With our system, we are posting finalized drawings for subcontractors and general contractors to view and then order prints for the projects they want to bid on. By bid time, when you're putting these drawings on the web, you're not exposing yourself to copyright issues. You are merely a conduit for the information. You are getting the information out the most people in the most efficient method. There are a number of ways you can make money with this type of system.
Shops can charge scanning fees and also monthly maintenance fees.
There is, of course, also the additional printing revenue that will come in. Some people just go online to view the documents. For example, painters need to look at the plans figure out how much paint to bring to the project. They don't have to print out the drawings. They can get their information solely by viewing the documents online.