by Janet Attard
The actual cost for supplies you buy for your business isn't the only expense you incur in purchasing them. In addition to any direct expense, your cost includes the cost of time spent making the purchase. Even if you run a one-person business, that cost can be considerable. For instance, if you bill your services at $75 an hour and spend two hours to drive to two office supply stores in your area looking for the best price on toner cartridges, the cost of your time for doing so is $150! Therefore, if your time is limited, and the total purchase price of an item is relatively little, you may find that shopping around for the best price is not cost-efficient.
Instead, pick an office supply store you like and sign up for their rewards program. Staples, Office Depot and Office Max all have them. Then watch for their coupons in email, and buy all your supplies from the same store. You'll not only get special offers in email, but also will earn money back on all your purchases over a certain amount.
