Business Service Centers & Copy Shops

Business Service Centers & Copy Shops

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry operate business service centers, including private mailing centers, copy shops, and other document duplication centers. Major US companies include Allegra Marketing Printing Mail, FedEx, Minuteman Press, Sir Speedy, and The UPS Store. Major companies based outside the US include bpost (Belgium), and Quality Post (Mexico).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by business spending, particularly spending by small businesses that lack in-house mailing and document preparation operations. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and good customer service. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in purchasing or leasing equipment such as printers and copiers. Small companies can compete by offering highly specialized services, superior customer service, or favorable locations. The US industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 60% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services are document copying and reproduction, which account for about 60% of the industry revenue; mailroom services and mailbox rentals for about 15%; and packaging and labeling services for about 10%. Other sources of revenue for the industry include facsimile services, word processing, on-site PC rental, and office product sales.