Purchasing

7. Office Supplies and Services

7.1 Purchasing office supplies is often regarded as unimportant. As a result, many start-up businesses end up paying far too much.

• Make the initial choices yourself. Then give one person responsibility for reordering.
• Do not overstock. Almost all suppliers will offer you next-day delivery.
• Office supplies specialists (eg Office World, 0800 138 1310) will usually beat the prices on offer at your local suppliers.

7.2 Contracting out office services can be more cost-effective than using permanent staff.

• Examples include cleaning, maintenance, security and computer services.
• Potential benefits include lower costs, more flexibility and access to continually updated technical expertise.