MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL-Every business with a computer knows the frustration of nearing the completion of an important project only to be thwarted by a faulty laser printer. While some organizations employ staff experts to maintain and service their printers, most firms do not have the personnel and must endure the consequences: missed deadlines and/or costly repairs. Until now.

The all-too-common scenario has given birth to LASERQuipT International, Ltd., the first and only franchise that specializes in servicing laser printers. LASERQuipT is the brainchild of David Naas who, over the years, has built a proven business system attracting and retaining thousands of clients.

"We provide clients with a unique package of maintenance and repair services that ensure trouble-free operation of their equipment," says Naas, LASERQuipT chairman and CEO. "For a modest fee ranging from $48 to $116 per service call, depending on the printer make and model, our services include on-site trouble shooting within four hours, preventative maintenance, periodic replacement of toner cartridges, and unlimited phone support when problems arise. When warranted, a LASERQuipT technician can be on-site to make repairs within one hour, and we will even provide clients with laser printers to use while their equipment is being repaired."

Naas says the company has "retained 65% of our clients over the last five years," noting that clients include government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, and a realm of independent businesses and professionals. "Our franchisees are furnished with the technical skills and parts to service more than 83% of laser printers in use," he notes.

An estimated 10.8 million laser printers were in use at the end of 1995 in the United States alone, according to IDC Corporation. That compares with 6.6 million two years earlier and only 3.4 in use at the end of 1990.

"Laser printer sales are expected to continue increasing as more and more of the nation's 74 million computer owners upgrade their printer equipment," notes Naas, whose system-wide revenues climbed to $4 million in 1995 from $1.8 million in 1992 and $700,000 in 1989.

Initial franchise growth will be concentrated throughout the Midwest. The ideal franchise candidate is "someone from middle to upper management that has business experience and a focus on customer service. We provide franchisees with extensive training covering every facet of the business, from customer service and technical support to telemarketing, sales, and software operation, and we train your employees as well-including your technicians and sales staff."

New franchisees generally require a staff of 10 including sales, management, technical and customer service. About 1,200 to 2,000 square feet of office and storage space is required, usually in an economical industrial park. Franchisees, who operate from 7:30 to 5 Monday through Friday, are awarded exclusive territories.

Total start-up costs for a LASERQuipT franchise-most of which may be financed-range from $59,900 to $101,075, including an initial franchise fee of $25,000. While royalties are calculated at 10% of gross sales, a rebate up to 45% of the royalty may be applied to the purchase of supplies, forms, printed materials and toner products.

The company operates offices in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and has franchised offices in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.