24 January 2012
Posted in News

The article below was published by NuWire Investor and can be found here.

Buying A Business: Top 5 Reasons To Do It Now

Yes. I think buying a business today can be a great idea. I believe this regardless of what you might hear from the media or feel because of the economy.

20 December 2011
Posted in News

Florida-based Rob Giest, who runs the local branch, supports Heaven’s Kitchen, a local food pantry.

The Carrollwood branch of refiller franchise Rapid Refill Ink is supporting their local food pantry in the run-up to 2012, the Carrollwood Patch has reported. Rapid Refill is collecting canned food and dried goods throughout December, a popular time for food drives in the US.

The collected food will be sent to Heaven’s Kitchen, a local food pantry. Bob Giest, who operates the Rapid Refill branch, desired to aid a local grassroots organisation. Customers who donate to the food drive will receive a coupon good towards their next purchase.

“It’s a local food bank serving people in need with a hot meal or a food basket. So many people are having difficult times, and it’s an easy way to give back to the community.”

Rusty Hurley, Vice President, Rapid Refill, commended the Carrollwood branch’s initiative to partner with local organisations under “Cartridges for a Cause”, which also included the recent “Operation Paperback”, a initiative that provided discounts on refills for donations of used literature to be sent to US troops.

Hurley commented: “We think it’s very important this time of year in particular. Those resources are drawn upon on most communities in a very heavy way, and a lot of food shelves help out nationally.”

The Recycler

14 September 2011
Posted in News

Beth McIntire for the Raleigh Technology Examiner

High prices on inkjet printer cartridges have chased many consumers away from new cartridges and toward recycled ones. Most people who try reputable refill or recycling services seem thrilled with the cost savings.

Raleigh-area human resources professional Debbie Smolen says, "I use Rapid Refill ink. I have never had a problem and it is more economical than anything else I have used."

Another area resident, Mark Bodner says, "I've used a number of different companies, based on where I was living. They all have performed as advertised, saving me at least 40% on ink. I only get refills from these places now."

The most prevalent inkjet refill company in the area, Rapid Refill, has four Raleigh-area franchise locations - one in northeast Raleigh near Triangle Town Center mall, one in northwest Raleigh on Alexander Promenade Place, one in Cary on N.W. Maynard, and one on Kildaire Farm Rd. in Apex. Their stores offer cartridges from major brands such as HP, Brother, Epson, Canon and Lexmark. Rapid Refill doesn't exactly refill your cartridge, though. They take your empty cartridge and sell you a recycled one off their shelves. 

Raleigh Rapid Refill store manager Dylan Warner says this method means no wait time plus better quality for the consumer. "Rather than refill an empty cartridge one at a time as customers bring them in," says Warner, "we keep a well-stocked inventory of cartridges that have already been cleaned, refilled, and tested. All cartridges are completely cleaned, removing any old ink from sponges and printheads, before they are refilled to eliminate quality problems and to make sure they will hold as much ink as possible. After being refilled, each cartridge is tested."

Warner adds that Rapid Refill has been in Raleigh since 2006 and has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, offering a 60-day window for refund or exchange.

Warner goes on to say that store employees educate customers that in some cases, a refilled cartridge may cause the printer to show an error message, though it will still print. According to Warner, "Actual defects are very low. Most of our inkjet cartridges are remanufactured in-house, and that allows for very strict quality control on our part." He says that customers typically save 30% to 50% off what they'd pay for a new cartridge in a big box store. Also, "by recycling and reusing these cartridges, we are greatly reducing the amount of fossil fuels used in production. We are also saving literally tons of plastic from ending up in local landfills."

Another option for refilling is Walgreens. Their photo centers refill name brand inkjet cartridges for $12.99. They offer refills for cartridges from Dell, HP, Lexmark, Okidata, Primera, Sharp, and Xerox printers, but not Canon and Epson.

