An innovative Japanese company is offering university students free photocopies. This free love is made possible by printing ads on the back of the copy paper, which is slightly thicker than normal to prevent ads from shining through. For JPY 400,000, advertisers can have their message printed on 10,000 sheets of paper.
Tadacopy machines have been placed at a few dozen campuses, and are a big hit with students. The company was founded by students at the universities of Keio, Chuo and Hosei, who installed the first free copy machine in April of last year. Nice one for student entrepreneurs to set up in other countries! You'll make some extra money, your fellow students will thank you, and local advertisers will be able to reach a targeted audience in a novel way. Like any good free love concept, it’s a win-win-win situation. (Related: Free mobile calls for teenagers.)
Website: www.tadacopy.com
Contact: info@oceanize.co.jp
Spotted by: Peter den Ridder
Really good idea. A similar business has been set up in France but instead of free photocopies, it offers free picture processing and home delivery in exchange for ads on the bottom of pictures.
my only worry would be that it would encourage copyright violation. when i was in college i know that some students would photocopy a book if it worked out to be cheaper than buying it. with this system it would always be cheaper to copy the book than to buy it! so maybe the copy company could be taken to court by the copyright holders.
but 400,000 yen is more than 3 thousand bucks, i wish i had thought of it when i was in college! with a bit of promotion, you could easily cover your business costs.
Great Idea! And about the copyright violation, that would be a discussion for some other time. If I knew that Jacques Derrida, Ricoeur, Levi-Strauss and Terry Engleton would see half a penny of my money in their pockets when I bought a book, I would be first in line buying. At a university the goal is to have extracts available to study, not to make a profit, and certainly, if it were the case, the advertising would make that extra difficult.
Feels like a theme/trend: what cannot be supported by advertising, freeing consumers from having to pay? Papers, rental cars, even flights...warrants a cool trend moniker?
I guess google thought this idea was comical: http://mail.google.com/mail/help/paper/index.html (it's an April Fool's joke)
I have to wonder if the copy machines are placed in a fully self-service environment or are monitored in some way. Even with abuse (students making copies of random body parts, etc.) I guess the advertisers are still getting the message to the target audience.
I see what you are saying Rob, but it doesn't really matter what people are copying as long as the advertisers are getting their adverts distributed, right? As the point is to produce revenue, not to help students with their studies!
can tell me the website of the france company. I'm from a asian country and is most probably trying it out.
Hi Kai,
The website of the French similar business is http://www.mesphotosoffertes.com/.
Tim,
Agreed. Just 'thinking out loud." In fact it might boost the average volume!
think its a great idea, might probably try it over here(nigeria), cos over here books are kinda expensive for the average student, so hand-outs(photocopied texts) are like the life blood of the students educational material.
I'm in college right now, and I'd appreciated a lot if copies were free, I spend a lot in copies and prints every week. I'd also like to bring this idea to my country (Mexico) but I cant understand anything at the TadaCopy's webpage 'cause it's all in japanese.
While I do like the idea, I think this is likely a very small opportunity at least in the U.S. Most large universities here have fairly sophisticated print/copy operations. The already lease a ton of copiers and sell a ton of advertising. What are the barriers to entry for them once you pitch your idea? I think that leaves you targeting smaller universities and institutions (with lower copy volume) that don't want to deal with leasing copiers or selling ads. Very interested in other viewpoints...
had the same problem with the website, wish there was a way to understand how they operate, instead of starting from scratch, any ideas?
hmmx... make google to full use !! it has a website translator... anyway, patent the idea in us first..
The idea is great. There are 2 questions:
- 40 yen per person seems to be a bit high cost to reach people. (even if the ad is seen by more people, but on the other hand one person copies 100-200 pages, so the cost/person can be even higher)
- As a result of the above question, an advertiser has to buy a huge package of papers in order to reach reasonable crowd. Copying for free, the unlimited opportunity can be expensive
Idea cannot be patented in the U.S. because it is not a novel idea.
