Copy Services

Aloha Everyone,

In the USA, it is not uncommon to have a desk top or laptop computer at home and printer to handle small personal copy requirements. 

I don’t have statistics on how many households own computers in Quito, but I see numerous small shops offering copy services. 

This morning, J.J. and I walked to a small storefront to have our airline tickets and hotel reservations printed for our trip to Cuenca. 

The space is estimated to be about 80 sq ft. It had 4 computers and a newer model of Canon color and B/W printer. A customer can either access one of the computers to do the work or in our case, J.J. handed his flash drive to the clerk and instructed her to make one copy of all its content in black & white. For this service, the cost was $3.00.

Nearby street, there are at least 5 tiny copy services filled with unrelated merchandise including cigarettes. Proprietors sit outside on folding chairs waiting for customers. We have to wonder if there is sufficient profit in this type of service.

Aloha -- Cathi