Here are some cost saving measures for small businesses.  These suggestions will positively impact your bottom line profit.  Although it may not seem like much on a day to day basis, at the end of the year these numbers can add up!

Monitor supplies:

• Many companies order supplies through national or local office supply stores. For most there is not a set method for doing so. Perhaps you let all of your employees order supplies directly from the vendor.  By doing this, items may be ordered multiple times.  Although you may check the monthly statements, you may not have a handle on how much is being spent. By designating one person  to order supplies you can eliminate duplication, save money, and monitor how much money is being spent on only the necessary items.

• Most small businesses give all employees access to the supply room.  By having a policy of requiring your employees to ask for a supplies, it makes them accountable for what they use.  Pens and pads of paper are often culprits for being taken into meetings, left in the car, or taken home by sales staff. Although a new box of pens may only cost a few dollars, if you are ordering one every week it can add up.

• Ink and copy paper are huge budget items.  Sometimes people don't always consider what they are printing and whether it is necessary.  For instance, printing one email just for the contact information it contains is not a beneficial use of paper or ink.  When this is done multiple times per day by many people, it can lead to daily ink cartridge changes.  This can be solved by placing printers in shared work areas.  When employees have to physically get up to retrieve items they printed, they are more likely to pick and choose what is necessary to print.  This means you'll need fewer number of printers.  In addition, most items do not need to be printed on the color printer which is much more expensive.

• Shop around. Just because you have chosen to use one office supply store for the past five years does not mean you should trust that you are getting the best prices.  This includes the cost of shipping.  Assign an employee to gather prices of commonly ordered items from at least three office supply companies. Make sure to research shipping costs.  If the end result shows that your current vendor is above the average, make a call to them and explain the situation.  They may offer you free shipping, discounts, or monthly promotions.  Again, ink and printer parts are huge.  Research a designated ink supplier company that offers refurbished or refilled cartridges, your company can save more than 50% on orders.