| The term "office supplies" is a generic term that | | | | These services are also adding to the overall value of |
| encompasses all products that are used in the office | | | | this industry.CostsFor businesses, the cost of office |
| by businesses and other types of organizations. These | | | | supplies is a very large part of their budget. The initial |
| products include paperclips, staples, pens and pencils, | | | | cost will be the largest part of their business. They will |
| and paper. Larger, more expensive products, such as | | | | need to first furnish their offices, as well as buy |
| computers, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and | | | | computers, printers, and fax machines. These |
| cash registers, are also included in the classification of | | | | purchases alone are a very large investment that can |
| "office supplies." Also included are office furniture, such | | | | exceed as much as $20,000, depending on the size of |
| as cubicles and desks.Office supplies are the single | | | | the office.Alone, the cost of paperclips, staples, paper, |
| largest, as well as the most important expense in most | | | | pens, and pencils do not cost very much. However, the |
| businesses. This is the reason why the office supply | | | | large number of these products required to run a |
| industry is a $225 billion industry and is still growing. The | | | | business will add up.Other ProductsTypically, anything |
| revenue of some of the largest retail distributors of | | | | used in an office is considered an "office supply." |
| office supplies can exceed $13 billion a year.Today | | | | Although not widely recognized, cleaning supplies used |
| most office supply companies have also expanded | | | | in the office can also be classified as an office supply. |
| into providing services related to the business, such as | | | | Products used to clean the computers, the floors, and |
| acting as copy centers, and creating products such as | | | | even the restrooms can also be called an office |
| business cards and personalized business stationary. | | | | supply. |