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Yes,
we are the Lewis Family that were on Family Feud
What
began as a means to supplement his salary has grown into a sole
source of income for Gordon Lewis, founder of the Printer Filling
Station, former Senior Service Technician with Scientific-Atlanta.
When the Internet developed and began to grow, Gordon started
thinking about business. The printer he had at that time was a laser
printer and the replacement cartridges were large and expensive. He
found a local source to buy the toner, refill it himself, and save a
good deal of money. One though led to another, and Gordon began to
visualize an opportunity. "Everyone on the Internet has a computer"
Gordon said, "and if they've got a computer, they've got a printer
and most printers are inkjet" and the idea for an Internet-based
printer ink refill business began. Gordon started in 1997 and spent
over three years developing his website and his product and
researching the market, before launching the Printer Filling Station
in 2000. He bought original ink cartridges and took them apart to
see how they could be refilled. He took photographs in various
stages of dismantling the inkjet cartridges to use in his website
for refill instructions. He learned about the properties of various
printers and inks. Epson printers, for example, need a lubricant in
their inks to keep the printers working properly and prevent the
print head from drying out.
At
first Gordon sold his inks as a dealer under a bulk supplier.
Business grew quickly and he needed a direct source. Using the
Thomas Book of American Manufacturers, Gordon found numerous direct
ink sources with inks of different qualities. He choose what he knew
to be a superior ink supply and began purchasing direct. Gordon
talked with other self-employed individuals he met waiting to mail
packages at the post office and in community classes and exchanged
business tips with them . He discovered sources to improve his
rankings on Internet search engines, to improve his 800 number
services, and other marketing strategies. He developed a product and
service, which has been so successful, he offers a 100% money back
guarantee. An ink cartridge that costs $25-$40 can be refilled for
about two dollars, and there is a toll free number for technical
support, if needed. His wife, Margaret who has worked beside him
from the start adds, "We started small, not with too many inks."
The
Lewis's have moved from their original home to a larger home in
Loganville Georgia with a full 2500 square foot basement to house
the business. The advantages of working at home Gordon says, "We do
not drive to work, and don't get in traffic jams. With gas prices up
as high as they are, we don't use very much gas, so that hasn't
bothered us. UPS and USPS now comes to the door; so theoretically,
we don't have to leave the house at all. It's actually the ideal
business to have." The down side is the competition in
internet-based businesses has grown. "A lot depends on the search
engines. When you rank good; you make good. "It's not like working
for a company with a steady income. Your income is up and down, but
hopefully the average is better than working for someone else."
Other negative factors: Gordon has to pay his own health insurance,
which is now in the neighborhood of $1,300 per month and for the
services of a good tax professional. "Overall, it's been a good
move, a good change. To start your own business, don't get
discouraged when you try five others that fail. If you keep on
trying you're going to hit one that's going to succeed for you. Keep
on trying. If you don't try, you'll never make it. Desperation is a
good motivator."
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