Office Equipment Continued…

Effective management of office supplies is an important part of saving your business money, as well as helping running efficiently. There are several ways to save money on office supplies, including the following:

• Shop Around – Don't rely on your local supply store because it is close to your office. Shop around and find the best deal. If you purchase items in bulk, you may be able to get a better deal by checking prices at other stores in your area.
• Purchase Online – The number of online supply stores has increased during the last few years, and many of them offer a discount over traditional office equipment stores. Many of these stores also offer free shipping on orders.
• Mail Order Catalogs - A number of companies allow you to buy office supplies by mail order or telephone. Many have catalogues that show you all of the products they sell. A few mail order services are run by existing shops, but some are based purely through mail order and telephone sales.

Purchasing Big Ticket Items

When you have to purchase high priced office equipment, it's important to shop around for the best deals. Look for good deals on office equipment at manufacturer's sites. Their online stores often don't show up in pricing guides, but their prices are very competitive. For big savings look for refurbished products that come with a warranty.

When comparing prices it is important not to forget to consider shipping costs which can vary from company to company, and can make a big difference in the final price. The lowest-priced merchants often boost profits by charging more for shipping. Use the internet to research different merchants. However, don't assume that just because you're shopping online that the price will be cheaper.

Other sources of office equipment deals are local stores that are having closeout specials. Keep an eye out for price reductions and purchase items when they are on sale. Online auction sites like eBay are a great place to find deals, especially on used office equipment. Again, don't forget to calculate shipping before you start bidding.

By Chris Saunders