Rubber Stamp Business

Start-up cost: $5,000–$15,000

Potential earnings: $40,000–$60,000

Typical fees: $5–$15 per stamp

Advertising: Mail order, direct mail, newspapers

Qualifications: Training by a printing professional

Equipment needed: Computer with laser printer, photo polymer system (you can subcontract the larger orders that need to be made of rubber)

Staff required: No

Hidden costs: Materials can run high (as much as $1,000 per year)

What You Do

The rubber stamp business gets the stamp of approval from many experts on entrepreneurship. Why? Because it’s a relatively easy way to make steady money from a simple product. The variety of stamps you can produce is mind-boggling. Think of the last time you went into a retail store and saw literally hundreds of choices, from frogs and stars to computers. Now think of the possibilities in the business world. Small businesses need to have return address stamps because they’re cheaper in the long haul than labels and more readily available. You can sell wholesale, retail, or mail order with this business. Expect to generate immediate interest if you introduce your company with introductory specials and discounts for new customers. You’ll work with printers and graphics people who can provide you with all the background and technical information you need. So what is to lose from a product line so easy to produce?

What You Need

You’ll need to invest in some equipment ($3,000–$5,000) at the outset. If you’re buying a franchise version of this business, which could provide you with all the training you’ll need, expect to spend another $10,000 minimum on licensing fees. Since you’ll be marketing your inexpensive product to the masses for $5 to $15 each, you stand a good chance of making a go of this one.

Keys to Success

The investment’s not too high and the income potential is great. What more could you ask?