Supplies
Furnishing a Home Office
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
A chair, desk, pens and pencils are all things you know you’ll need if you’re going to be working from home. But what about that label maker or fax machine, are those actually necessary investments for your home office? Distinguishing which supplies are essential for your success and which ones will just gather dust can be a big cost saver. Common in-home office supplies have been analyzed below.
• Paper Shredder – Just throwing away sensitive documents is definitely unsafe. If you deal with credit card numbers, receipts, or other information that could be criminally used it would be wise to invest in a paper shredder. However, if you deal with a high volume of these items you may consider a paper shredding service. This could be cheaper in the long run if you have to replace parts or buy a whole new machine because you have too much work for it to handle.
• Fax Machine – Who do you do business with? Consider your clients and business associates on this one. If the material you fax could be easily scanned and/or emailed than skip this expensive purchase. Rapidly becoming outdated, fax machines are likely to become a thing of the past.
• Land-Line Phone – Having a separate phone than your family phone or personal phone is a must. It is unprofessional if you’re on your cell phone and have to switch lines because of an incoming call from your son or daughter. Either get a second line for your home phone or get a business plan for an additional cell phone.
• Filofax – They say it’s not what you know, but who you know. Having a way to organize your contacts will help with your networking. Either invest in a hardcopy book or use your computer’s address book for this. Have a place to stash business cards you receive for reference as well.
• Desktop vs. Laptop – A desktop is cheaper but not portable. A laptop is more expensive but convenient, however more subject to theft. When purchasing a computer for your home office analyze if you’ll need to be able to access your files from anywhere or if you’ll be doing your work strictly from home.
• Label Maker – If you’re big on organizing and have a lot of different drawers and spaces to keep straight than this could be a good investment. However, using tape and writing in permanent marker works just as well for a less professional look at a cheaper cost.
• Safe – Unless you’re keeping a lot of cash or valuables on hand this probably isn’t a necessary investment. Just head to the bank a couple times per week!
There are some items though that you just can’t do without. These are supplies you shouldn’t skimp on and should always have on hand:
• Extra printing paper and ink. Of course the printer will run out of ink when you’re on your way out of the door to a big meeting. Make sure you keep these two stocked at all times.
• A filing cabinet. While most of your files might be electronic these days, there will always be hardcopy document you’ll want to organize.
• Envelopes, stationary, and stamps.
• Extra business cards. To promote your business and enhance your networking potential, always having business cards will ensure you never miss an opportunity.
• Notepads, pens, pencils, paper clips, and a stapler.
The classic array of office supplies. Once you have your office fully furnished it’s up to you to make sure it stays busy!
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Ways to Save on Office Supplies
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
When starting a new business the start-up costs can be overwhelming. Office supplies are a necessary evil in this area, but they don’t need to empty your wallet. While you should definitely furnish your home office with adequate supplies, there are ways to save that can really add up.
Don’t go too extravagant with the home office furnishings. For a new business, it is unlikely you’ll have many people in your home office. Because of this, there is no reason to have fancy over-the-top furniture. While you may want elegant imported wood from an exotic rainforest, that is an expense which will cost you more than the benefit you will receive. You can still throw you feet up on a relatively cheap and simple desk from any big box store.
Another cost-saving measure is to buy used office furniture. Unlike home furniture which can receive rough and constant use, office furniture is usually well-maintained and in good condition even after years of use. Check with used furniture dealers in your area or on Craigslist, where you can find great deals. Also search your area for businesses that are closing; you may be able to purchase their office supplies directly for a low price.
Wait to purchase fancy office technology equipment like fax machines. Determine your need for one as you begin to work from you at-home office. If you do need one in the meantime you can rent or share a machine with business associates you might have. Again, check Craigslist or garage sales to see if you can find quality used products instead of buying new ones.
Most importantly, you should negotiate on you big purchases. See if the seller can come down in price or add in additional items for free. Bring in quotes from competitors and ask if they can beat them. Also, check regularly for sales on items that you frequently stock up on so that you never have to pay full retail price. Another idea is tor simple office supplies like notepads, pens, and printer paper to stock up during the back-to-school sales, which usually feature the lowest prices you’ll see all year.
