees involved in the business. 

The business description should also include the structure of your business, such as sole proprietorship , limited liability company (LLC) , partnership or corporation. This is the time to specify how much of an ownership stake everyone has in the company. Finally, include a section that outlines the history of the company and how it has evolved over time.

Wherever you are on the business journey, you return to your goals and assess where you are in meeting your in-progress targets and setting new goals to work toward.

Numbers-based Goals

Goals can cover a variety of sections of your business. Financial and profit goals are a given for when you’re establishing your business, but there are other goals to take into account as well with regard to brand awareness and growth. For example, you might want to hit a certain number of followers across social channels or raise your engagement rates.

Another goal could be to attract new investors or find grants if you’re a nonprofit business. If you’re looking to grow, you’ll want to set revenue targets to make that happen as well.

Intangible Goals

Goals unrelated to traceable numbers are important as well. These can include seeing your business’s advertisement reach the general public or receiving a terrific client review. These goals are important for the direction you take your business and the direction you want it to go in the future.

The business plan should have a section that explains the services or products that you’re offering. This is the part where you can also describe how they fit in the current market or are providing something necessary or entirely new. If you have any patents or trademarks, this is where you can include those too.

If you have any visual aids, they should be included here as well. This would also be a good place to include pricing strategy and explain your materials.

This is the part of the business plan where you can explain your expertise and different approach in greater depth. Show how what you’re offering is vital to the market and fills an important gap.

You can also situate your business in your industry and compare it to other ones and how you have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Other than financial goals, you want to have a budget and set your planned weekly, monthly and annual spending. There are several different costs to consider, such as operational costs.

Business Operations Costs

Rent for your business is the first big cost to factor into your budget. If your business is remote, the cost that replaces rent will be the software that maintains your virtual operations.

Marketing and sales costs should be next on your list. Devoting money to making sure people know about your business is as important as making sure it functions.

Other Costs

Although you can’t anticipate disasters, there are likely to be unanticipated costs that come up at some point in your business’s existence. It’s important to factor these possible costs into your financial plans so you’re not caught totally unaware.

Business plans are important for businesses of all sizes so that you can define where your business is and where you want it to go. Growing your business requires a vision, and giving yourself a roadmap in the form of a business plan will set you up for success.

How do I write a simple business plan?

When you’re working on a business plan, make sure you have as much information as possible so that you can simplify it to the most relevant information. A simple business plan still needs all of the parts included in this article, but you can be very clear and direct.

What are some common mistakes in a business plan?

The most common mistakes in a business plan are common writing issues like grammar errors or misspellings. It’s important to be clear in your sentence structure and proofread your business plan before sending it to any investors or partners.

What basic items should be included in a business plan?

When writing out a business plan, you want to make sure that you cover everything related to your concept for the business,  an analysis of the industry―including potential customers and an overview of the market for your goods or services―how you plan to execute your vision for the business, how you plan to grow the business if it becomes successful and all financial data around the business, including current cash on hand, potential investors and budget plans for the next few years.

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Printing and Photocopy Business Plan Sample

Fill the form to download printing and photocopy business plan example.

Starting a 3D printing business or other types of printing business has many benefits. It is very easy to get started with a very low investment from your home, or you can increase its size depending on your investment.

In order to launch this business successfully, you will need to prepare comprehensive printing and photocopy business plan which will lay the foundations for future business operations and decisions.

If you are wondering how to write one, then here is a printing and photocopy business plan sample  to help you write your own.

Executive Summary

Thinktank will be a business service provider based in Miami, Florida. Founded by Mrs. Cindy Smith, Thinktank will offer a variety of business services including postal, shipping, faxing, and copying to the local residents. While these services will comprise the initial market entry core, long-term plans call for the integration of storage and relocation capabilities to the business mix. The local area has been in dire need of a service of this type for some time and Thinktank plans to adequately serve them through the consistent delivery of real-time business solutions.

