New businesses face enormous challenges in not only launching a new venture but in maintaining it once it is off the ground. There are many considerations when opening a business. These include getting proper legal documentation, obtaining insurance, hiring employees and finding a suitable space to conduct business.

Yet another considerable expense is buying office supplies and equipment. New business owners often find this to be a significant expenditure–generally more than originally estimated.

Costing Business Supplies

Business supplies are numerous. Computers, Monitors and keyboards, Mice and track pads, Printers and scanners, Desks and chairs, Document shredders and copy machines, Software and file cabinets, Pens, pencils, copy paper, ink cartridges. The list goes on and on.

The first step to for successfully finding and buying office supplies and equipment is to determine a budget. Make a list of all supplies needed, along with a cost estimate of each item.

Where to Find Affordable Office Supplies

The sheer cost of office equipment can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to reduce purchasing expenses.

Internet Shopping

Like with most things, turn to the Internet. Look for and compare items. Good deals can be found when buying online, especially with free shipping attached. This might not be entirely inclusive of all needs but will save money on key items.

Moreover, Internet shopping allows for comparison without having to go from store to store or compare multiple pages in catalogues. This approach saves fuel and prevents ink bleeds from malfunctioning pens.

Office Equipment Auctions

Take advantage of auctions. When a retailer purchases more inventory then it can sell or another company goes out of business, there are great deals waiting. Auctions might be held in a brick and mortar or online. Some simple research will reveal when and where these deals can be found. Consult trade magazines, newspapers and the Internet for up and coming auctions.

Liquidators

Bankrupts leave tangibles behind. Among these items is office equipment and supplies. When a company goes bankrupt, another entity purchases or takes back office supplies and equipment. This entity then offers these items to the public for up to 50 percent off or more. With such discounted prices, more variety is often offered and a greater selection means more bargaining power on the part of the purchaser.

Second-Hand Retailers

Another avenue for finding office supplies and equipment is to seek out second-hand retailers. Though the price tags are typically higher than offered by auctioneers or liquidators, second-hand shops often require items to be in good to pristine condition. Additionally, selection will be less diverse but second-hand shops often have unique inventory on-hand.

Bulk Ordering

Consider bulk ordering on small ticket items. Pens, pencils, paper, ink cartridges and other small items can be order in bulk. This significantly reduces costs and cuts-down on time spent finding replenishing supplies when needed.

Rewards Credit Cards

It\’s not the first source thought about when seeking office equipment and supplies. But many small business credit cards offer rewards programmes. This can be a very inexpensive way of obtaining much needed supplies without having to spend more money. Cashing-in accumulated rewards can be one avenue to securing office necessities.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, providers of business supplies including refill ink cartridges and toner cartridges.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World (http://www.cartridgeworld.co.uk), provider of office supplies including refill ink cartridges and toner cartridges.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Cartridge World, providers of business supplies including refill ink cartridges and toner cartridges.

Category: Advice
Keywords: office supplies, printer consumables, inkjet cartridges, toner cartridges