Take your business to the next level
We focus on retailer profitability, keeping our membership contributions low and with flexible contracts.
Who Are We And What Do We Do?
Cartridge Universe is a buying group, not a franchise. Our leaders have significant global printing industry experience and believe retailers (bricks/mortar and/or on-line) must operate differently to prosper in a rapidly changing market. We focus on retailer profitability, keeping our membership costs low and giving stores a competitive advantage over franchise stores and independent operators.
Members that have joined are more profitable than before, but more importantly far HAPPIER in this collaborative pro active group. Speak with members and they will tell you it is the best move they ever made and they wish they joined earlier.
Should I Join Cartridge Universe?
Three consistently top ranked, past franchise stores owners talk about the benefits of joining a members buying group.
Member Benefits
Cartridge Universe has already negotiated and will continue to seek more special deals with suppliers for buying group preferred prices and bulk deals.
Premium members share profits from EVERY National online web sale excluding territories owned by premium members. Premium members get 100% profit from sales in their own territory.
Work in a Collaborative environment. Many store owners that came from a franchise system tell us they felt like they were bullied, not listened too or mislead. Cartridge Universe members agree on sensible policies that benefit members, not third party management. High franchise fees may have been acceptable 20 years ago but the market has moved on and is far more competitive today. Todays margins can not afford to subsidise top heavy, inexperienced management.
The Cart U members buying group retains the benefits of working with a co ordinated network but off loads the burdens of crippling franchisees, loss of direction, revolving door management, foreign ownership, and suppressive work practices.
Got a great idea? CU has graphic designers that can turn that idea into in store posters, brochures, fliers for you. Benefit from other members ideas that work.
- Better buying power.
- Buying as a group means better deals & better prices on original brand.
- Better branding, stronger web presence as a global group.
- Sharing information and working together in the same direction.
- Not dealing with conflicts of interests that can occur in franchise systems.
- Belong to a group of like minded business people.
- Safety in numbers. Better legal coverage.
- Own exclusive range of quality inkjet and toners in Cartridge Universe brand.
Should I Join Cartridge Universe?
Three consistently top ranked, past franchise stores owners talk about the benefits of joining a members buying group.
Is it Flexible?
Yes, CU have 2 membership levels, Standard and Flagship.
A standard member can upgrade any time to a flagship member assuming a premium territory is still available.
Some franchise chains achieved rapid growth 10-20 years ago and made a lot of money for their founders. There were large up-front fees and significant ongoing payments, without enough value add.
Life for many cartridge franchise owners has become difficult with global store numbers declining from over 2,000 to under 600. Franchises have not changed with the market, successive owners have not stopped the rapid decline and now have an uncertain future.
Buying Groups, have been successful in many industries but not yet properly implemented in Printing Supplies. There are small up-front fees, a range of membership options with lower costs and membership is more flexible than a franchise.
Should I Join Cartridge Universe?
Three consistently top ranked, past franchise stores owners talk about the benefits of joining a members buying group.
Cartridge Universe Buying Group
A. General Membership
A one time up-front membership and low monthly contributions.
The retailer keeps using their own business name.
Discounts and special offers available from selected distributors and wholesalers.
Buy our white box products or buy from other suppliers.
B. Premium Membership
A one time up-front membership and monthly fees.
Same as General Membership and includes exclusive territory by Post Codes.
Premium members can open or operate sub branches or agents, inside their territory, no additional fees apply.
In addition, Premium stores benefit from Cartridge Universe Web sales. Web orders fulfilled from the local store or centrally with 100% profit (after all costs) going to stores from sales inside a Premium Members territory & a 1/3 share of profit from online white space territory sales divided between Premium members.
(eg territory owner, located in Brisbane gets a share of web sales made in vacant territories in the rest of Australia.)
Stores can use, if they wish, the buying group name and colour scheme and have access to P.O.S materials , branded carry bags, pens, headed notepaper, business cards, marketing fliers, logo shirts, posters, banners, promo items etc.
CU would also like to help stores rebrand or update signage by helping towards signage costs, in the form of a credit, to offset any new Cartridge Universe brand store signage when joining.
Should I Join Cartridge Universe?
Three consistently top ranked, past franchise stores owners talk about the benefits of joining a members buying group.
How Can I Join?
Interested retailers, please complete our contact form below. It is not just a matter of paying the membership fee, buying group members must provide a high level of sales and service. We focus on high quality/fair value, we do not sell low quality, cheap products.
Should I Join Cartridge Universe?
Three consistently top ranked, past franchise stores owners talk about the benefits of joining a members buying group.
Request a call today
If you are ready to chat to someone about taking your business to the next level then please complete this form and we’ll contact you straight away.