Continue reading on Examiner.com

03 May 2011
Posted in Press Releases

Growing Market Share and Store Count Expected

EDINA, Minn., Apr 30, 2011 – Rapid Refill, a leading provider of sustainable print solutions, today announced results for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2011.

First quarter 2011 same store average sales increased by nearly 4% over the same period ending March 31, 2010 and 6% over the prior quarter ending December 31, 2010. Newer stores that have received the most current franchisee training and have largely adopted all operating programs experienced even more significant growth rates. Stores opening after 2008 posted an average comparable store growth rate of 7% in the first quarter of 2011 versus the fourth quarter of 2010 and a 16% gain compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Jason Block, Rapid Refill’s President and Chief Operating Officer, commented “We continue to see a trend in consumers buying locally to support their neighbourhood business owners, so we see Rapid Refill’s market share growing in 2011, largely being taken from big box and internet retail competitors that can’t match our value proposition of savings, sustainability and service. We expect to add more stores to our system this year and to see continued gains amongst our existing franchised locations.”

Comparing the Company’s results to publically disclosed performance data from large office supply chains, Mr. Block added, “The success of the first quarter was terrific and we expect the trend to continue. Customer demand for Rapid Refill’s products and services is strengthening as the economy rebounds and business activity increases, and we are really starting to see the results from the suite of marketing programs and rebranding efforts we’ve put in place over the last year. When you look at our competitors in the industry posting same store sales declines, I think we have a winning formula.“ For more information or to find a Rapid Refill store near you, visit www.rapidrefill.com.

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About Rapid Refill: Rapid Refill, a Minnesota-based company offering franchises since 2004, specializes in recycling and retail sales of Rapid Refill® brand inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges and other print supplies for all popular printer and copier brands like Hewlett-Packard (HP), Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, Dell, Samsung, Sharp, Xerox, Oki and more. Noted for savings, service and sustainability, it serves both walk-in retail consumers and businesses with delivery and other on-site services. Rapid Refill retail stores have a huge selection in stock, every day, so customers can buy off the shelf – no more waiting for cartridges to be refilled! Using Rapid Refill brand cartridges saves customers money and keeps cartridges out of landfills – two significant advantages over buying new. Rapid Refill plans to be the number one source for print cartridges and services in every community. To learn more about Rapid Refill visit www.RapidRefill.com. For franchise opportunities visit www.RapidRefillFranchise.com.

22 April 2011
Posted in News

Making a difference in environmental sustainability is not just about big things but small things we do every day.

Bees represent that challenge; small, yet our entire system of agriculture and food supply are threatened by colony collapse disorder.

From April 3 – May 14, 2011 during our Empties for Earth promotion, we’ll be making a donation based on the empty cartridges we receive to help promote Bee Friendly Farming.

What is Bee Friendly Farming and why do we need it?

Colony collapse disorder thus far does not appear to have a single cause. The one proven action we can take to promote honey bee health is to improve access safe, high quality forage.

The Partnership for Sustainable Pollination fosters the availability of “bee friendly” areas. Visit www.pfspbees.org for details on how you can become bee friendly certified.

For more information, visit us online at www.facebook.com/RapidBuzz

04 April 2011
Posted in Press Releases

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Rapid Refill chain of stores is already known as a sustainable retailer that remanufactures ink and toner cartridges to keep durable products out of America’s landfills. From April 3 through May 14, cartridges that are placed in their in-store “bee” boxes will also trigger a cash donation to the Partners for Sustainable Pollinators and their Bee Friendly Farming Initiative. With a tip of the hat to Earth Day, this first promotion of its kind will connect Rapid Refill customers to the growing movement to create a more diverse and strong environment in support of America’s honey bees in peril.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Rapid Refill to increase public awareness about the challenges facing beekeepers and our precious honey bees,” said Kathy Kellison, executive director of Partners for Sustainable Pollination, a nonprofit headquartered Santa Rosa, California. “Rapid Refill's customer support through “Empties for Earth” will help us grow our Bee Friendly Farming (BFF) initiative. BFF recognizes farmers and other land managers, from back yards to public lands, who provide safe, natural forage for our bees. Consumers can reward Bee Friendly Farmers by purchasing their products.”