The market is definitely filled with opportunities but in order to capitalize on them, a strong infusion of working capital must acquiesce. The founder projects needing 100K for their business venture with repayment being made out of the profits that are driven annually. Funding that is secured will be used in a variety of areas including marketing, logistics, management, site procurement as well as the day-to-day operations of the organization.

To read the complete executive summary click here

Useful Resource:   How to write an executive summary for a business plan

Financial Highlights

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Startup Summary

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Industry at a Glance

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Key External Drivers

Industry activity is mostly affected by the level of outsourcing of non-core activities. A growing trend of outsourcing administration functions has resulted in significant growth in revenue in the past. Although rising competition from other industries is now occurring.

Download the pdf file here for a complete guide on key external drivers

SWOT Analysis

1. Location. The location is one of the primary strengths of the Thinktank business model as there are currently no other organizations that have the capabilities to offer the types of services that will be introduced to the market.

1. Lack of funding. Funding is the sole weakness of the Thinktank business venture. While funding is a weakness it should be noted that the founder is confident that if adequate funding is secured, she will be able to develop a viable, sustainable business.

Opportunities

1. Limited competition. The limited amount of local competition  is the primary opportunity for Thinktank as it will give the  organization the opportunity to develop a loyal customer base  while erecting barriers to entry.

1. Larger organizations. Larger organizations could possibly realize the opportunities that can be found in the local region and begin entering the market. While this is a threat, the founder believes that with strategic marketing, community efforts and customer service, this threat can for the most part be mitigated.

Click here to download the pdf for complete detail of the SWOT analysis.

Financial Indicators

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Projected Cash Flow

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Projected Balance Sheet

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Click to view the faxing and printing and photocopy business plan. Our experienced MBA business plan writers professionally write each business plan and work with you to develop a winning plan.  Your business plan can look as polished and professional as this sample business plan, we provide real sample business plans free of charge.

Business Plan Sample for Printing and Photocopy Business

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Online Print Shop Business Plan

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Bizcomm, Inc

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Introduction

BizComm, Inc. (Bizcomm) creates specialized customer communication products, its strength being specialized generic cards. These cards are for business-to-business communication, as well as business-to-client communication. The core product is a card a business might send to its customers to, for example, thank them for their patronage, or to remind a patient of a checkup.

The focus of this business plan is to put forth objectives to solve the present cash-flow squeeze, and to increase profits from the present break-even level to net profits of $54,650 by the end of the first year. We intend to accomplish this by focusing on modifying our website, repackaging our more popular products for the large retail chains, and to concentrate on our designated target markets.

The Company

Bizcomm’s mission is to provide specialized customer communication products through the mail. These products are either not available at the retail level, or are too expensive if obtained from normal commercial printers.

Bizcomm, through a series of ownership changes, has lost touch with the know-how that is needed to consistently achieve profitable response rates through mail order. Inadequate initial working capital has hamstrung the company’s acquisition of these skills by forcing the owner to resort to commercial printing activity. These setbacks will be remedied according to Bizcomm’s reconfigured market and sales approach.

Bizcomm is a limited liability corporation that is fully owned by one person, Mr. Pullman. Mr. Pullman comes from an office supply background. The knowledge, experience, and contacts accumulated during that period have led to changes in the traditional modus operandi of Bizcomm. Commercial printing work and ad specialties have taken an increasing percentage of Bizcomm’s sales.

At the present time, Bizcomm’s facilities are all located in Bronxville, New York. The space is much larger than present operations would dictate, especially the office space portion, and plans are in place to move the entire operation to Jefferson in September of this year, at the end of the present lease. There are currently less than ten employees of Bizcomm. The growth of the company will be determined by how accurately and efficiently the company is able to implement the facets of this business plan.

The Products

A general description of Bizcomm’s core products would be client communication cards. Cards which, for example, an auto dealer might send to someone who had recently come into the showroom and expressed an interest in his make of car. Bizcomm could personalize the cards with the auto dealer’s logo and could print any special message the dealer wanted. A normal commercial printer cannot compete in this type of work.

