Toner and cartridge franchise Inkspot has plans to add up to 250 locations to its portfolio across New South Wales and Queensland following on from the 10 additional franchises opened in Victoria last year.

In addition to providing new and original ink and toner cartridges, the four year old Victorian based retail operation is tapping in to the demand for recycling and refilling printer consumables, with almost 45 percent of gross national sales derived from environmental awareness and sustainable solutions for refills.

Inkspot director and strategy manager Vincent Teubler told Franchising there was little direct competition for its services within the neighbourhood shopping centres. " On the surface, Cartridge World is our biggest competitor, but they are strip located, and we took the approach that cartridges are a consumer product now, this is a convenience purchase. Our average shopper is a mother with kids who doesn't want to make a separate journey."

Although the retail kiosks are in high traffic areas of major shopping centres, usually outside supermarkets, sales also come from local businesses, schools, hospitals and government offices.

Owner operators are more likely to drive the business harder and push the business to business side of this seven day a week operation, said Teubler, but there are passive investors in the network too.

"We are rapidly expanding and need more people who have commitment and energy, basic business acumen and excellent customer service skills. We have a very clear mandate to ensure the success of our franchisees, no matter how little or how much business experience they bring to the Inkspot family."