Affordable Electronic Monitoring System Available for Cost Per Copy Laser Printer Service
Palmetto, Fla. — International Electronic Tracking Company (IET), a division of Florida Ribbon Co. &
Recycling, Inc., has announced the formal release of its Data Connection box. This device has been field tested for more than a
year with tremendous results.
The electronic tracking device to rapidly expand its Cost Per Copy (CPC) service contracts, is an affordable way
to track pages printed on laser printers and provide the end user with immediate access to service support. This
ingenious electronic device notifies the Central Tracking Station when toner cartridges need to be changed, even before it is
readily apparent to the end user. In addition, an emergency button on the Data Connection box can be used by the end user
to report a printer malfunction. Pressing this button sounds an alarm at the Central Tracking Station. The history of
the printer is then displayed on the tracking monitor at the IET office, along with the end user's name and phone number.
The end user is immediately called for further information regarding the printer problem and, if needed, a technician is
dispatched.
Florida Ribbon Co. & Recycling, Inc., has been selling CPC contracts for three years, but the management of such
a program is difficult and becomes almost impossible without significantly increasing service personnel once more than
200 printers are under contract. Recognizing this problem at an early stage, and striving to accomplish a premier "Just Add
Paper" service program, the company research department began to develop an electronic device that would allow for the planning
of toner cartridge changes and also allow the end user a high-tech, no-hassle method for receiving service. A full-time
engineer was hired and the International Electronic Tracking Company was conceived.
This system enables the remanufacturer to compete without lowering cartridge prices. Under the program,
the remanufacturer offers more than just a toner cartridge; rather, he offers quality output through annual contracts. At the
same time, the remanufacturer is able to capture virtally all of the customers' service business. CPC esentially produces
income of $210 per SX cartridge versus the typical $30-60. Remanufacturers can offer toner cartridges, service, and parts for
about the same price per copy as a new 'EM toner cartridge purchased at a discount office supply store. The package is
extremely attractive to sell.
Jim Tarter is the president of the International Electronic Tracking Co. and founder of Florida Ribbon Co. &
Recycling, Inc., located in Palmetto, Florida. The company is seeking other remanufacturing/service companies to
establish national business partners under this program. A seminar, planned for sometime in January 1999, will acquaint
those interested in establishing a Cost Per Copy Service department.
For further information, contact Jim Tarter at (941) 723-2265 or fax (941) 729-9091.
This article originally appeared in the September 1998 issue of Recharger.