How to Save Money on Shipping Supplies and Office Supplies

Shipping supplies and office supplies can be a major expense if you run a small eBay business or other online business. Cutting costs on these supplies can save a lot of money and increase your profit. Follow the steps below to save money on shipping supplies and office supplies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   JOIN SEVERAL OFFICE SUPPLY STORE FREQUENT BUYER PROGRAMS. Office Depot, Staples and other office stores will issue a free card to you. Use this card every time you shop to earn points towards future purchases. You will also get mailings and emails quite frequently with coupons. Office Depot sends me $10 off coupons several times a month.

2. 
    

   SHOP SALES AND STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES. When envelopes, packing tape, etc. go on sale, stock up on it. Watch for the back to school sales in August and September. This is the best time of year to buy pens, pencils, notebooks, scissors, folders, etc. Another good time to buy is after the back to school rush is over and the stores start discounting their overstocks of school supplies.

3. 
    

   SAVE MONEY ON INK. Save money on ink by buying in bulk packages at Sams Club or Costco. You can also get some great prices for ink on eBay. When people buy new printers, they sell their old ink at a great discount on eBay.

4. 
    

   GET FREE SHIPPING SUPPLIES FROM THE POST OFFICE. If you ship by Priority Mail, you can pick up free boxes and flat rate envelopes when you are in the post office. If they don't have what you need, go to www.usps.com and place an order. The post office will deliver these items for free.

5. 
    

   BUY SUPPLIES IN BULK FROM ONLINE SITES. Choose vendors such as Associated Bag that offer the products that you use regularly and buy in bulk. Some sites will offer free shipping including the office supply stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to stick with one main office supply store. They will note that you are spending a lot of money there and will send you more coupons.
• Recycle your ink cartridges. Staples now pays $3 for each ink cartridge you print in for up to 10 cartridges a month and they will take ANY brand of ink.
• See my article on How to Get Free Bubble Wrap