Some of the products Bizcomm offers are: Slida-Cards, Cirlo-Cards, Presentation and custom pocket folders, and promotional products such as keychains, pens, etc.

There is a huge market in the United States for customer communication products, with plenty of profitable business to be had. Nearly 700,000 businesses have been identified as attractive in addition to those market sectors to which Bizcomm has directed its attention. Capturing market share at a profit is definitely achievable.

The company will refocus on a number of key industries that have a high level of consumption of our products. These include banks, insurance companies, funeral homes, doctors/dentists, travel agents and auto dealers. The use of specialty catalogues oriented strictly for these industries will be the tool to create greater market share.

Financial path to Success

With Bizcomm’s refocus on its key industries and the creation of an effective website, the company expects its profits to steadily increase.

Revenues are projected to increase by almost 19% over the next three years, from ~$800,000 to ~$950,000. We expect net profits will increase substantially by year three. Such a large increase in profits is projected because we will be decreasing our marketing and advertising costs by a significant amount and increasing the efficiency of these activities. To implement our marketing changes and maintain sufficient cash, the company will be borrowing $47,000 this year in a short-term loan. Our projected cash flow will increase our cash balance and allow us to leverage this asset to creating new opportunities. During this time, we do not expect any difficulties in maintaining sufficient sales to meet our costs.

1.1 Mission

1.2 keys to success.

There are five generally accepted keys to success in the mail order industry:

• Roll out if successful.

There is a huge market in the United States for customer communication products, with plenty of profitable business to be had. Nearly 700,000 businesses have been identified as attractive in addition to those market sectors to which Bizcomm has directed its attention. Capturing market share at a profit is definitely achievable if the above five steps are skillfully executed.

1.3 Objectives

There are four major objectives to this business plan, of which three are immediate and the fourth is of a longer-term nature:

• To replace Bizcomm’s shotgun approach to mail order selling of cards to more of a rifle method aimed at one or two targeted industries. Key words: Market Segmentation . This objective must be executed carefully after adequate market research, careful design of the mailer, using the traditional skills of direct mail while considering new technology and trends. Results are not expected to appear until the second and third years of this plan.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Bizcomm, through a series of ownership changes, has lost touch with the know-how that is needed to consistently achieve profitable response rates through mail order. Inadequate initial working capital has hamstrung the company’s acquisition of these skills by forcing the owner to resort to commercial printing activity. These setbacks are the cause for this business plan, and will be remedied according to Bizcomm’s reconfigured market and sales approach.

2.1 Company History

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• Contributing to the bottom line improvement during that period, according to the tax returns, was an increase in the gross profit margin from 42% to 64%, and a $70,000 reduction in depreciation, payroll taxes, utilities, insurance and other expenses.

Considering the company was sold in 1998, the improvements on the 1997 tax return might have included a degree of window dressing to achieve a better sales price.

Bizcomm, through several changes in ownership, has lost continuity in respect to the knowledge and experience gained over the years in direct mail. The company, under its present management, cannot continue to engage in expensive mass mailings with any reasonable expectation of quick success. This business plan will put forth other means to expand the company and give it adequate breathing room to again engage in direct mail in a less-hurried, more professionally researched way.

The table varies somewhat from the auditor’s figures of December 31, 1999. For one thing, the current portion of long term debt was removed from current liabilities to avoid problems arising from assuming that all debt technically classified as “current” would be repaid in the current year. Total long-term debt of $271,874 can be broken down by this table below:

Depreciation and amortization have been lumped in together. Capital assets include intangibles of $56,406.

Notes payable to stockholder of $26,912 represent money owed to the owner, Mr. Pullman, and do not accrue interest. To more accurately reflect the equity nature of these funds, and for ease of projecting interest charges, this $26,912 has been placed into the capital stock category.

2.2 Company Locations and Facilities

At the present time, Bizcomm’s facilities are all located in Bronxville, New York. The space is much larger than present operations would dictate, especially the office space portion, and plans are in place to move the entire operation to Jefferson (nearer to the owner’s residence) in September, 2000, at the end of the present lease. This planned move is expected to bring a reduction of $1,500 in the monthly rent.

