Whether you’re a new business, or small business, or a well-established company, you need office supplies. One of the best ways to cut down on costs is by buying office supplies in bulk. No matter how much your company spends, you can cut down costs significantly by analysing how much you spend on supplies and by switching up your strategy.
Whether your office runs on a hybrid working-from-home and in-the-office model or employees are in the office full time, make sure everything runs smoothly by bulk buying office supplies.
Not only is buying in bulk a great way to ensure you always have what you need on hand, but bulk office supplies save you money in the long run. Buying in bulk often means you can take advantage of bulk discounts and volume pricing, resulting in significant savings. Whether you’re stocking up for a small business or a large corporate office, buying office supplies in bulk is a cost-effective solution.
Tips on Buying Bulk Office Supplies
So long as you’re smart about your purchases, buying bulk office supplies can save you a heap of money and time. You’ll avoid the stress of running out of an essential supply early and be prepared for anything.
Long Term Strategy
If you plan to buy office supplies in bulk, keep the long-term in mind. Make a list of office supplies you need like everyday essentials and speciality items. Consider the time of year and where your business is at–for instance, is your business in a time of growth or are you entering a slow season?
Budget
When it comes to buying office supplies in bulk, create a budget and stick to it, but leave a little wiggle room for urgent purchases. Buying bulk office supplies online can cost you a fair chunk of money upfront (but you’ll save money in the long run), so make sure to budget in advance.
Assess Your Storage
When you buy bulk office supplies, it’s easy to buy more than you have room for. Make sure you organise your storage and keep track of what you already have enough of each time you order. Some office supplies like everyday stationery can be stored in bulk, but electronics may need a more secure storage location. Also, consider the expiration date and shelf life of your supplies. Ensure your supply room is organised so it’s easier to take inventory of your supplies.
Keep Inventory
Track what office supplies your business uses on an ongoing basis and analyse patterns over a period of time. This will help you understand when to order certain supplies and how much to buy.
Bulk Buy Office Supplies
So, what supplies are worth buying in bulk? Office supplies range from technology supplies to snacks to stationery. Consider what your office goes through the most, and at what rate.
Breakroom Supplies
A well-stocked breakroom is a necessity! Breakroom snacks, coffee and tea can run out quickly, so it’s ideal to buy in bulk. When ordering food in bulk, stick to non-perishables, like tea, packaged snacks and confectionery, instant coffee tins, canned soft drinks and long-life milk cartons.
Technology Supplies
Chances are, your office will need an abundance of technology supplies, so look for bulk packs of batteries, toner, electronic dusters, USBs, laminating sheets and shredder bags. Make sure to stay prepared with technology supplies that keep everything running smoothly, like backup storage hard drives, power cables, extension cords and Wi-Fi routers.
Stationery
From pens and pencils to envelopes and sticky notes, you can never have enough stationery in the office. Depending on the type of business, bulk buying stationery office supplies is a wise move. Pens and pencils get lost, notebooks and sticky notes are used, folders fill up, and envelopes are mailed off. Consider buying bulk pens, pencils, markers, rubber bands, stationery materials, stationery tools, paper products, lanyard and ID holders.
Cleaning and Bathroom Supplies
Avoid emergency shops and order your cleaning and bathroom supplies on an ongoing basis, including paper towels, sponges, tissues, garbage bags, cleaning spray, dishwashing tablets and of course, toilet paper.
How to Avoid Overstocking Bulk Office Supplies
When buying bulk office supplies, it’s easy to get swept away with great deals. With bulk buying comes the potential for overbuying, whether you’re struck by a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal that you don’t really need or you’re trying out a new product, just because it’s on sale. Fortunately, if you stick to your list and budget, you can avoid overstocking bulk office supplies.
Avoid Impulse Purchases
Stick to the list of office supplies your business uses on an ongoing basis and avoid impulse purchases in large quantities.
Analyse Your Supply Inventory Over a Month
Keep track of office supplies your office uses most frequently and order those on an ongoing basis. Make sure to bulk order at a time when the office is low on supplies, but not so close you run out–timing is everything.
Buy on a Rotating Basis
At the office, there will be supplies you need to order each time you do a bulk shop such as breakroom snacks and paper, and some you need to buy on a rotating basis.
Strategize When to Reorder Supplies
If you’re in a particularly busy period at work or you want to be sure your order will arrive on time, consider setting up an automated bulk shop. By doing this, you’ll always receive your order on time and avoid forgetting to place your order.
