Think money saving on office supplies isn't for you because your company buys your supplies? Wrong! The high cost of office supplies affects your raises, perks, and other money related work benefits. Everyone should be concerned about saving money on office supplies.
Let's talk about some different money saving techniques for office supplies -- beyond searching for sales. Stay organized: What happens when you lose all your pens, can't find your notebook, and misplace your stapler? You buy a new one. It may seem like a little thing; to pick up extra index cards but all these lost supplies add up big time. Stay organized and save money.
Have a purchase buddy: Most home part time or full time office workers can use this tip. Grab a buddy who also works at home and shop together. Always think bulk. In almost 100% of cases buying bulk will save money. But most of us don't need a box of 60 pens or 40 Post-It notes. So, get a friend and buy the biggest boxes of copy paper, tape, and packs of file folders you can find and then split them up.
Reusable items: Rechargeable batteries, reusing the other side of that paper that just spit out of your printer, and re-filling ink cartridges not only saves you money but saves our lovely planet as well. Another way to save in this manner is to use one item twice. Can you write appointments on your wall calendar or do you really need a planner and BlackBerry as well (I do, but I'm anal -- maybe you're not so much). Can you get by with one office shared three hole punch or do you need one for everyone? Index cards, stickies, and notepads or just one? Think about how you use items and see if you can't cut down.
Go wholesale and or mail order: Wholesale and mail order office supplies can save you money but may not always. This is one of those instances where you will need to shop around and make sure you're getting the best deal. Mail ordering enough items at one time can save you shipping costs and save you gas. Gas of course is not a standard office supply per say, but it does get you to your office and we all know about the cost of gas right now (don't get me started).
Check with your local Business Chamber: If you're a small office, and haven't checked with your local Chamber yet; you should. Many times businesses who maintain regular contact with their Chamber can get great deals on office supplies through the Chamber (I've seen offers up to 60% savings).
Eventually we'll get to all the money saving tip; including getting freebies! But this and that should get you going.
If you have an excellent tip for us just add it to the comments. I'd love to hear your ideas.