Colony Collapse Disorder was first identified in 2006 in America when honeybees died or left their hives in such numbers that pollinating America’s agricultural crops were in jeopardy. Dr. Marla Spivak, Professor of Entomology and MacArthur “genius” Award recipient recently said, “One major factor in the decline of all bees is lack of plant food – nectar and pollen that bees require for their nutritional health. It is absolutely critical to plan and conserve agricultural and urban landscapes to support our wildlife, including our forgotten pollinators.” The goal of the Bee Friendly Farming initiative is to educate and recognize those people who are creating the habitat and forage so essential for healthy bees.

Jason Block, COO of Rapid Refill said, “We believe that there are so many small yet significant steps caring customers can make everyday to conserve and preserve our precious resources. Returning printer components to keep them out of landfills, planting native species to keep bees strong and then reaping the rewards of our work together in an abundant harvest all keep us connected to the natural world. You might overlook bees. Heck, you probably overlook printer cartridges. But when you step back, you can see that they are connected when you think about respecting the resources we use everyday.”

Customers are encouraged to bring their ink and toner cartridges to a Rapid Refill store between April 3rd and May 14th and place them in the designated “bee” boxes. All cartridges will be either remanufactured or recycled and a donation will be made to the Bee Friendly Farming initiative. Rapid Refill expects to become one of the Partners for Sustainable Pollinators largest contributors this year through this program.

To learn more about the Partners for Sustainable Pollinators and to register your yard or business as Bee Friendly go to http://www.pfspbees.org/bff.htm.

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SIDEBAR:

5 Ways to Make Your Yard Bee Friendly

1. Keep something blooming year round. 

The same changing blooms that make a perennial garden attractive to humans, make it attractive to bees. Keep something blooming all year long – and plant it in large masses to keep bees happy. Think of a row of lilacs, raspberries and asters, for example, as great spring, summer and fall bloomers.

2. Provide water. 

Bees need access to still (or slow moving) fresh water. A shallow pan (or bird bath) with a few stones place in it makes an excellent bee watering hole.

3. Leave it natural. 

Although you may not love dandelions and chicory, bees do! An undeveloped area without sod gives native pollinators like beetles and wild bees a place to nest.

4. Cut pesticide use. 

As an insect made to gather plant residue, pesticides are especially toxic for bees. If you must use a pesticide, follow label directions and use at dusk instead of the morning when bees will not be foraging.

5. Create a home for a hive. 

Contact a local beekeeping club to request a managed hive on your property, leave dead upright trees standing or consider a native bee nesting box for mason or leafcutter bees.

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About Rapid Refill: Rapid Refill specializes in providing print supplies and services to homes and businesses featuring environmentally friendly Rapid Refill brand products. The experts at Rapid Refill deliver customer-focused and sustainable solutions in communities across the United States. Rapid Refill locations offer free delivery at affordable prices that empower people to make smart buying decisions.

18 March 2011
Posted in Press Releases

Spokane, WA — Most people dream of working for a company that combines conservation, recycling and community service into a thriving business. For Anthony Kiepe that dream happens everyday and is fueling the growth to expand with a new Rapid Refill store in downtown Spokane.

Kiepe opened his first Rapid Refill retail store in Coeur d’Alene, ID in May 2006 and his second store in the Spokane Valley in January 2007. In June 2010, Kiepe acquired the Spokane franchise from Stu Zimmerman, who had retired. Kiepe spent several months looking for the perfect location in the downtown area to relocate the Spokane store, one that would be convenient downtown and lower south hill clients.

Rapid Refill specializes in the remanufacturing/refilling and selling of inkjet and laser toner cartridges. It offers customers a big price savings and backs all of its products with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

“Since opening my first store, I have been excited to see how the community has responded to our combination of customer service and environmental principles. There was a demand to bring a store to downtown Spokane. We help customers save money and by recycling inkjet and laser toner cartridges, we ease the burden on our local landfills, “said Kiepe.