2.3 Company Ownership

Bizcomm is a limited liability corporation that is fully owned by one person, Mr. Pullman. Originally, the corporation was named Eric Rutherford Inc., and was operating under the name Bizcomm, Inc. Recently, the corporate name was changed to Bizcomm, Inc. Mr. Pullman comes from an office supply background. The knowledge, experience, and contacts accumulated during that period have led to changes in the traditional modus operandi of Bizcomm. Commercial printing work and ad specialties have taken an increasing percentage of Bizcomm’s sales.

Products and Services

The following subtopics discuss Bizcomm’s products, how these products are produced, and an overview of competitor’s products.

3.1 Product and Service Description

A general description of Bizcomm’s core products would be client communication cards. Cards which, for example, an auto dealer might send to someone who had recently come into the showroom and expressed an interest in his make of car. The card would say something like “Thank you for your visit” or “It was a pleasure serving you.” Bizcomm could personalize the cards with the auto dealer’s logo and could print any special message the dealer wanted. The company maintains a large stock of printed cards which can fairly easily be removed from inventory, have a special logo overprinted on them, and sent off in the mail. A normal commercial printer cannot compete in this type of work.

• Another category of products encompasses ad specialty and promotional products (key chains, note cubes, pens, etc.). Bizcomm is a member of the American Society of Indexers (ASI). ASI is an organization that represents thousands of manufacturers of specialty items. These items are depicted and described on DVD where it is possible to search through thousands of items using key words, and then choose items especially suited to a particular industry. These products are a recent addition to the Bizcomm line and have not yet been fully marketed.

3.2 Competitive Comparison

For a competitive comparison of Bizcomm’s core product, the Slida-Card®, the following options are considered:

• Other Competitors: Some catalogs which target a specialized industry offer cards similar to the Executive cards that Bizcomm produces at $490 per thousand, as well as personalized cards of lighter stock (without slits) for $139 per thousand. Competition from this sector is very powerful even given a high price differential.

3.3 Fulfillment

Ad specialty and promotional items are supplied by a large number of manufacturers on a drop-ship basis. ASI provides a list of suppliers for any particular ad specialty. If one manufacturer can’t make a delivery, Bizcomm can choose another from the list.

3.4 Technology

Technology has not had a great effect on this business over the past couple decades; however, a new trend in the business is specialized services. Companies with large customer bases can download addresses and names over the Internet and have a host of customer communications out-sourced. A company, such as a furniture retailer, could arrange to have a card automatically sent to every buyer on the first anniversary of the purchase.

Technological advances in electronic mail are also attracting the attention of companies who depend on direct mail for leads. Despite filters against “spam” (unsolicited email) there are ways to reach direct mail targets via email ads. How skillful the direct mailer is in the design of the email message, and how clever he is in skirting the spam filters, can mean substantial profits–especially when coupled with an exciting website.

3.5 Future Products and Services

The main product which Bizcomm has on the drawing board is a catalog especially designed to cater to the needs of a targeted industry. This market segmentation approach is necessary to secure a stable market share of business communication products against invasion by specialty catalogs.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The overall market for customer communication products is immense. This business plan has identified over seven million businesses that have a potential need to maintain and/or win customers. In reality, all businesses are in need of a product that will enable them to maintain positive customer relations. Bizcomm has the products necessary for this to happen; whether it is a doctor’s office sending reminders to their patients, or a software company sending holiday cards to its clientele, it is imperative for all types of businesses to remain on a personal level with their clients.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Many industries have been heavily marketed in the past by Bizcomm. Some industry sectors, such as insurance companies, and Doctors/Dentists, are targeted with extensive well-established catalogs, making entry by others difficult. The following industry sectors listed under the table heading “Attractive Possibilities” are likely to offer the best opportunity for new territory and market segmentation:

The “Other” category in the Market Analysis table and chart represents the total businesses that have sales of $1,000,000 or less. It is assumed that the very large businesses either are too difficult to reach effectively by direct mail (owner doesn’t see the mail; junk mail is routinely discarded by secretary, etc.), or are so large that they have more sophisticated customer communication products or have their own established printing channels.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

The largest category is the “Other” category which consists of over five million businesses of $1 million or less. These businesses are too difficult to separate and accurately analyze, however, they are all likely to patronize large retailers because of the pricing systems in place there. The customer communication products presently on the shelves of these retailers are limited.

