Cartridge World Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Cartridge World supplies high-quality ink and toner cartridges for printers, offering cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to brand-name products. With a focus on sustainability and savings, Cartridge World serves both businesses and individual consumers.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
107
+
-36%
-36%
Franchise fee
?
$50,000
Investment
?
$75,000 - $107,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Cartridge World is a global franchise known for specializing in printer cartridges, printing supplies, and managed print services. It was founded in 1997 in Adelaide, Australia, by Bryan Stokes. The business started franchising in 1997, leading to rapid expansion both nationally and internationally.
The company’s headquarters are located in Australia, with its North American base in Spring Grove, Illinois. It also operates a global procurement center in Zhuhai, China, which supports its international supply chain. Cartridge World was acquired in 2015 by Suzhou Goldengreen Technologies Ltd and later relocated its global head office to Hong Kong.
Cartridge World franchisees sell ink and toner cartridges—new, remanufactured, and eco-friendly alternatives—as well as printers and related office supplies. The franchise also offers services such as printer repair, leasing, managed print solutions, and mobile printing technologies.
What differentiates Cartridge World from competitors is its focus on quality and innovation. The company applies rigorous quality control standards across its product line, including multi-stage inspections and performance testing.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Cartridge World franchise is $75,000 - $107,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $5,000
Lease Deposits – Three Months
$1,500 - $2,500
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$0 - $500
Signage
$0 - $500
Computer, Software and Business Management System
$750 - $2,000
Opening Launch Marketing
$18,000
Initial Inventory
$500
Utility Deposits
$0 - $500
Insurance Deposits – Three Months
$600 - $2,000
Travel for Initial Training
$500 - $2,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 - $8,000
Licenses and Permits
$300 - $800
Additional Funds – Three Months
$2,000 - $14,500
Total Estimate
$75,150 - $106,800
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$50,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements
$0 - $5,000
Lease Deposits – Three Months
$1,500 - $2,500
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
$0 - $500
Signage
$0 - $500
Computer, Software and Business Management System
$750 - $2,000
Opening Launch Marketing
$18,000
Initial Inventory
$500
Utility Deposits
$0 - $500
Insurance Deposits – Three Months
$600 - $2,000
Travel for Initial Training
$500 - $2,000
Professional Fees
$1,000 - $8,000
Licenses and Permits
$300 - $800
Additional Funds – Three Months
$2,000 - $14,500
Total Estimate
$75,150 - $106,800
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Cartridge World's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Cartridge World had 109 total units in 2024, of which 107 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Cartridge World provides a structured and detailed training program for its franchisees to ensure operational consistency and performance across all locations.
Initial Training Program The franchisee’s Managing Owner and one designated manager must complete the initial training program within 45 days prior to business commencement. This training spans two weeks—one week of in-store on-the-job training and one week of corporate-led instruction—delivered either in person or remotely. Additional attendees may join at a cost of $500 per person, subject to the franchisor’s approval.
Ongoing and System-Wide Training Cartridge World may require franchisees and their managers to participate in refresher, system-wide, or supplemental training programs as determined necessary. These sessions can occur up to four times annually and may be held on-site or via web conferencing. Failure to attend these required sessions may result in fees and continued responsibility for training costs.
Supplemental Training If needed, the franchisor offers additional training sessions either remotely or at the franchisee’s location, charged at $500 per trainer per day plus travel and lodging expenses. This training may be mandated if franchise operations fall short of standards or when a new manager is hired. All training participants must meet eligibility requirements, such as being a franchise owner or designated operating manager.
Territory Protection
Cartridge World grants franchisees a Designated Territory, typically encompassing approximately 3,000 businesses based on local demographics and geography. Within this area, for the first year after signing the Franchise Agreement and provided the franchisee is not in default, Cartridge World will not open or authorize another office using its system and trademarks.
This limited protection offers some degree of operational exclusivity in the early phase of the franchise. However, Cartridge World explicitly states that franchisees are not granted an exclusive territory.
After the initial 12-month protection period, other franchisees or company-operated offices may be permitted to open nearby, and Cartridge World retains the right to distribute products through various channels, including the internet and third-party retailers, within the franchisee's territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Cartridge World franchise is 8.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 4% plus up to $1,600 per month.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Cartridge World franchise is $75,000 - $107,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Cartridge World franchise is $50,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.