Business Form Production and Sales

This type of business is so standardized and easy for people to learn that it is among the top franchise businesses on the market today. All you need to do is find out what potential customers are using for business forms (such as inventory records, receipts, invoices, and other important documents). Then you sell them on your customized service, quick turnaround, and easy terms. Remember, though, that you will be competing heavily against some fairly large organizations (such as Office Depot and Office Max) as well as other independents like yourself; you will need super sales skills to stay on top of it all and make your regular goals. In the old days, cold-calling was the primary way of finding new business, but now you can place banner ads on entrepreneurial Web sites and you’re one click away from finding new customers on a regular basis. The income potential is great for those who sell online and who can stomach the competition. If you capitalize on your strong points, you should be able to come up with forms that make every customer happy (and, ultimately, result in your own profi tability). You can either design your own forms, or purchase them from paper suppliers and related sources found on the Internet.


You’ll need between $20,000 to $40,000, particularly if you buy into a franchise operation, but can get away with $5,000 to $10,000 if you do the whole thing on your Web site. This investment will usually cover your catalogs, inventory, and training materials, and may also cover printing equipment (typically including specialized software). You may also partner with a supplier who helps you develop your own Web page that links to their site, and from which your customers can purchase and download forms. You’ll charge $25 to $30 per type of form; more if it’s a complex custom design your customer wants you to create from scratch. In the end, you’ll wind up making between $35,000 to $65,000 per year if you’re working full-time and full-throttle. Expect to make anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, but more like $35,000 to $60,000 as a Web-based business.


There is probably no more straightforward, easy business to learn than this. But do recognize that you’re going to need to be well connected to get regular, dependable business. Network with anyone who’s anyone, and make the daily fifty or so phone calls it may take to get one fresh, new lead. After all, you’re competing against major office store chains, and you need to tell people that what sets your business apart is the customized service. On the Web, offer special deals (such as 10 percent off ) to customers who purchase three or more forms at one time.


Approx. cost of start-up: $20,000 to $40,000


Approx. potential earnings: $35,000 to $60,000


Typical fees: $25 to $30 per form; more if it’s a complex custom design versus a predesigned template


Where to promote: Yellow Pages, classified ads, direct mail, Web site with e-commerce capability (for easy online purchasing and downloading of forms)


Qualifications: Basic editing and desktop publishing/design skills, knowledge of e-commerce, sales experience


Things needed: Computer, Adobe Acrobat software (for .pdf creation), printing equipment (if not using a subcontractor), extensive online or color catalog of your goods, inventory of a wide variety of forms


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Costs of cold calls—use the Internet to your highest benefit by advertising your Web site in as many places as possible