1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Printing, copies and CV typing service: your step-by-step start

Offer printing, copies, scanning, laminating, CV typing and online applications from a small counter or your home.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 1 hour
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Organised people who are good with computers and online forms and live where printers are far away.

Think twice if

  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.
  • You cannot put about R3 000 into getting started.
  • You cannot free up about 15 hours a week.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 14 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: printer breakdowns: keep a service plan or backup.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How printing, copies and CV typing service worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Write a price list for copies, printing, CVs and applications3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Check power backup3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Open and record every sale by service3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Put up signs near schools and clinics3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Add lamination and photo printing if asked for3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Offer a CV typing package3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R3 000 to R15 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Laser printer and scanner
  • Laptop
  • Laminator
  • UPS or inverter
  • Price list

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.