All businesses need office supplies. Whether you own a very small business or a large international firm, this is one expense that you cannot avoid. One thing you can do, however, is to take certain steps to reduce expenses incurred on office supplies. Here’s how:

1.Keep all of your supplies in a designated area.

This may seem like an odd tip, but it works. Office supplies tend to be scattered across several cabinets in various locations. Keeping all of your office supplies organised in a specific location allows you to readily see which supplies you have and you don’t have.

2.Become a member at a warehouse club.

Enroll as a member at a warehouse club. Items at a warehouse club are generally more inexpensive because you buy them in bulk. Here, you can get great deals on paper, pens and various office supplies. Don’t purchase anything unnecessary, whether or not you can get a good deal on it.

3.Watch out for sales.

Keep an eye out for stores that have sales on office supplies. Supplies such as envelopes and paper are always needed. Don’t wait until you have completely run out of them. If an item is essential at the office and you can get it at a lower price, then go for it.

4.Label office supplies.

Label whatever supplies you can. If you have your own stapler, do something to identify it as yours. Write your name on your pencil. There are less chances of someone stealing your stapler or taking your pen without your permission if the object is obviously yours.

5.Reuse scrap paper.

Offices waste a lot of paper. Instead of throwing sheets of paper in the garbage bin, have your employees place all their scrap paper in a specific box or container. You can use scrap paper for documents exchanged within the office such as memos.

6.Use an online fax service.

There are many fax services that can be found online. These services allow you to send and receive fax messages online and send them through your email account. Online fax services can help reduce costs on office supplies such as fax paper and toner.

7.Recycle ink cartridges.

Call the manufacturer of your printer to see if they can refill your old ink cartridges. Having old cartridges refilled instead of buying new ones can help cut costs and save the environment.

You can also look for an office supplies store that accepts used ink cartridges in exchange for a small amount of money.

8.Buy supplies that last longer.

When deciding between two things, always get what lasts longer. Pens, for example, are used everyday. The ink from a gel pen is much nicer compared to a ballpoint pen. However, ballpoint pens last much longer compared to gel pens.

9.Buy generic brands.

When it comes to office supplies such as paper, pens, staplers and highlighters, don’t pay any attention to the brand. Generic brands are cheaper and work just as well as supplies that are branded.

Author Bio: office supplies are a business expense that cannot be avoided. Read some tips on how to reduce costs on office stationery.

Category: Business Management
Keywords: office stationery, office supplies