Archived News 2007

Ink & Toner Opportunities (National Newsagents Magazine).

Tonnex International is an Australian company which specializes in wholesale distribution of printer and computer consumables.

It has been supplying OEM (Original Equipment Manufactured) ink cartridges and toner cartridges to the Australian market for nine years. Tonnex is building its profile in news agencies as more outlets increase their ranges of computer consumables.

“We try to provide same-day or next-day delivery and reasonable margins to retailers,” Managing Director of Tonnex George Solomon, explained. Solomon says the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) sector is growing by 20% per year. “People don’t want keep spares in the cupboard. They want to go out and buy as needed and prefer to shop locally. Newsagencies are ideally placed to be the destination for toners and cartridges.”

Stock rotation

“It’s a high price, low-margin product and the stock changes rapidly. If a product has been on the shelf for two months, it is not selling and we will replace it.” Solomon said.

“We provide a start-up list of about 30 titles (which is 80% accurate for most areas) and then rotate stock as the local demand dictates.”

Tonnex has a ‘1800’ number for stock ordering right across Australia and with a $75 minimum order it is convenient for newsagents of all sizes.

Survey your customers

Before you commit to the inkjet/toner cartridge market, conduct some research. Survey your customer to find out their needs. Ask what type of printer they have at home, if they print documents or photos, where they buy their toner and what they would like their newsagency to stock.

Cartridges are a product that has to be marketed so that customers know what you have and develop the habit of buying the product from you. Once a customer has had a satisfactory experience buying a cartridge from you the chances are they will return. Collect their email addresses so you can email any specials – help them to save money – they will appreciate the service.