The specialized market sectors such as banks, insurance companies, and auto dealers have all received marketing attention in the past from Bizcomm. Some of these sectors (insurance agencies, dentists, etc.) have been the targets of market segmentation on the part of comprehensive catalogs that try to present themselves as the “super store” to that industry.

The 700,000 businesses listed as “Attractive Possibilities” are in industries that have not received as much attention via direct mail. The businesses mentioned are likely to be owner-run–a business in which the owner is likely to receive the mail.

4.2.1 Market Needs

Needs have changed significantly in recent years. With the era of computer service, not customer service, it is even more important now for a client to receive a man-made token of appreciation. One can never underestimate the value of a Thank You note.People want to feel like their patronage is important to a business; they want to know that there are people behind the automated customer service engines. This is why Bizcomm is essential to all companies. Bizcomm provides businesses with a means to show their appreciation to their customers. There is something about receiving a Thank You note or reminder about a check-up in the mail. It is real, it is tangible, and it cannot be deleted. Bizcomm creates notes that are heartfelt, elegant, and to-the-point. These notes are a sincere way to extend customer service to the human level.

4.2.2 Market Trends

Traditionally, Bizcomm has sent mailers to various industry sectors. Those receiving the mail offer decide they need the product, and will fill out the form and call in an order. Market trends have moved in the following direction:

• A growth in the use of the Internet to search for services. With the increase of potential customers resorting to the Internet for their customer communications products, Bizcomm must create an efficient website.

4.2.3 Market Growth

The market for customer base development products is expected to grow. Increased competition for purchasing dollars will fuel this growth. Despite the revolution in technology, the effect of a customer receiving a Thank You note in the mail is still an elegant way to say your patronage is appreciated. Customer loyalty is built this way, and no suitable alternatives are in sight.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

In industries where the product purchased is very similar to products offered by the competition (such as auto insurance, or the booking of an airline ticket), businesses have long recognized the importance of finding economic tools to win and maintain customers. Where a business cannot offer a price savings or some other clearly recognized advantage, customer communication products have proven useful. Below is a list of situations in which a doctor or a dentist might use a customer communication product:

• Reactivate: Be able to know when a customer stops coming and inform them that they are missed.

Traditionally, these business communication products have been offered via direct mail. Bizcomm has been offering these products to a broad spectrum of businesses for years. The products of these companies have been relatively generic. That is to say that the cards have a simple message like “Thank You” which can be used by a long list of businesses. Slits in the cards to hold a business card help to personalize it and adding a company logo (at a slight additional charge) will personalize it further. The degree of success enjoyed by companies selling these products is closely related to their skill at direct mailing. Choosing lists carefully, running purges to eliminate doubles, carefully designing the marketing letter (as well as the envelope), including coupons, samples, design of the order form, etc. are all important factors. Companies that sell these generic products (with some customizing) over a broad spectrum of industries are probably viewed alike by those on the receiving end of the direct mail; according to Bizcomm telemarketers, they often get phoned-in orders with Rockford’s product codes.

Another method of selling customer-base management/client communication products is a method used by the specialty catalogues. Instead of taking a shotgun approach (i.e. mass mailings to many industries), they concentrate on one industry. They put together a comprehensive catalog of all products that the industry might need. The catalog will include marketing tools, such as printed brochures. Their offering of client communication post cards will have a marketing theme, as will their letterhead, and presentation folders. Bizcomm will be viewed as being the push cart with only a few products; and it would be very difficult for any competitor to gain entry once a “supermarket” had been established to serve a particular industry’s special needs. Therefore, Bizcomm must focus its attention on more profitable market segments.