Kiepe has also been an active community member in Spokane where he has donated time, toner & family vacations to the Boy Scouts of America and is involved with the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador.

Rapid Refill is a leading U.S.-based retailer in its industry. A typical Rapid Refill store carries a wide variety of remanufactured as well as brand name inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges. The stores reflect the company’s commitment to the environment. The carpeting in the store is 52 percent post-consumer content and made in part from recycled milk containers. The slat walls are made of recycled wood products and the countertops from compressed sunflower seeds.

But Rapid Refill’s biggest impact is in what could ultimately be the millions of inkjet and laser toner cartridges it keeps from landing in the world’s landfills. In the United States alone nearly eight cartridges are thrown away every second, according to Recharger Magazine. What’s more, each plastic toner requires 3 1/2 quarts of oil to produce; 2 1/2 ounces of oil are used to produce each new inkjet cartridge.

“We are excited to open Rapid Refill in downtown Spokane. Many of our downtown customers have made the trip out to our Spokane Valley location and expressed an overwhelming desire to have a store downtown again,” states Kiepe. “It is with great pleasure that I can make that desire happen.”

Jason Block, COO of Rapid Refill, commented on the expansion, offering, “It is really exciting to see a multi-unit franchisee expand even further. It demonstrates the commitment the Kiepe family and their entire team has to growing their presence in the community and reinforces what our franchise model has to offer. They all represent our brand so well, it really makes us proud, and we can’t wait to see their continued success.”

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About Rapid Refill LLC: Rapid Refill is a Minnesota-based business that has been franchising since 2004 and offers remanufactured, Rapid Refill® brand inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges and other supplies for all popular printer and copier brands like Hewlett-Packard (HP), Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, Dell, Samsung, Sharp, Xerox, Oki and more. Rapid Refill retail stores have a huge selection in stock, every day, so customers can buy off the shelf – no more waiting for cartridges to be refilled! Using remanufactured cartridges saves customers money and keeps cartridges out of landfills – two significant advantages over buying new. With over 100 locations in the U.S. and growing, Rapid Refill plans to be the number one source for inkjet and toner cartridges in every community. For franchising opportunities visit www.rapidrefillfranchise.com.

For Immediate Release

March 18, 2011

Media Contact: Erica Volna

Phone: 952-238-1000

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

10 March 2011
Posted in Press Releases

BROOKLYN PARK, MN --- Most people dream of working for a company that combines conservation, recycling and community service into a thriving business. For Cathy Roers, Nick Roers and Kathy Rudman, owners of Triple R Ink, Inc., that dream happens everyday and is fueling the growth to expand with a new Rapid Refill store in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.  Their newest location opened on March 7, 2011 and is located at 9686 Colorado Lane North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.   

The Roers and Rudman team opened their first Rapid Refill retail store in New Hope, Minnesota on June 1, 2008. Rapid Refill specializes in providing home and office customers with high quality printer ink and toner cartridges, as well as a suite of printer services to offer their customers complete printing peace of mind. Rapid Refill offers customers a big price savings and backs all of its products with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

“This business was a good fit for us because we all have a lot of retail experience,” said Cathy Roers. Kathy Rudman and I met when we both worked at retail stores at the Brookdale mall and have been friends for many years. Nick and I grew up in New Hope and our parents owned several Baskin Robbins locations. For many years I was part owner of a number of Subway restaurant franchises and after that I owned two Anytime Fitness franchises. And that’s when the idea hit me.”

Frustrated at the cost of the ink needed to print flyers for her business, Cathy started looking into remanufactured cartridges. “My first purchase saved me 40%,” said Cathy, “and I knew there was something of value here. Everyone uses ink and everyone likes to save money.”

