Audrey Jackson. Credit: The Advertiser Tribune
Owner of UpCycle Ink explains reasons and processes behind starting up online remanufactured cartridge business.
The Advertiser-Tribune.com reports on the new business venture of Audrey Jackson of Tiffin, Ohio, who decided to set up an online ink and toner store selling remanufactured and compatible cartridges.
Jackson explains that the store, called UpCycle Ink, came about after she found from running an office that “office supplies such as ink and toner cartridges can take up a pretty good chunk of the office supply budget”, and after trying to find good quality remanufactured or compatible ink but getting mixed results, she decided to research the industry.
“It is hard to find a company you can trust to buy good-quality remanufactured or compatible ink when there are so many advertising the ‘best,'” said Jackson. “This led me to start my own online ink and toner store.” She added that the birth of her son in 2010 also inspired her to start her own business “and make my job work around my family and not the other way around”.
The result of her research saw Jackson partnering with a number of certified suppliers, and she highlights the importance of finding reliable, certified business partners to ensure high quality products: “STMC (standardized test methods committee) certification is especially important because, unlike years ago when the industry of remanufactured cartridges was unregulated, there is now a standard set of quality tests and guidelines a company must meet to ensure the quality of the remanufactured cartridge is equal to a brand new cartridge. […] Not all sellers of remanufactured or compatible ink have this certification, and that can mean a lower quality and less-consistent product.”
Jackson emphasises her keenness in helping businesses to “go green”. As well as selling cartridges, UpCycle Ink allows customers to send in their used cartridges to be remanufactured or recycled, providing a free shipping label that can be printed from its website. “This is a very important feature of our business,” Jackson said. “It assures that there is going to be enough cartridges in the future to be remanufactured and it also keeps the cartridges out of landfills. […] Although customers are not required to send in their cartridges, it does complete the recycling circle. At UpCycle Ink it is a win-win. You are saving green while going green.”
She added: “If the customer isn’t satisfied, they can receive their money back – it’s that simple. We are here to provide a well-made, quality product which is going to save our customers money while reusing a product that would otherwise end up in a landfill. […] If you are sceptical on the quality, just purchase one. After you see the savings and experience the quality of our products you will be hooked.”