So, you’re looking for a few creative ways to save money on office supplies for your business. From printers and ink to paper and pens, the current prices that you’re paying are just too high and you’re finally ready to do something about it.
Well, we’ve got good news! There are a few basic tips and tricks that you can use to save money on office supplies, including some of the bigger and more expensive items that you use daily.
But can you really save on supplies by buying in bulk? And what about inventory systems? Are they really worth the time and effort? If you’re asking yourself these kinds of questions, wonder no longer, because we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll tell you how you can save some serious cash on office supplies for your business. So the next time you make your office supplies list, you’ll know what to do, and more importantly what not to do, so you can stop wasting money.
Now then, let’s get started.
Avoid the Name Brands
Regardless of what it is you’re shopping for, you’re always going to pay a little extra if the logo on the item is that of a name brand company. So if you’re looking for a simple way to avoid spending too much cash on office supplies, avoid buying the name brand products.
This will help you save a few extra pennies along the way, without foregoing that particular product entirely. And those pennies will add up over time, especially if you’re purchasing the item often.
But what if you’re hesitant to deal with cheaper office supplies due to a fear of lack of quality? Well, only buy off-brand products for items you don’t use as often. Believe it or not, that small change can really make a big difference in your office supply budget.
Buy Everything in Bulk
If you have plenty of storage space around the office, consider buying your office supplies in bulk. You’ll save a good chunk of change over time by doing so, as well as reduce your chances of running out of things when you need them.
It goes without saying, but not having a particular supply item when you need it most can be an absolute nightmare. From no ink in the printer to no paper in the office, buying in bulk can help you avoid all of these common issues.
Again, you need to have space to actually make buying in bulk work for your business. But even if you only buy smaller items in bulk that don’t require as much room to store, you’ll be able to stretch your budget a bit more, which is always a good thing.
Create an Inventory System
Odds are there a few particular office supply items that you use more often than others, and thus, need to purchase more often, too. That’s why it’s a good idea to not only buy in bulk but create an inventory system for those items, too.
This will help you keep track of how much money you’re spending on each item, and how often you need more of those items, which is good information to know. That way you can adjust your budget accordingly and make sure that you’re using your funds in the best way possible.
This will also help prevent you from ever running out of a particular item, which, as we stated earlier, is never a fun thing to experience. On top of that, you’ll notice that your staff is a little less likely to waste supplies when they know that they’re being tracked.
Do Your Shopping Online
Online shopping is a huge part of our society. In fact, over 500 billion dollars of revenue came from eCommerce in the United States in 2018 alone.
On top of being convenient, you can often find some pretty great deals on discounted office supplies online. And one of the best ways to save money on office supplies is to, you guessed it, purchase them online.
A pro tip is to keep a close eye on your shipping and handling charges, especially if you’re buying in bulk because if you’re not getting a good deal on shipping and handling, you can actually spend more money than you would if you purchased locally.
Avoid the Large Chain Stores
Last but not least, if you can, do your best to avoid the larger office supply chain stores. Their prices are often quite a bit higher than those from non-chain stores, or online retailers. Those few extra bucks spent add up over time and can put a massive dent in your budget, to say the least.
If you can, stick with the online stores that have the lowest prices. And if you have to grab something locally, try to find a few stores nearby that have competitive prices or price match.
Because if you strictly shop at the chains, you’ll be spending way too much.
Save Money on Your Office Supplies List
Well, there you have it! Those a few tips and tricks that you can use to save money on your office supply needs. So next time you sit down to make that office supplies list, keep these things in mind, and you’ll be one step closer to saving some cash.
Remember, buying in bulk is the way to go if you can. And if you do buy in bulk, create an office supplies inventory system, and manage it yourself, so you can adjust your budget accordingly over time.
Last but not least, avoid the bigger office supply chain stores, and try to buy everything online. That way you can get the best deals possible for your office supply needs.
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