4.3.1 Main Competitors

The competition for this market is fierce because of customer loyalty. Once a business decides to go with a certain card company, it is extremely difficult for another card company to break in to that business. Therefore, Bizcomm must renew its effort to regain its old clientele from Rockford.

Bizcomm’s main competitor is Rockford, this is because their products are virtually identical. Their approach is broad spectrum (as has been Bizcomm’s). This is a healthy competition, with equal spoils going to both competitors. Bizcomm has taken an edge over their competitor because of the ability of the company to do its own printing. Rockford cannot make this claim. This enables Bizcomm to promise–and deliver–quick shipments of accurate orders. There is one less step for Bizcomm to go through when processing an order. As a result, there will be fewer mistakes and more responsible customer service.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The primary focus for Bizcomm’s marketing strategy must be to increase sales and profitability in its core card business quickly without resorting to the expense of direct mail flyers that have not been thoroughly market-tested. This can be achieved by gaining entry into the large business supply retailers, and to take the necessary steps to make Bizcomm’s website a useful sales generating tool.

5.1 Competitive Edge

The advantages Bizcomm has over the competition are numerous:

• Bizcomm also owns two trademarks: Slida-Card ®, and Cirlo-Card®. Both of which should be leveraged.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

The first strategic move for Bizcomm must be to improve its website. An amount of $5,000 has been set aside for this purpose. A contract will be signed by the end of February, 2000, with completion due by the end of April in that same year. Assume 50% payable at signing and the rest upon completion. The site must have a shopping cart capability to allow on-line secured credit card transactions. Bizcomm’s in-house designer has had some formal training in this type of work, and should be able to cooperate effectively with the person chosen to construct the site.

It is essential that care be taken to cause the most important search engines to find Bizcomm’s website using a variety of key words. Multiple hostings are likely to be necessary to accomplish this. Similar skill needs to be undertaken to bring many more visitors to Bizcomm’s site from the online store.

While the above work is being done, Bizcomm must immediately take steps to enter the retail market with several of Bizcomm’s most popular Slida-Card® products. There are more than five million small businesses in the United States with sales of $1 million or less. These five million businesses are in addition to the industries that are normally targeted by Bizcomm and its competitors. An initial brief investigation of the retail shelves at large discounters indicate that this level of retail is appropriate for these limited products. To dedicate the proper time and effort to this launch, $5,000 has been ear-marked for a consultant who will research the appropriate outlets and put together prototypes of attractively packaged cards, working in conjunction with Bizcomm’s in-house designer. The consultant will need a full month to handle the project and get the finished packets in front of the right people. Sales are expected to begin in April (90,000 cards monthly). This is not overly ambitious considering the size of the potential market. Unattractive cards, without business card slits, are presently on the shelves aimed at this very market. Since Bizcomm can print its own cards, this gives Bizcomm an advantage over the competition. The important thing to remember in this market strategy is that the first one to devote the time and effort to the large discounters is likely to shut out the competition. Another important aspect of this retail launch is the residual effect of extensive retail sales. The brand name, Slida-Card®, will gain greater exposure, and Bizcomm can insert a small leaflet that informs the buyer of other available products. Here, Bizcomm can list in a brief, attractive way the customized options that are available, and give phone numbers and refer to the website. The advantages of this manner of reaching the interested businessman are many:

• The greater the volume of retail packets sold, the greater the distribution of the individual cards in those packets. Bizcomm has its name and logo on the back of each one. This means increased likelihood of new leads in the form of visitors to Bizcomm’s website.

The above advantages far out-weigh any fears that the large retailer may eventually squeeze Bizcomm on price. Even if Bizcomm were to break even on the retail card packets, the leads generated from them will be substantial.

A longer-term market strategy will require some extensive research to locate at least one business communication market sector that is at present:

• Not already heavily served (market-segmented).

