subject: Filling The Office Supplies Cupboard On A Shoestring Budget [print this page] Filling The Office Supplies Cupboard On A Shoestring Budget
When setting up a new business there are many things which need to be invested in and with a good number of these items - it doesn't pay to cut corners or take the 'budget' option. Your computing equipment for instance needs to be relatively up to date, resilient and powerful enough to survive a few years of heavy use without becoming mind-numbingly slow to load up programs. Similarly, decent corporate stationery such as business cards should be of such a quality as to provide a great first impression of your company to external parties. Thankfully, there are other office necessities which can be acquired for minimal outlay - office and stationery supplies fall firmly within this category; provided you are savvy in your purchasing practices.Only buy that which is really neededAlthough it is certainly nice to have an extensive selection of different sized notepads and pens in all the colours of the rainbowis there really any need to have such variety? Provided you are well stocked with pens, pencils, memo notepads, A4 paper, printer ink cartridges, paperclips, staples, staplers, files, a hole punch and standard sized envelopes you will be prepared for 95% of all office scenarioshaving only spent a modest amount on supplies. Make a list of everything that you think you are likely to need then set to shortening it ruthlessly - if it transpires that you have neglected an item which later turns out to be indispensible then fear not, there's sure to be a shop nearby to tide you over.Look at generic brandsHaving mercilessly shortened your list of required office supplies to a small selection of items it is time to select specific products. Huge savings can be made here by simply opting for 'generic' labelled goods as opposed to those of the more widely recognised brands. Provided the specifications are on a par with their branded counterparts - the quality should be of exactly the same level and on a day to day basis you'll never notice the difference. On the printer ink front it pays dividends to look at 'compatible' ink cartridges as opposed to the official manufacturer's refills - they are often less than half the price and built to the same exacting standards.Capitalise on money saving incentivesAs is the case with many retail sectors, online retailers offer the best value for office supplies purchases. As well as offering more competitive prices than their high street counterparts overall, many retailers also offer incentives to utilise their service. Setting up an office supplies account often brings with it substantial discounts on orders in addition to flexible payment options and high levels of customer service. To get the best possible value on your stationery and office supplies keep a look out for online incentives and ensure to place an order large enough to qualify for free delivery.By bearing this advice in mind it is possible to fully equip your office with all the required stationery and accessories for a fraction of the cost of those who simply head over to a 'Superstore' and buy everything they think they might need with scant regard for their actual business requirements.