“We are thrilled with Triple R Ink, Inc.’s decision to expand Rapid Refill’s presence in our home market,” said Jason Block, COO of Rapid Refill. “Seeing successful multi-unit franchisees from other large franchise systems come to Rapid Refill and pick us as the system they want to grow with is extremely satisfying. It points to the exciting future of Rapid Refill and the opportunities we have for our franchisees.”

“This is our community,” added Cathy Roers. “This is where we grew up and we know the people here. We love being able to give our customers a great product at a great price. We also feel good about helping the environment and our customers do as well.”

Rapid Refill is a leading U.S.-based retailer in its industry. A typical Rapid Refill store carries a wide variety of remanufactured as well as brand name inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges. The stores reflect the company’s commitment to the environment. The carpeting in the store is 52 percent post-consumer content and made in part from recycled milk containers. The slat walls are made of recycled wood products and the countertops from compressed sunflower seeds.

But Rapid Refill’s biggest impact is in what could ultimately be the millions of inkjet and laser toner cartridges it keeps from landing in the world’s landfills. In the United States alone nearly eight cartridges are thrown away every second, according to Recharger Magazine. What’s more, each plastic toner requires 3 1/2 quarts of oil to produce; 2 1/2 ounces of oil are used to produce each new inkjet cartridge.

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About Rapid Refill: Rapid Refill specializes in remanufacturing/refilling and retail sales of printer ink and laser toner cartridges for printers, copiers, fax machines and all-in-one machines. Noted for great personal service, it serves both walk-in retail consumers and businesses with delivery and other on-site services. Overall savings on remanufactured cartridges range up to 50%. A typical Rapid Refill store carries a wide variety of different inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges in-stock including Rapid Refill and printer manufacturer branded products.

07 February 2011
Posted in Press Releases

Franchisees Find Refilling Ink Business Fulfilling

NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA (February 7, 2011) – While the stressed economy continues to challenge many entrepreneurs, local Rapid Refill franchisees have found success and are looking to expand, signing a multi-unit development agreement to open three more locations in the Twin Cities. Triple R Ink currently has a Rapid Refill store open in New Hope (4212 Winnetka Avenue No.), Minnesota and has a second unit under construction in Brooklyn Park.

The franchisees in Triple R Ink, Inc. include Cathy Roers, Nick Roers, and Kathy Rudman. "Cathy and Nick Roers were both raised in the Twin Cities and are serial entrepreneurs, having owned a number of businesses," said Jason Block, COO of Rapid Refill. "They teamed up with Kathy Rudman, who was the district manager for the Things Remembered chain, to open their first Rapid Refill location in New Hope about 2½ years ago, and it is now one of the best in our system."

Rapid Refill, a franchise business based in Edina, Minnesota, specializes in remanufactured inkjet and laser toner cartridges, offering customers three major advantages: a big price savings, great customer service, and the opportunity to recycle. In addition, Rapid Refill backs all of its products with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Unlike some other ink cartridge refilling businesses, the Rapid Refill stores carry a wide variety of remanufactured as well as brand name inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges so customers don't wait for refilling – they can buy products right off the shelf.

Rapid Refill's biggest impact is in what could ultimately be the millions of inkjet and laser toner cartridges kept out of landfills. In the United States alone nearly eight cartridges are thrown away every second, according to Recharger Magazine. Rapid Refill's stores also reflect the company's commitment to the environment. The carpeting in their stores is 52 percent post- consumer content and made in part from recycled milk containers. The slat walls are made of recycled wood products and the countertops from compressed sunflower seeds.

"This business was a good fit for us because we all have a lot of retail experience," said Cathy Roers. Kathy Rudman and I met when we both worked at retail stores at the Brookdale mall and have been friends for many years. Nick and I grew up in New Hope and our parents owned several Baskin Robbins locations. For many years I was part owner of a number of Subway restaurant franchises and after that I owned two Anytime Fitness franchises. And that's when the idea hit me."

Frustrated at the cost of the ink needed to print flyers for her business, Cathy started looking into remanufactured cartridges. "My first purchase saved me 40%," said Cathy, "and I knew there was something of value here. Everyone uses ink and everyone likes to save money."

