Ad-funded free photocopying for varsity students

This venture will be launched in Johannesburg at Wits University and University of Johannesburg (UJ) at the beginning of March 2008.

“Being free of charge our service is expected to become very popular with students. The paper used in the machines will carry colour advertising on the back; this is why the paper used will be rather thicker than normal copying paper so that the ads on the back do not show through. This has the added advantage that paper jams are less frequent,” says Themba Sikhosana, the 21 year-old graduate from Wits who established the business in October 2007.

Promote products or services

Copycat Network's strategy involves installing self-service copying machines in locations frequented by students on campus. According to Sikhosana, the aim is to help companies promote their products or services to tertiary students around the country, as well as getting involved in graduate recruitment.

This method of advertising is reportedly working like a charm in Japan at the moment. Japanese company Oceanize started offering the service to students in April 2006 and it became a big hit, with long queues of students lining up to make use of this service known as tadacopy (ie free-copy). The current roster of sponsors for tadacopy includes college favorites such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Japan Tobacco.

Sikhosana comments, “We strongly believe that students are invaded by these commercials everywhere, and at the end they are all useless. We are providing students with a free photocopying service and for once, we have a media that is useful for the student, and efficient for the advertiser. Students are more likely to keep the advert, as presumably they photocopied something useful onto it (eg past exam papers, handouts from missed classes etc).”

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