Start a Paper Shredding Business

There was a time when individuals and companies stored documents for years, and then sold it to a recycling service. Today, each document has a legal life, after which it needs to be shredded to protect the privacy of all concerned. Surveys show that a typical office employee generates 35 kg of paper every year. Of this, most is confidential, and needs to be destroyed. This has given birth to a roaring paper shredding service. Several entrepreneurs have set up such a service in large and small towns to assist companies to shred paper that they accumulate.

Target market:

It is not only companies, but even business establishments like hotels and gas stations that need to shred paper. The credit card charge slips alone mount to frightening proportions at these establishments. They can, of course, buy their own shredders and get rid of the unwanted documents. But these small stores will need to hire a resource person to do so. A better idea is to hand over the work to a paper shredding service.

You must also remember the number of legislations that are being passed regarding the destruction of personal documents. This list is getting lengthier every year. It is not only your credit card charge slips but even your job applications that need to be shredded now. Also don't forget computer print-outs, invoices, floppy disks that need to be destroyed. You can be sure that the need for shredder services will only grow.

Kinds of service:

There are two kinds of paper shredding service. The first is an office-based paper shredding service. In this case, the documents have to be transported to the shredding office for shredding. The other is the mobile paper shredding service. This is usually a truck-mounted shredding machine that can be driven to an establishment. Obviously, this is more popular because the shredding work is done under the nose of company employees. Also, the company does not have to pay extra for the transportation of documents.

Qualifications and skills:

No special qualifications are needed to run a paper shredding service. Anyone can learn how to operate a paper shredder. Also, most papers shredders come with warranties and annual maintenance contracts. There is therefore no need to employ an engineer take care of them.

Financing:

Depending upon your resources, you may or may not need external financing. The two most expensive items are a van and a heavy duty paper shredder. A good quality, mobile paper shredder can cost around $3,000. The cost of the van depends upon its condition. You can also use your car to carry a paper shredder, and install it in the office where the documents are to be shredded. But this is not advisable. It is better to have it fixed in a van.

Points to keep in mind:

Before starting a paper shredding service you need to explore the market around you. See how many companies and business establishments are located in your town. A good idea will be to take a sample tour and check which establishments own shredders, and which need such a service. You also need to check on competition. Are there any paper shredding services operating in your town? Is there space for one more? Also, how much do they charge and what kind of business are they generating? After this, you need to explore the different paper shredders. See which one suits you best. Have it installed in a van, and start your rounds. Make sure that you shred the last chit of paper. There should be no privacy violations on account of work half done.

If you do your work well, you may be looking for a second paper shredder and a second van within a year.