I'm in South America I'm also interested in implementing this idea. Anybody from other countries interested in doing a business case together? we can split the tasks and work together and faster.
hi mari,
good idea... you can reach me on nedspeed@gmail.com
Hey Mari,
write me an email too. m-heininger@gmx.de
anyone from singapore ?
Hello Mari,
I am from the USA. My wife is from Peru. I would like to look at maybe talking to you about this idea in the USA and SA.
We have the funding and business experience to make this work!
Paul paul@enerconbiz.com
Hi Kai,
I am from Hong Kong....But Sg is close...So,we can work on the idea together. Feel free to contact me : fred102ng@yahoo.com
Hi!I'm from China. I'm also interested in implementing this idea. Anybody from China or ohter Asian countries interested in doing a business case together? we can split the tasks and work together and faster. just join in our team.
Hi Mari, I'm interested in doing this in Ireland/UK. you can email me at nkleffen@gmail.com
it is a great idea but how much would the initial cost of the photocopiers be and maintenance of them? would you be runing at a profit?
Anybody interested into sharing business case and business plan. Work in progress already...
slavainne@gmail.com
I am interested too, for Austria.
Compliments to this bright idea.
tarun.dewan@chello.at
Hi Tina,
Good to learn You want to do it in China... I am from HK... Wanna work together...?
fred102ng@yahoo.com
I have been in touch with my University (Sheffield) discussing this idea. The controllers of photocopying in the library said that they could not allow it within the library (although a copy machine could be placed elsewhere on campus) but that copyrighting laws in the UK might cripple this system. Free photocopying could not be used for photocopying from texts etc.
Can anyone shed any more light on this issue?
Nice Idea, Want to implement this is Nigeria. Can anyone please lets share ideas on how to make this work.Have an dying Cybercafe already in a major campus in Nigeria
Hi everyone. I really like this idea, but as everybody here I have my doubts about making it work (copyright issues, etc). Just in case some of you are working on this, I give you a couple ideas a thought on how to handle the difficulties that appeared and some that I haven't solve yet.
In the first place, the copyright issue is really a big deal. You can have big problems with this, but.... there are solutions. It's not the best but it might work. During day hours you can have a couple of student (at different times) to make the machine work. This guys are good for 2 things: They can check that no one photocopies a copyrighted material, and they can take good care on the machine (so that it doesn't break easily). This can mean a cost but not a big one as they are students.
Another thing to take care is to mix the publicity. I mean that if you have 5 advertisers, you probably should mix all their ads so that 1 person gets an ad from all the adverts. That gives you a nice hook for adverts as much more people will have their papers. (The mixing can be done at the press company that prints the papers).
The machines. Some one talked about buying the machines. I don't know if this is common everywhere, but in my country (Argentina, South America) you can rent the piece of equipment by a fair price.(they usually charge you for the number of copies used) The price will include the machine, the toner and the maintenance. Also they give you some sort of insurance so if the machine brakes, you don't need to pay a thing, they just repair it or bring you a replacement. This could really work as you are completely free of machine complicated stuff, no big investment and less employees to handle this things.
How many pages? This is a bit of a problem. If one machine is really working, you will need to refill it every day or even more than ones a day. If you have the employees I suggested, they can do this, but you will also need to think about the place to keep the paper not in use.
One thing to deal with in countries like mine is that there's a sort of "mafia" around the photocopying business. The reason? Big bucks! If you get a free service where there is someone charging for it (and making good money) you will certanly be in trouble. To solve this you should probably offer them to partner o something like that but i'm not sure it'll work.
Well, these are just thoughts, I hope they help.
Hi. Really good idea. Can anyone tell me what should i bye to make this business. Thanks.
My mail ckuliev@yahoo.com
Where can i see copy examples?
Everyone interested in finding out more about Tadacopy, please contact info@oceanize.co.jp. Or pop over to Japan! :-)
Just been doing some research on the copyright side of things in the UK, it seems a license would be required? Anyone else from the UK interested in doing this? email me pjpeers@googlemail.com , perhaps a license can be shared almost in a franchise kind of way.
Hi everyone!
Great to see that so many people are interested in launching this concept in their own neck of the woods. If you do start your own free photo copy venture, let me know and we'll feature your start-up in a follow-up article. Just send your info to liesbeth@springwise.com.