After locating the perfect market sector the task then becomes to design and structure specialized business communication solutions, specialized printing needs, and ad specialties targeted to this market sector(s) in such a concentrated and thorough way that “generic” business communication products will not have a chance to compete.

5.2.1 Distribution Strategy

Apart from distributing Bizcomm’s products (only a few popular generic Slida-Cards®) in the retail market, other new channels will be considered on an on-going basis. Bizcomm could, without a great deal of expense, get a brochure together for distribution to ad specialty dealers. There are 17,000 of these dealers. A limited mailing will be done to test the waters first.

In performing the research to locate an ideal market sector, ripe for market segmentation specialization, Bizcomm will keep an eye peeled for publications that already cater to specialized markets. This will help the company know what is attractive to customers.

5.2.2 Marketing Programs

The specific marketing programs discussed in this plan are:

• Direct mail marketing program. A well-researched marketing study to locate one or two attractive industry sectors which are ripe for market segmentation. Should include a reasonable number of dedicated designs for card faces as well as messages. Specialization in respect to stationery letterhead, name cards, etc. Ad specialties need to be carefully chosen to speak to the chosen industry sector. Budget $15,000. Time for completion: Fall 2000.

5.2.3 Pricing Strategy

Pricing strategy does not appear to be a major consideration. Management, who determine prices, will listen to the opinions of the telemarketers who are more likely to know when Bizcomm is at a disadvantage in respect to the competition.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Bizcomm has a telemarketing department that operates satisfactorily. Each member is adept at making sales. Once this plan’s market programs are installed, closing sales deals over the phone will be much more efficient, and there will be many orders to come through the website.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

To simplify sales projections, we will project only three items: The core business in the form of mail-order Slida-Card®; the same product sold via large discounters (BJ’s, Cosco, Staples); and Commercial Printing.

Slida-Card®: This core business, generated by telemarketers and mail-order, has various price levels beginning at $89.50 for 125 cards and extending to $369 for 2,000 cards. The price per card varies widely from $.71 per card down to $.18 per card. Historically about 10% of sales are 125 counts, 10% are in 250 counts, 40% in 1,000 counts and the remaining 40% in other counts. For the sake of ease of projections we will assume that all sales in this core business are in 1,000 counts ($0.199 per card). In line with recent monthly sales figures we begin by projecting monthly sales (January-April 2000) at 135 units of 1,000 cards at $199 per unit (zero growth rate).

Beginning in May, 2000 positive results should appear from the website, the improvements made to the Yahoo! Store, and from leads for custom cards generated by the retail sales. It is not easy to predict how many inquiries for custom cards will be generated by the purchase of 150 retail packets of 20 cards daily. However, all of these buyers are purchasers of the product. It seems reasonable that a much larger percentage will result in a custom card order than could be hoped for from a blind mailer. Assume one order of 1,000 custom cards will result from the sale of every 150 retail packets. This means sales of 30 units a month (1,000 equals 1 unit). Results from the improved website and Yahoo! Store are also very difficult to predict. Assume another 15 units per month beginning in May 2000, increasing to 20 in June, and again to 25 in September as more orders for custom cards are fed by the retail packet leaflets.

Costs of materials per unit are as follows:

• The total material cost comes to $19.50 ($9.00+$9.85+$.60+$.05).

Large Discounters: Retail packets of 20 cards and envelopes will be produced and priced to sell at the retail level @ $3.29, and to wholesale to large discounters at $1.65 which works out to be $82.50 per thousand cards. Sales will begin in April, 2000 at a rate of 3000 cards daily or 90,000 per month. The cards will be sold in packets of 20 cards which works out to only five packets per day in 30 outlets.

The same basic costs of material apply here ($19.50 per 1,000), but there will be additional packaging costs from shrink-wrapping each packet of 20 cards, as well as some special handling. This handling and processing will be done by an outside service provider (Goodwill Industries, the ARC, or other similar organization). A generous allowance of $1.50 per 1,000 cards will be assumed. Total material costs per 1,000 cards = $21.00.

