9 Tips for Cutting Costs on Office Supplies
Offices are always on the look out for cost trimming measures. One of the areas where savings can be made is in the buying of office supplies.
Office supplies like paper, printing inks, pens, clips, staplers and more are used everyday and is where there can be considerable wastage too.
Office administrators can apply the following cost cutting techniques:
1. Create a system whereby orders are only placed periodically say once a month or quarter. Keep a log of who has taken what and set up a system to recycle printing paper (make sure both sides are used). Aim for a paperless eco-friendly office.
2. Place orders for office supply from online stores. Make sure the order is large enough to warrant free shipping.
3. Look for generic brands of office supply. These are of quality and do not cost as much as branded varieties.
4. Surf the internet and look for discount online stores. These sell office supplies at lower rates than retail.
5. Use online directories to get quotes and compare costs. Often the same supplies will be sold by certain merchants at a lower rate as they cut overheads by storing goods in ware houses and run virtual offices.
6. Look for seasonal discounts or special offers. Many online stores give away freebies or further discounts to return customers. Find out if any of the online office supply stores have reward points or systems.
7. Set up a system whereby wastage is checked periodically. Ensure people shred documents and do not throw paper clips away. Some offices discipline staff by checking dustbins for wastage of office supplies.
8. Always comparison shop and look for bargains offline and online. Keep quality, quantity and price in mind at all times. Avoid being locked with a single vendor. Create a system that every time office supplies are ordered the lowest quote will get the order.
9. Consider leasing office equipment instead of buying. Copy machines, fax machines, and printers can be leased with maintenance included. Find out what the advantages are versus buying these machines.
Always create a list of office supply needs and then starch out items that are not necessities. Set systems in place so that employees do not use office supplies for personal use and do not order things that are not essential. For example most computers today have an inbuilt calculator and fax system. Think do you need an extra fax machine or a desk top calculator? The list should ideally have three sections: expendables, non-expendables, and work room supplies.
Similarly find cost effective solutions for telephone systems, internet connections, and so on. Think economy and lowered costs not expensive and hi-tech.
Be an educated buyer and keep abreast of the latest articles and tips on saving office supply costs on the World Wide Web. Browse the internet for new bargains and office supply directories which will offer great bargains and savings.
Buy good quality office supplies in minimal quantities at great rates and save yourself a bundle.
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