How to Get Cheap Office Supplies

Compared to other business expenses, such as inventory and travel, the cost of office supplies can seem small. However, the reality is that minor changes made to the way you purchase office supplies can actually add up to big savings. Whether you own your own business or want to save money for the one you work for, it's easy to learn how to track down cheap office supplies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep supplies you already have locked safely away. The best way to save money on office supplies is to keep track of the ones you already have to ensure they're not wasted, lost or stolen. Place someone in charge of tracking and distributing supplies in your office, such as an administrator or office manager.

2. Get a corporate account with a stationary supplier. Large chains such as Staples, Grand & Toy and Office Depot offer corporate discounts and incentives to companies that set up a corporate account.

3. Peruse used clothing stores such as the Salvation Army, Value Village and Goodwill. These stores sometimes have a collection of cheap odd and ends for the office, including folders, binders and filing cabinets.

4. Check out the dollar store for cheap "specialty" items that you don't need to buy in bulk, such as special-sized envelopes, rubber stamps or rulers.

5. Ask employees if they can spare any supplies from home. It can be awkward to ask your employees to bring in their own work supplies, and if done the wrong way, it could breed resentment. To mitigate this risk, confide to your staff that the company is in a cash crunch and make a competition out of it to boost morale (i.e., the employee who brings in the most spare supplies from home wins an extra hour lunch break).

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid grocery stores, department stores and drugstores. These all-in-one retail outlets gear sales towards individuals who need to purchase a few supplies for school or home rather than companies that need to buy them in bulk.

[FranticMommy]

on 4/23/2009 Good tips!