Whether you are running a new start-up or a medium-sized company, chances are you are spending quite a bit of money on office supplies and are searching for ways to save money. While we understand that office supplies can snowball if left unchecked, drastic cost-cutting measures should never be your first course of action. From inventory monitoring to buying in bulk, some easy and practical ways exist to reduce office supply expenses.

In this article, we share six simple tips for keeping your office supplies budget in check while ensuring your office functions smoothly.

Track Your Inventory

Jumping into purchasing, whether online or offline, without planning is not the right way to store your office. Like any other purchase, the purchase of office supplies needs to be planned, too. Keep track of your office supply inventory and furniture, and list what you need to buy. Make an action plan before you set out to purchase and check what you will need urgently (smaller office supplies like notebooks, pens and so on) and what things can wait (more significant purchases like office desks and office chairs). This way, you can set up recurring schedules, buy wholesale, or buy in bulk to reduce the cost of your office supplies.

Shop Online

Shopping online allows you to compare prices, check out specifications and get the best deal for your business with the click of a mouse. Look for office supplies businesses and visit their website to see their discounts. To help reduce your office supplies expenses, buy all your supplies from one online store. Not only will you get a lower price, but purchasing from a single supplier will mean you qualify for free shipping, thus giving you massive savings. 

Buy in Bulk

If you’re wondering how to reduce office supply expenses quickly, you can buy in bulk. Based on the type and size of your business, you will need some office products like paper and packaging supplies in larger quantities. Instead of buying these weekly, save time and money by buying in bulk. While this will need a little more planning and forecasting abilities, the effect on your bottom line will be significant. You will save more time replenishing your stock and be eligible for better discounts. However, buying a large quantity of everything is not advised. Only buy bulk items you will use frequently, not supplies you are meant to use sparingly.

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Choose Generic Brands

If your business is not particular about brand names, this tip can be a massive opportunity for savings. Consider choosing generic or off-brands instead of name-brand supplies. Many of these suppliers provide the same level of quality as their branded counterparts but at a lower price. Buying generic is a smart option when you’re in the market for smaller items like office consumables. For example, if you are using your printer only for internal use, opting for generic ink cartridges for inkjet and laser printers can often cost you half as much with negligible differences in print quality. However, as a general rule, avoid purchasing generic versions of office furniture and machines. These generic options might be cheaper, but branded ones could have better warranties and quality.

Open a Business Account

Opening a corporate account for your business with a reliable supplier or retailer builds relationships and helps you track what supplies you use the most. You can use this information to think of ways to decrease your use and expenses. These accounts usually include an online service where you can order items and control who makes purchases on behalf of your company. Opening a corporate account can also give you better prices, purchasing efficiency, and hassle-free experience. 

Don’t Run Out of Supplies

Contrary to popular belief, the best way to spend a bundle is not to wait till you run out of it. Waiting till you run out of supplies will only necessitate an immediate run to the store. Running to get something urgent isn’t just stressful; it usually increases the chances of you buying things for a higher price. It also increases the likelihood of impulse buying. Suppose you find yourself running low on supplies. In that case, there are two intelligent options: reduce the amount you’re using until you can restock essentials or plan out an emergency resupply before you run out.  

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Looking to save money and time while buying office supplies? We are Ireland’s leading office suppliers with over 45 years of experience in the industry. Shop your office essentials at Codex by opening an account with us. Each new account will receive a dedicated Account Manager who can discuss your requirements and will ensure your account operates smoothly. Open An Account today!