In the past, the first thing people thought of when they needed office supplies was going to the nearest office supply superstore. Home offices and small business people used to think they had to take their precious time and effort and drive to a "mega office superstore" whenever they ran out of report covers, copy paper or hanging folders. Has anybody been to one of these big box superstores recently? The places are empty, the only people in the stores are a handful of bored employees, and parking lots are barren.
Why? Because more and more people today are learning the most economical, and easiest way to buy office supplies today is online. People realize it's much faster to go online, shop for the office supplies you need, and in most cases receive your order next business day for free. That is much preferred to wasting precious time driving to the store, not to mention wasting gas. And, ever try to find the right products like classification folders at an office supply superstore? It's virtually impossible to sort through the file folders all stacked on the shelves in no apparent order.
But you might say, what about those low prices I get at the superstore near you? Probably the most shocking thing for people to realize about buying office products is that the retail superstores are no longer the lowest priced outlets. Many internet office supply stores have great low prices, often times lower than the big boxes, on items from copy paper to receipt books, cash drawers to envelopes. There are some new companies today that will even guarantee their pricing is lower than the big box superstores. Try comparing for yourself. Make a list of your favorite printer paper, report covers, writing pens and legal pads, and compare pricing and see the difference. Many times the savings is as much as 10-20%.
So I know my pricing and selection are better on line, and ordering from the comfort of my office versus fighting crazy drivers on the road is much easier. Believe it or not, there are even more benefits to buying online and avoiding the big chains. Some independent online companies are not required to charge sales tax except in the states where they have a physical presence. That means it's possible you may save 7-10% depending on the tax rates in your area by not being charged sales tax. That's a huge savings on top of the lower prices in today's economy.
One of the few reasons I hear why people might shop at a "superstore" is their perceived large selection. People are shocked to learn that the average office supplies superstore has only 7000-8000 products, while today's new online office products companies have over 32,000 products. So basically, customers get better selection, next day delivery and less hassle shopping online for those view binders and post-it notes, not to mention the time savings. Not only do internet companies offer tons of office supplies, but many also carry thousands of janitorial supplies, and office equipment, office furniture and even "green" office supplies that are better for the environment.
Lastly, people are growing tired of buying from large public corporations that care only about Wall Street and their stock price, not for their community, their customers or even their vendors. But smaller independent companies are sprouting up, taking on the big boxes by doing business the right way. Some work very closely with national charities, doing good work in their communities and helping others.
Whenever you notice the supply cabinet getting low on Smead hanging folders, Sharpie markers or those report covers you need for presentations, don't send someone to the nearest big box store, or jump in the car yourself. Find an online office supply company that's different than the mega stores and relax. Shop online, save time, and save money. Do good work by buying from companies that think the way you do, while giving you the best value and increasing your productivity.
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