"We are thrilled with Triple R Ink, Inc.'s decision to expand Rapid Refill's presence in our home market," said Block. "Seeing successful multi-unit franchisees from other large franchise systems come to Rapid Refill and pick us as the system they want to grow with is extremely satisfying. It points to the exciting future of Rapid Refill and the opportunities we have for our franchisees."

After researching the franchise businesses in the remanufactured ink and toner cartridges sector, Cathy chose Rapid Refill. "I felt it offered the best product and their business model really suited our needs. We were able to open a retail only store, without the extra expense of having a refilling station on the property. We send all the used cartridges we collect to a facility that inspects them and refills them at a very high level, ensuring excellent quality. That leaves us free to do what we do best – interact with our customers and provide great service."

"This is our community," added Cathy Roers. "This is where we grew up and we know the people here. We love being able to give our customers a great product at a great price. We also feel good about helping the environment and our customers do as well."

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About Rapid Refill, LLC

Rapid Refill is a Minnesota-based business that has been franchising since 2004 and offers remanufactured, Rapid Refill® brand inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges and other supplies for all popular printer and copier brands like Hewlett-Packard (HP), Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, Dell, Samsung, Sharp, Xerox, Oki and more. Rapid Refill retail stores have a huge selection in stock, every day, so customers can buy off the shelf – no more waiting for cartridges to be refilled! Using remanufactured cartridges saves customers money and keeps cartridges out of landfills – two significant advantages over buying new. With over 100 locations in the U.S. and growing, Rapid Refill plans to be the number one source for inkjet and toner cartridges in every community. For franchising opportunities visit www.rapidrefillfranchise.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Erica Volna
952-238-1000
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.rapidrefill.com

26 January 2011
Posted in Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKINNEY, TX – Rapid Refill, an independently owned retail franchise that refills and remanufactures inkjet and laser/toner cartridges for office and home printers, is pleased to announce its status as an approved vendor for eleven North Texas Subway Restaurant units which are owned and operated by the Texas Subs franchise organization.

Read more...

14 December 2010
Posted in News

The Morning Sun

Maggie Papp, Pittsburg, doesn’t waste anything, and that made her the first winner of a new national award.

Papp, who operates the Rapid Refill at 2597 S. Broadway, Meadowbrook Mall Annex, received the new Cascades Award which recognizes an operator for outstanding community and environmental leadership.

The award was named after the Oregon mountain range which is home to the originator of the Rapid Refill concept of refilling and remanufacturing printer ink and toner cartridges to recycle them, extend their life and keep them out of landfills longer.

During the award presentation at Ballys in Las Vegas, Papp was cited for recycling 6.5 tons of ink and toner cartridges in the past year alone and donating around $3,500 to local charities.

“It speaks to the incredible strength of Maggie’s message to the Pittsburg community that she is able to make such a huge impact,” said Jason Block, Rapid Refill chief operating officer. “Maggie is inspirational.”

That was said back in July. Now Papp says she’s shipped out seven tons of recycled ink and toner cartridges and given $4,000 to charity.

“There’s nothing I get that goes to waste,” Papp said. “It’s all reused and recycled.”

She occasionally carries around a plastic bag of black ground-up stuff so she can show people what happens to any toners she gets that can’t be used.

“They are ground up five times and used to fill potholes in roads,” Papp explained. “They put it under the asphalt, and the heat generated causes this stuff to melt and adhere to the asphalt. They’re also experimenting with possible other uses.”

Not everything is ground up.

“Some of those parts, the screws and rods, are made from high grade aluminum, which is melted down and recycled,” Papp said.

Her Cascades Award included a donation of $2,500 to the community or environmental group of her choice, and she decided it should go to her good friends at New Hope Services, a division of Medicalodges, Inc., which is a home- and community-based agency that provides community supports to individuals with developmental disabilities who are striving to live an independent life of their choice.

