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.

Training

Cartridge World provides a structured and detailed training program for its franchisees to ensure operational consistency and performance across all locations.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.