Cartridge World vs ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS
Cartridge World vs ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: Cartridge World costs $35K to $346K to open; ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS costs $65K to $135K. Cartridge World has 138 units, ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS has 8. SBA loan history: Cartridge World = 198 loans (19.7% default); ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS = 10 loans (20.0% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Cartridge World vs ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Cartridge World requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($35K vs $65K for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS), a 46% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $19K for Cartridge World versus $67K for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS, Cartridge World has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Cartridge World operates 138 units to ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS's 8, roughly 17× the system size. ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS has been operating 29 years (founded 1997) versus 29 for Cartridge World (founded 1997), a 0-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Cartridge World has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 198 7(a) approvals compared with 10 for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS. Cartridge World's peak SBA year was 2005 (53 loans); ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS's peak was 2004 (4 loans). Cartridge World's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Cartridge World has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 19. ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS leads in FL, with 2. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Cartridge World deals is $127K vs $98K for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 19.7% for Cartridge World and 20.0% for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS, Cartridge World has the cleaner SBA loss record by 0.3 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 43 (Fair) for Cartridge World and 24 (Fair) for ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS, giving Cartridge World the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 43/100 | 24/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 198 | 10 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 19.7% | 20.0% |
Peer Tier | major | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $35K to $346K | $65K to $135K |
Franchise Fee | $19K | $67K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 4% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $40K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $150K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 138 | 8 |
Franchised Units | 138 | 8 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1997 | 1997 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | GAINESVILLE, GA | Plantation, FL |
Category | Stationery | Stationery |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2024 | N/A |
Which Is Better, Cartridge World or ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Cartridge World: $35K starting · ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: $65K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Cartridge World
Cartridge World: 198 SBA loans · ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: 10 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Cartridge World
Cartridge World: 19.7% · ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: 20.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Cartridge World: 138 units · ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: 8 units
More lender financing options
Cartridge World
Cartridge World: 88 unique lenders · ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: 9 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Cartridge World vs ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Cartridge World and ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $35K to $346K.
Cartridge World has 198 SBA loans on record and ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS has 10. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Cartridge World vs ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Cartridge World or ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS?
How much does a Cartridge World franchise cost compared to ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS?
Can I finance Cartridge World or ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Cartridge World or ISLAND INK-JET SYSTEMS?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman