Fast food restaurants and pizzerias that don't have dishwashers depend heavily on paper plates. Like any other disposable item you use in your restaurant, paper plates pricing and costs can add up quicker than you might expect. If you're not aware of the most affordable prices for the kinds of paper plates your restaurant uses, you could end up paying much more than is necessary.

Use the following sources to find the most affordable paper plates pricing and costs:

1. Find suppliers who offer the best deals on bulk purchases of lightweight paper plates.

2. Compare prices on sturdier paper plates, like those made of plastic.

3. Check out pricing on fancier paper plates that you can use for special occasions.

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Check out pricing on high quantity purchases of lightweight paper plates

There's no question that unprinted, uncoated plain white 9-inch paper plates are the most economical choice for pizza, cold sandwiches and some desserts.

I recommend: At ReStock It you can choose between 9-inch lightweight paper plates, with designs or plain, ranging in price from $18 (for about 125 design plates) or $40 (for a case of 1,000). Get smaller lightweight paper plates at the Webstaurant Store and pay between $10, for a case of 1,000 6-inch plain white plates and $11 for a case of 7-inch 125 printed plates. Prices for plain white paper plates vary considerably at Fastenal, which sells them in packages of 100 for between $4 and $5, and A Plus Warehouse, where you can purchase a case of 1,000 uncoated, unprinted plain white plates for about $84.

Find the most competitive pricing on heavy duty paper plates

Plastic plates might fall into the category of restaurant paper plates smallwares but there is no question that they are sturdier and can safely hold hot foods like lasagna and quesadillas.

I recommend: Simply Smart Living carries heavy duty plastic paper plates in 10- to 12-inch sizes. Prices range between $6, for more than 96 plates, and $10 when you purchase in quantities of 12 or more. Kardwell sells custom printed plastic plates in the standard 9-inch size at prices ranging from 31 cents each, for quantities of 50,000, and 76 cents each, for quantities of 100. Restaurant Kitchen Equipment offers dozens of varieties of plastic plates. Prices range from $104 to $206 and depend on size and design. Get microwave save plastic plates at The Find in prices ranging from $6 to $63, depending on size, design and quantity purchased.

Compare prices of specialty paper plates to use for catering or in-store events

For occasions when it's okay to stretch your budget, find specialty paper plates at affordable prices.

I recommend: Instawares carries Mexican design paper plates at $65 for a case of 6-inch plates. Get cocktail plastic plates for weddings and other special events at Catering Supplies in prices ranging from $15, for a case of 10, and $143, for 16 cases of 10 plates. Reliable Paper can supply you with a case of plastic oval serving platters at prices ranging from $110 to $112 per case. Food Service Direct sells different brands of plastic bowls at prices between $34 and $102.

Paper plates are cheap, easy to store and easy to dispose. Those in the food industry recognize the benefits of using paper plates. They keep costs down by minimizing the need for dish washing and shelf space and can be thrown away after use.

Today's paper plates come in all sizes, shapes and colors. When reviewing paper plates information, ask yourself the following before ordering them:

1. Do you want paper plates that can carry food without losing their shape or dripping?

2. How many paper plates do you need on a regular basis?

3. On which occasions will you use paper plates?

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Keep durability in mind when shopping for paper plates

A durable paper plate can ensure that spills, leaks and messes are avoided. If you do nothing else, find paper plates that are sturdy. It can mean the difference between serving an enjoyable meal and having to replace the food and/or cleaning up the mess from a leaky plate.

I recommend: Instawares specializes in providing supplies to restaurants that demand durability. They also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and discounts on other food service disposable products. Global Sources offers an extensive paper plates directory with listings of paper plate manufacturers. Each listing describes the industry for which the product is suitable -- a great indication of durability.

Buy in bulk to save money on paper plates

Be sure to factor in value when shopping for a paper plates provider. Many paper plate vendors offer discounts on sales of bulk items. If you need lots of paper plates and have the room to store them, why not buy in bulk and save?

I recommend: Party Zones' bulkpartyzone website specializes in party supplies. The more you buy the more you save. Global Equipment's website should be included on your paper plates list if you're looking for deals. Their target audience is catering or restaurant vendors, which means they sell plates by the carton rather than by the pack.

Consider decorative themes or colored plates to coordinate with your event planning

Throwing a party or catering an event? Paper plates in a decorative theme may give it that special touch, whatever the occasion. If decoratively themed paper plates are over the top, perhaps colored plates will brighten things up.

I recommend: The Party Supplies Hut categorizes supplies according to theme and color for easy navigation. My Paper Shop offers a great selection of disposable paper plates in a variety of themes, solid colors, sizes and case quantities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Want to advertise a business or commemorate a special event? Some vendors can put your logo or text directly on the paper plates.
• •  Paper plate holders can support a less-durable paper plate's shape and help you avoid leaks or spills.
• •  If you're trying to be eco-friendly, then take a look at biodegradable paper plates that can be disposed of in compost bins for recycling.

It may not seem like the most "corporate" purchase, but for any business that is hosting a food-related event or for long-term buying, it's important for businesses to think about the type of paper plates they choose, and their impact on the environment, as well as how well the plates will stand up to use. Knowing about some basic key terms related to types of paper plates will help business buyers make better decisions and understand all of the different types of disposables out there.

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Wax coating

Wax coating is the process of adding a little waxy finish to paper plates and other paper products. Many types of disposable paper plates have wax coating.

I recommend: Learn more about the wax coating process at the Wax Emulsions Center online.

Clay coating

Another very common coating for paper plates is a clay base. We can also see clay coating on some other products like pizza boxes. The clay coating gives the paper a strong and smooth feel.

I recommend: See more on clay coating at Conservatree.

Biodegradable

This term is a very important one in terms of buying paper plates or any other disposable product. Biodegradable means it can be absorbed into the earth by a process of breaking down materials. Whether a product is biodegradable has to do with what it is made of. Paper plates and other disposables should be biodegradable for a better effect on the environment.

I recommend: See more on what is biodegradable at EcoMall.

Hard paper or cardboard plates

Another type of paper plates is sometimes called 'disposable china' and is made with a cardboard type substance. These plates are more durable for when simple paper plates may not do the trick.

I recommend: See more on harder cardboard type plates at WiseGeek.

Paper plate holders

Paper plate holders are support structures that people put under paper plates to give them a lot more stability when they are loaded down with food. They can be made of wicker, plastic or any other material.

I recommend: See more on how to make your own paper plate holders at Essortment.

Custom paper plates

Businesses have another option in paper plates: custom paper plates are disposables with the logo or company name printed on, for promotions at a public event or in some other capacity.

I recommend: See some options for special business imprinted paper plates at The Discount Printer.