How to Stock Office Supplies

Beginning your own business or stepping into another company's business can be a large task. To make everything flow better consider the overall office system. After you ask yourself what it is you need, follow through setting it up.You may have determined that you will need a business plan, essentials such as a computer and printer and furntiture. After all of that is done, a good place to start getting into the detail setup is with office supplies. Be sure to have a plan before you begin.

Instructions

How to Stock Office Supplies

1. Find a strategic spot in your office and position a cupboard with shelves to house all of your office supplies.Begin a master list of all supplies and on the list include columns with the maximum you want in the cabinet and the minimum you want your supplies to get down to. Add another column with the header ‘amount checked out’ and ‘date’. Place the list either on a computer log that is on a desk next to the cabinet or on a sheet of paper attached to the cabinet.

2. Collect the list once a week and compare it to actual quantities on the cabinet. Order replacements for whatever items are under the quantity limit.What you have on stock will depend on the type of business you are stocking the supplies for. Generally, you will need to purchase the following to get yourself started:File Folders and file holdersPens and PencilsTapeStaplesPaper clip and binder clipsLegal padsPaper stockLetterheadEnvelopesLabelsCopier TonerPrinter CartridgesYou may need other items that are not on this list. Be sure to think carefully about what you want on stock. You don’t want to house too much, on the other hand you don’t want to run out off items and cause productivity to falter.Check for bulk purchase incentives and purchase accordingly. Be sure to adjust your worksheet to reflect buying benefits.

3. When filling up your shelves, keep the items you use most often on the middle shelves. Place toner in the top section of the cupboard and the reams of paper on the bottom. Be sure that when you lift and move items you are doing so properly. Place a visual on the front of the cabinet reminding your coworkers to lift items correctly.

4. Listen to your coworkers. If there is an item they feel is needed and not on your list research the use in your office and add it if indications dictate a stock of the item is needed.

5. Make sure the office staff knows the procedure for reordering supplies. Have one person in charge of placing the actual order. With everyone pitching in, you should be able to rotate your supplies efficiently and not overstock the items on your list.