Hi all, very late to know this idea, but i think this is a great idea. Get the niche market very well. Could some one share how to get things work. Specially those who came from Asia -- I came from Indonesia..
Feel free to contact me at : luvpucino@gmail.com
I am interested. Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia.
Mail me at: bambas.si@gmail.com
carrying out a bit a research on this to implement in nigeria.anyone interested should pls reach me on isival14@yahoo.com.shina,tunde?
great idea though but like all business ideas work and research must be done to know workability of the idea
I would like to implement this idea in Spain.
How will I put the ad on the paper?
Has anybody thought about this??
thank you
Hello everyone.
I wish to start this idea work in Croatia.
Contact me
Thanx
Hi everyboby.
I'm interested too to Brazil
contact me please
bernardes.nuno@gmail.com
I'm really interested in doing this in my hometown! I have some business experience! Contact me please!
aprillewillemse@hotmail.com
Hi Fred,
I am also from Hong Kong. I wanna talk more about this idea with you. Pleas contact me.
derekch412@gmail.com
Hi guys,
My only 2 questions for those who have already done their homework are: what kind of paper can you use especially if you'll be printing ads in the back? And how do we know if this paper will still work smoothly with an ordinary copy machine?
nice idea! we'll do this in germany within a busines case till the end of 2007. name wasnt chosen so far. ill keep you posted :)
Hey henning,
I'm interested with this business as well, in fact I've compiled some information and preparing the plan and proposals.
I'm from Indonesia. Perhaps you could leave me your contacts and we'll talk further...
Btw my contact is joshlim.718[at]gmail.com
Cheers..
I am interested in launching this idea in Australia please contact me with information and the work you guys have so far put together as i can defiantly add strong background information and development.
michaelolivero@optusnet.com.au
Props to the great entrepeneurs at tadacopy!!!
im VERY interested in implementing this concept in South Africa! we have many educational institutions and even office parks that would relish the idea of free photocopies...i have the funds and i have the resources...i urge anybody who knows anything about this excellent business idea to email me- jakdot@mweb.co.za
All i need is a solid business proposal to secure the funding, help a fellow student out. Many thanx!
Hi Everyone, I am in Dallas, Texas USA and read your comment in regards to the free copy for students idea. Have any of you started this and if so, how is it working out? I would love to get your input on this and possibly try this in Dallas, Texas area. I have some other ideas that i can incorporate with this business also.
patiently awaiting your response.
hey woulld do all the efforts to make it successful in india, is there any one to join me in india or outside india !!!! can mail me on sujeetmutha@rediffmail.com
Hi Michael,
I'm in New Zealand and currently in Japan doing a working holiday and will definetly hit Tokyo mid Feb. I'm going to try and find a Tadacopy to check out. You can email me at ng.eunice@gmail.com
Eunice
Good Idea. Will be appropriate in Kenya not only for campus students, maybe for the authorities to spread a word of peace and reconciliation among the general population following the violence after dec '07 elections.
Anybody willing to share business plan? email: muriuki(at)jkuat.ac.ke
When I was in university, I thought about how much photocopy I was doing precisely because I had to pay for it - effectively reducing any unnecessarily wasted paper. This habit I carried even now I work in an office. I am afraid that this may remove this 'training' for our future workforce.
I am very interested and i will launch it in Indonesia. Anyone wanna talking abut it?
Send me at iwaque_z@yahoo.co.id or prince_vaderz@yahoo.com
Hi great idea. If anyone has a business plan that they would not mind to share, I'd be interested in hearing from you mancinimania@gmail.com
Many thanks
Sam
I'm worried about the environmental implications of this. We are already using too much forest, and this would certainly encourage a lot of waste of papers.
Interested in launching serviice in my Caribbean country. Please contact me at this address mikemmoss70@gmail.com for details and business proposal.
This is a fantastic idea. In this day and age many large corporations are looking to cut costs on non value-added services such as stationery and photocopying. This idea would certainly enable them to save a lot of money, though I would imagine it would still be run in parallel with regular services for more formal reports etc that need to be copied.