Papp and New Hope have been working together for a while.

“We’ve been accepting donations of used toners and cartridges, and I told Maggie that we had a room full of them,” said John Lair, New Hope program director and volunteer Special Olympics coach.

“I didn’t think he actually meant he had room that was full of them,” Papp said. “Then I came out to New Hope and there they were, from floor to ceiling.”

“She didn’t run away, so I figured we had a good partnership,” Lair said.

That extends to helping Papp when it comes to lifting and stacking boxes.

“I don’t have to do a thing,” she said.

“Our athletes love to help out,” Lair said. “All I have to do is say, ‘It’s recycle day,’ and they’re ready to go help Maggie.”

Anyone wishing to donate inkjet cartridges and toners to benefit New Hope Special Olympics may drop them off at 2614 N. Joplin.

To see the full article, click here.

06 December 2010
Posted in News

Get Your Business
December 6, 2010

What’s more, ink retailers have figured out in recent years how to reuse cartridges by refilling them with new ink. This saves the consumer a good deal of money, which translates into increased traffic at a small business that provides such a service, because many major retailers do not offer refills. If getting in to the business of ink seems like a good idea to you, check out the following list of ink opportunities to find the retail franchise that’s right for you.

While it’s not exactly printing money, it’s close. Since the majority of homes in America have an inkjet printer and all printers need ink, these ink franchises generate big profits through refills and new cartridges as discounted prices.

Rapid Refill is one of the biggest names in the ink-retailing industry, sporting a wide array of products from HP and Canon to their own in-house brand of ink cartridges. With a nationally recognized name and a great central marketing team behind them, franchisees with this computer franchise enjoy all the benefits of being part of a corporate chain without having to actually be one.

Cartridge World is similar to Rapid Refill but differs in that their greatest claim to fame is their knack for refilling cartridges. This franchise prides itself on its commitment to preserving the environment by reusing instead of tossing aside empty cartridges. Many consumers love this greener approach to ink cartridges that helps the environment and provides them with a cheaper alternative to new cartridges.

Unlike the others, InkCredibles franchises specialize in providing ink refill services to small business offices, not individual consumers. This means that ongoing business relationships are vital to the success of the franchise, which is a different game altogether than the retail establishments.

Cartridge on Wheels has the distinct advantage of being a mobile franchise. Cartridge on Wheels specifically serves the business sector, ordering ink and toner cartridges for larger, industrial-size machines and delivering them directly to the client. Business is done directly from a brightly colored van that serves as delivery vehicle, warehouse, and office, all in one.

Looking at these business options in the niche market of ink cartridges, it’s easy to see that there are franchise opportunities for just about any type of business. Ink may sound like a peculiar business, but when it comes down to making a living, it has already proven to be a successful endeavor for those who have taken advantage of it.

21 November 2010
Posted in News

The Lewiston Morning Tribune
Elaine Williams
November 21, 2010

Jim Evans views the modest profits his Rapid Refill store produces as proof the principles of independence and entrepreneurship upon which the United States was founded are as relevant today as ever.

Evans opened the location of the franchise that sells printer ink, cartridges and toner in 2008 in the midst of the recession. Now he's expanding.

The business moved from a building on New Sixth Street in downtown Lewiston near Community Action Partnership to 1714 G St. next to Domino's Pizza. With the change, Rapid Refill added regular business hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to serve customers with home computers.

Rapid Refill initially specialized in business clients. Evans filled orders with deliveries and through the mail, meeting the demands of the business during the hours he was off from a full-time job in the consumer products segment of what is now Clearwater Paper.

The business is thriving because it offers a basic service to businesses -- most offices are crippled if their printer doesn't work -- while providing a high level of service and competitive pricing, Evans said.

Rapid Refill has products for all the major printer brands -- Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Epson, Dell and Lexmark.

The business sells remanufactured cartridges that can be refilled with ink, as well as new cartridges, Evans said. "I can get any printer toner cartridge in the whole market."

