Cartridge World Success Story - April 2008
Greg and Kris Bewley
Ownwers of Cartridge World in Kokomo, IN
Business owners, Greg and Kris Bewley are still celebrating in opening their own business. After twelve long months of careful planning, detailed preparation and a lot of advice, the Bewley’s opened Cartridge World on October 8, 2007. The business’ primary service is refilling ink and toner cartridges while remanufacturing the used ink and toner cartridges. Cartridge World is located in the Boulevard Crossing Shopping Center located at 2110 Boulevard Crossing in Kokomo, IN.
Cartridge World is part of a franchise based out of Emeryville, California. It is the world’s fastest growing ink refilling retailer in the $80 billion printer cartridge industry. The company refills empty ink cartridges and remanufactures empty toner cartridges for inkjet printers, laser printers, fax machines, and photocopiers with top quality, brand-specific ink and toners; it offers consumers and businesses a more affordable option to buying new, provides a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee and helps the environment by keeping cartridges out of landfills. Voted #1 in the category of toner replacement services by Entrepreneur Magazine Franchisee 500, Cartridge World has more than 1,500 franchised retail locations in 45 countries. Cartridge World North America was founded in 2003. There are currently more than 600 locations open in the United States, with 800 locations expected by the end of 2007.
The North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center has been instrumental in assisting the Bewley’s in providing the proper training tools and providing a Franchise Expert and resource for the Bewley’s to confide in. The Bewley’s first started thinking about purchasing a business and through Robin Shears’ assistance, a franchise resource from The Entrepreneur’s Source, and the knowledge they gained from the seminars offered by the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center; their dream became a reality.
The Bewley’s attended three different trainings that were held at the North Central Indiana Small Business Development Center. These included the Pre-Business Workshop, Funding Options for Small Businesses and a two-part Business Planning Seminar. The workshops gave them knowledge in preparing their business plan and guided them in taking their next steps.
The husband and wife team had originally been employed at Delphi working as Systems Engineers before purchasing the franchise. Kris states, “With the unsettling knowledge of Delphi’s bankruptcy and the economy of Kokomo’s future, we wanted to find a way to assist other individuals in their business and home needs.” They both stated that this is a great business opportunity to help individuals and business owners save money. The Bewley’s believe that this type of business is recession-proof in that it will always allow customers to save money on merchandise that is needed for every day use.
The Bewley’s have set their goals high in that in the next six months, they would like to have $15,000 in revenue per month. They would like to increase that to $20,000 in the next twelve months. While setting high goals for themselves and their business and getting the word out about the service they offer, there have been some challenges. The Bewley’s have faced some quality production challenges, HR challenges, and securing financing. The Bewley’s feel that these challenges are minor and they will rise above them over time. The Bewley’s currently employ five (5) individuals to assist them in operating their business.
"If I could offer one piece of advice to a potential business owner,” Greg stated, “I would make sure that you have plenty of extra start-up capital available for unforeseen expenditures!"
If you would like more information concerning the business or learn more about their services, Greg and Kris can be contacted at 765-456-3465 or you may log onto their website at www.cartridgeworldusa.com.