Great idea, I'm interested in doing something with this in the UK. I have a lot of contacts at Universities, especially in Scotland so email me: Markwebster1@gmail.com
i have done a litle research and what i have find is these other two website explain about those photocopy machines:
http://www.labelnetworks.com/technology/purikura_07.cfm
http://web-japan.org/trends/business/bus070126.html#
another sugesstion, what if i have already printed the compy logo or banner which i want to advertise for them on peace of paper then i have normal photocopy machine and i use those papers on that machine will b the same as the above idea?
contact me through mlaseko.g@tz.celtel.com
I would be very much interested in trying it out in my home country - Malta; i `m still a bit uneasy with the paper thingy ...tickness, loading etc...someone must still keep an eye on it.
Any help and info welcome!: agialanze@hotmail.com
I think, one could possibly do this at the office of student organisations on campus...or even at the library...why not with their permission.
I don`t think copyright is not that of a big issue...after all...even with card (prepaid) operating machines...its still up to the individual not to violate the law!..so?
I am interested in the idea. I am based in Malaysia. Please let me know if anyone is interested to work together. You can contact me at jennytay@xis.com.my
I like to study in this country
Hello, I'm from Italy, and I would setup this idea in a near University Campus (actually where I did studied). Also I would be interested in doing business in London.Free help for anyone in marketing+business plans issues :)(considered my free-time available).Collaborations or requests 4 help -> mgarrini@yahoo.it
I´m from South America, i´m trying to implement this idea in my country, also i would like to do it in Argentina, Brasil, or anothe country, anyone interested to do it as a partnership?
Hi! I'm from the Philippines. Just like the rest of you, i think that this is a good idea to replicate in each of our respective countries. Anyone who has done some initial work on this, appreciate it if you could share with me at mitchsan@gmail.com. Will also be doing feasibility studies on my own and will share findings with you when done. Thanks!
Hi, any advice or experience with this please contact me as I'm very interested in starting something similar here in canada.
What kind of paper, what kind of machine has been best, known problems etc.
Thanks!
Chris
We're in the midst of exploring this concept and expanding a similar approach across North America.
Overall, the idea is novel, but it needs further modeling and analysis. If we move forward, information will be posted on our corporate printer ink / printer supplies website at: http://www.concordsupplies.com.
great beautiful idea. can i remake here in india?
I already did a preliminary run here in the Philippines.
I am willing to share all the things i learned. please email me commanderjaygold@yahoo.com
Please take into account demand vs supply. A photocopier can only take so much especially if you limit students.
I am currently planning a new one anyone who wishes to help please contact me as well :D
hi mari,
good idea... you can reach me on emsi_greaban@yahoo.com
i am from Romania
Great Idea... Anyone to work together in a business plan for Portugal, Spain and Italy?!
feel free to email me at: davidjpsilva@gmail.com
I am working on a business plan for central america. Anyone interested in working together?, as someone already said, I am focusing my business plan on the following:
a. I will have at least 2 guys to work in the copy machines and take care of them
b. I will lease the equipment. (most times buying a good and reliable copy machine is really expensive for a start-up)
c. I will have already the advertizing printed and I will then use the paper to take the copies.
What I need help is in determining how much companies are willing to pay for advertizing..., lets say 10.000 copies? I guess I will have to share one paper with two companies... so I can reach a break even point faster...
Anyone interested write me at adrianbeja@hotmail.com.
Hi everyone,
We already doing this in the UK.
Check this out http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2HpEY__gY04
We expanding quite rapidly as well.
If you think you might do that as well, get in touch with me - we will arrange same concept at your university/campus.
all the best!
my email - dennis@copyfox.co.uk
Hello guys, Free Love Philippines has made a primer on how to create your own free photocopying service :
http://blog.isangisla.com/innovation/354
you can download it there. I hope that helps
Do yo know about whether they limit the number of copies per student or not?
Hey guys,
I am very impressed by this idea. am a college student and wish to start in my college in India. all interested entrepreneurs can contact me at sachinjain.bits@gmail.com. Hoping by the time someone reads this i would have already started my own.
cheers