How to Find a Shredder

A paper shredder is a great way to destroy sensitive documents. Choosing the right shredder depends on how many documents need to be shredded at a given time, the frequency of use and the budget to spend on the equipment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Needs analysis
• Budget

1. Conduct a needs analysis to figure out the kind of shredder right for you or your business. This does not have to be a major exercise. It is simply a matter of asking a few questions to help make the right decision. For instance, do you shred a number of large documents at once? Is there someone removing staples? Do you only shred a small amount of paper a month? Some companies offer a needs' analysis form on the Internet.
2. Compare shredders using the results of the needs analysis and looking at office supply retailers and shredder specialty companies on the Internet. There are companies that specialize in industrial shredders that will consume large documents in a single pass without having to remove staples. There are ones that fit a more medium kind of activity, and there are even ones for a home office that fit over the wastebasket while in use, then tuck away in a closet the rest of the time.
3. Check consumer reviews of shredders in which you are interested. Many websites offer reviews written by those who have purchased the product and used it for a while.
4. Compile a list of shredders and companies, along with prices, and then make a decision on two or three you want to consider.
5. Visit retailers to ask for a demonstration of the top three on your list. If it is a large-sized shredder, ask the company to either visit for a demonstration, or offer a free trial. Then make your decision!

Tips & Warnings

• A small shredder does take time to operate, as often only three to four sheets of paper can be fed at one time. It may be worth upgrading, depending on use.
• If your business requires proof of destruction of secure documents, it is best to hire a company that does shredding with portable equipment on site, and provides the proof document.

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