Commercial Printing: Commercial printing work is, at the time of this writing, averaging about $27,000 monthly. Some of this work is handled on Bizcomm’s own printing presses, but the majority of it is farmed out to other printers. Assume this level will continue initially. Sales level at $27,000 monthly. Gross profit varies widely from 70% profit on the small jobs to 35% gross profit on the large jobs. Assume large jobs represent 50% of the total. Units don’t apply here. Assume one unit per month of $27,000 with a material cost of $12,825 (weighted average of 47.5%).

5.4 Milestones

The following table shows some key milestones.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The new management of Bizcomm is not of a direct mail background. The specialized expertise needed to consistently conduct mass mailing and predict the results will need to be built prior to launching the recommended new direct mail marketing program planned for October 30, 2000.

6.1 Personnel Plan

There are currently less than ten employees of Bizcomm. The growth of the company will be determined by how accurately and efficiently the company is able to implement the facets of this business plan.

Each member of the Bizcomm team is highly valued; everyone is expected to have opinions, as it is a team that will make this company excel. It is the mission of the company to employ people who are committed to a high standard of excellence, who thrive on a team atmosphere, and who have outstanding customer service skills. This idealism is represented by the current staff, and will continue to be the guideline by which new team members are hired.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following subtopics help present the financial plan for Bizcomm.

7.1 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart show our Break-even Analysis.

7.2 Projected Profit and Loss

The Profit and Loss expenses are summed up below:

• Postage: Normal postage (does not include special promotional mailings) will cost approximately $950 per month.

7.3 Projected Cash Flow

The Cash Flow table and chart are summarized below:

Long-term Debt Repayments: There are, at present, three loans at the Beverly National Bank that can be considered as “long-term” despite the maturity schedule:

• Time Note: Originally this amounted to $35,250. Present outstandings are $20,500 due January 7, 2000 and bearing an interest rate of 11.25%. It is assumed that the owner will be successful in rolling over this note. Repayment is not included in the cashflow projections 2000-2002.

In addition to the bank debt, there is $12,500 in principle outstanding on an original $30,000 loan to the seller of Bizcomm, Inc. This is being repaid at the rate of $1,250 monthly and carries an interest rate of 8%.

Also included in reduction in long-term liabilities are repayments due monthly to EDIC. Original loan was $75,000 to be repaid at the rate of $2,083 in principle monthly plus 6% interest. Present outstandings in the EDIC loan include some accumulated interest due to back-due payments. We will assume that from the first of 2000, the monthly payments are met, but that the arrears payments are not caught up. Final maturity will be September, 2002.

The EDIC principle repayments each month added to the repayments to the previous owner of the company amount to $3,333 for the first ten months of 2000, after which the debt to the previous owner is fully repaid. Thereafter, $2,083 principle repayment monthly on the EDIC loan will continue through September of 2002.

Short-term Debt: It is expected that Bizcomm will secure a loan from 80% of outstanding accounts receivable in February. This $46,752 shows up as Short-term Debt which is repaid as soon as possible due to its high cost. Due to the high interest rate built in to these funds, they have been reduced as soon as cash flow permits. They are totally repaid by the end of year 2000.

7.4 Business Ratios

The following table outlines some of the more important ratios from the Other Commercial Printing industry. The final column, Industry Profile, details specific ratios based on the industry as it is classified by the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, 2759 (NAICS Code 323119).

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IX. Financial Plan

This Section's Contents

Revenue and Cost Drivers

Capital requirements and use of funds, key assumptions.

The key revenues for [Company Name] will come from the fees we charge for our printing services.

The major cost drivers for the company will include equipment maintenance and purchasing, inventory costs, salaries, the lease, and marketing expenses.

[Company Name] is currently seeking $550,000 to launch. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Store design/build: $200,000
• Printers and other equipment: $100,000
• Supplies and inventory: $100,000
• Working capital: $150,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

  5 Year Annual Income Statement

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Print Shop Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan