| In these tough economic times many enterprising | | | | and more manufacturers offer eco-friendly and |
| people have found the best way to have a secure | | | | biodegradable supplies, which are kinder to the |
| future is to run their own businesses. With downsizing, | | | | environment, save on solid waste disposal costs, and |
| lay-offs, wage decreases, and loss of benefits, the | | | | make a good impression on customers. At discounted |
| advantages of working for someone else are not as | | | | prices biodegradable index dividers, project folders, |
| great as they were in the past. New businesses need | | | | sheet protectors, packing peanuts, trash bags, and |
| to operate on a tight budget, especially in the first few | | | | cleaning supplies are cost effective. Cornstarch utensils |
| years. That's why business start-ups look for discount | | | | and sugar cane plates, bowls, and cups make a |
| office supplies for all their office needs. | | | | positive statement when entertaining clients. |
| What equipment and supplies does a new business | | | | The dream of the paperless office is just that-a |
| need? Doing business is about communicating, so a | | | | dream, a myth. The increased use of computers has |
| quality business phone system is essential. To make | | | | not decreased the use of paper. Businesses still make |
| sure the phone system has the features the business | | | | copies and keep tangible files. They send out paper |
| needs--but not costly features that are not needed-the | | | | invoices in paper envelopes. They use cardboard |
| business owner should assess the telephone needs, | | | | (paper) boxes to send out merchandise. Wise |
| which includes answering machines. The same goes | | | | purchasing of paper supplies from discount office |
| for copy machines, shredders, printers, file cabinets, | | | | supply merchants can ensure a business has the |
| and office furniture. There's no sense in buying desks | | | | paper it needs to do the job right. |
| for three people if it's just the owner and a secretary! | | | | A business that relies on presentations to attract |
| A smart entrepreneur looks at all the business | | | | customers needs the latest audio and video players, |
| processes before deciding what to buy. | | | | cameras, and scanners, and projection equipment. |
| Talking about office furniture, to avoid injury and | | | | Having the most technologically advanced equipment |
| discomfort desks and chairs should be ergonomically | | | | makes a strong statement about the ability of a |
| designed. That means chairs are adjustable, desks are | | | | business to deliver state-of-the-art products and |
| at the right height, and supplies are within easy reach. | | | | services. |
| Research shows that workers are more productive | | | | A new business owner typically works long and hard |
| and satisfied and less likely to get injured when they | | | | hours to get a business up and running. Anything that |
| work at ergonomically designed workstations. | | | | saves time also saves money. Online office supply |
| In addition to major equipment and furniture, a new | | | | retailers provide one-stop shopping for office |
| office needs ink and toner cartridges, paper and filing | | | | equipment, supplies, and furniture. With discounted |
| supplies, calendars and planners, and mailing and | | | | prices, helpful information, and efficient customer |
| shipping supplies. Businesses that deal in cash | | | | service, an online retailer is an entrepreneur's best |
| transactions will need cash handling equipment. More | | | | friend. |