Rapid Refill Expands in the Twin Cities With Multi-unit Development Agreement

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.

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