Epson signs Network Group up to ReadyInk programme

Epson has struck its first partnership agreement for its ReadyInk programme that provides customers with a reseller-fulfilled pay-as-you-go ink replenishment programme.

Network Group has signed up to the scheme and will be offering a 360ink programme through the groups' 71 resellers across the UK.

ReadyInk works with Epson monitoring registered customers and then sharing that information with the Network Group with cartridges being sent out before the ink runs dry. Most of the vendor's printers released after 2013 come with support for the replenishment service already built in.

The programme is pitched as an alternative to some of the other vendor offerings, which are based around monthly payments, with the focus being on pay-as-you-go. There can also be some promotions that resellers can pass on to customers.

“Giving users what they want and need is at the heart of everything we do – and by working with Network Group to deliver this programme, we are also helping resellers strengthen customer retention and grow sales in an increasingly challenging market,” said Mauro Bartoletti, European head of retail, Epson.

The response from some of the 71 resellers that are part of the Network Group able to take the service out to market has been positive.

“360ink, powered by Epson ReadyInk, allows us to enhance our customer offer, effectively managing great client relations and creating an additional recurring revenue stream for the business," said Michael Morgan, managing director at Morgan & Morgan.

Ian Kirk, operations manager at Forum Computers, added: “360ink gives Forum the competitive advantage, expanding our portfolio of offerings and creating recurring revenue for us.”

It has been a busy seven days in the printer channel with HP picking up managed print specialist Apogee in a bid to strengthen its presence in the copier market and earlier today Mode Print Solutions revealing it had undergone an MBO.