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