He keeps an inventory of the specialty items his regular customers use the most, something made possible by meticulous record keeping of orders, Evans said.

Delivery, which is usually on the same day, is free -- something Evans believes is a key component to his success. "Employees are at work to work. They don't need to go to the big-box store. Let me take care of that situation."

In many instances, Evans can fix broken printers and has contractors available to handle the repairs that go beyond his expertise.

He's amazed at how many printer emergencies surface. Recently he took a wide-document toner cartridge to an architecture firm that was in the middle of a large job and had run out of ink.

He also is willing to help businesses select new printers, since he's seen how well almost every product works and has a sense of the capabilities that offices of different sizes or functions need. "Some are lemons. Some are just garbage. Then there are other ones that are incredible performers."

Arriving in the place Evans is now -- able to support his wife and two daughters as well as one employee with the income from the store -- has been a challenge, Evans said.

His decision to go into business for himself came when he was recovering at home from elbow surgery after about five years as a Clearwater Paper forklift operator. "It was really hard on my body."

Rapid Refill wasn't any picnic either, especially at first. Evans took a crash course from the franchise, which has more than 100 locations nationwide. It covered everything from the mechanics of printer cartridges to small business taxes.

Evans kept his Clearwater Paper job until he was confident in the revenue from his start-up.

"When people say the American way hasn't worked for me, I say 'You bet. You haven't tried it.' "

Link to Article

28 October 2010
Posted in News

Maryville, Mo. — Tired of paying the high price of a new ink cartridge for his home computer, about a year ago Matt Gaarder began researching refilling his empty ink canisters.

Read more...

28 October 2010
Posted in Press Releases

Biggest Event Yet Delivers Profit Message

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--- The 3rd Annual Rapid Refill National Franchise Conference held at Bally's in Las Vegas July 21-24 brought together franchisees from across the country to celebrate successes and plan for future growth. Over 70 franchisees attended this year’s event as well as suppliers and support staff to deliver the key message: Cha-Ching! Building Growth and Profit. Rapid Refill expects to quadruple its units in operation through new franchisee and internal expansion by 2015.

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28 October 2010
Posted in Press Releases

CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA--- Each year Americans replace an estimated 60 million printers with new ones. Often those old printers could have had longer useful lives if they were properly maintained and cleaned. In today’s economic and environmental climate, investing a small amount to maximize the lifespan of an electronic appliance makes sense. Reducing landfill disposal and extending the life of business and home printers is at the heart of new service offered by Rapid Refill.

While all printers have an ultimate end of life, a well-maintained laser printer, for example, can double its productive life of problem-free service.  Keeping that printer in use saves money for consumers and keeps possibly toxic materials out of landfills.  Rapid Refill reminds its customers that when the time comes to dispose of a printer, take it to a recycler.  Customers can check with their local Rapid Refill store for printer recycling resources near them.

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28 October 2010
Posted in Press Releases

TYLER, TX - The "Living Green: A Sustainability Symposium" will be held at Harvey Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost for the symposium is $5 at the door; entrance is free to children under 12 and any student with an I.D. card.

The program is presented by City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful and Texas Conservation Alliance and will include:

• Presentations from experts on recycling, conservation and sustainability issues;
• "Green" vendor displays and exhibits; and,
• Food vendors.
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28 October 2010
Posted in Press Releases

First ranking places them 3068 on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list with Three-Year Sales Growth of 67%

[Edina, Minnesota]--- When Inc. magazine released its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, it included Eden Prairie’s Rapid Refill. With a 67% three-year growth rate, it ranked #50 among all Twin Cities companies.  As a U.S.-based retailer in the multi-billion dollar ink and toner industry with stores across the US, Rapid Refill provides environmentally friendly alternatives to the printing process. It remanufactures ink and toner cartridges which are sold at a reduced cost compared to an Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Inc. magazine touts its list as representing the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list. For Rapid Refill CEO Roger Block, this is exactly the description of the kind of company he wants to keep.

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