One of the easiest and most overlooked ways to reduce the cost of your office supplies and equipment, is to purchase them online. You will be surprised at how much you can save on both small items like paper and ink, and large items like computers and printers, just by spending a few minutes looking for deals online. It is important to know that there is more than just one way to save money when shopping online. The key to finding a deal is not only knowing where to look, but also knowing what to look for.

Five ways to save money when shopping online:

1. Comparison shopping.
2. Coupon codes.
3. Free shipping or discounted shipping.
4. Sale, clearance and refurbished items.
5. Avoid paying sales tax.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Comparison Shopping

Look for the lowest price by comparing the price you are paying now, with the prices from many online retailers.

I recommend: using a web site like Bizrate or Buzzillions to compare product prices.

Coupon Codes

Most online retailers have coupon codes that are not advertised on their web sites. The savings these coupon codes offer can be as much as 50% off.

I recommend: Use a site like Coupons For Everyone to find a list of sites that offer coupon codes for many retailers. Once you find a coupon code you can apply to your purchase, write it down, and enter it during check out.

Free Shipping or Discounted Shipping

You can save money simply by choosing to shop at online retailers that offer free or discounted shipping. Most online retailers have some type of free shipping offer. It might be free shipping on all orders, or free shipping after you spend a specified minimum amount of money.

I recommend: Most online retailer will promote their free shipping offers on their home page and provide details on their shipping information page. Visit FreeShipping.org to find out which online retailers have current free shipping offers.

Sales, Clearance and Refurbished Items

It is common for online retailers to devote a special section of their web site to sale, clearance or refurbished items.

I recommend: When visiting any online retailers web site, be sure to take a quick look in their sale, clearance and refurbished sections. Some online retailers have thousands of products at severely reduced prices, and if you are lucky, they will have just what you are looking for.

Avoid Paying Sales Tax

Online retailers do not have to charge you sales tax, if they are not located in your state.

I recommend: Check to see where an online retailer is located. If they are located outside your state, there is a good chance they will not charge you any sales tax.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Increase your savings by combining several of these money saving techniques. For example, use a comparison shopping engine to find the cheapest price on the fax machine you want. Then do a quick search for a coupon code for the three retailers that had the cheapest prices. There is a good chance you will be able to save an additional 5% - 10% off with a coupon code.
• •  Don't be lazy and get in the habit of doing all your shopping at one store. Even if you have found the product you want at a good price, there is a good chance that it could be cheaper elsewhere.
• •  Before you purchase anything online, always look for a coupon code. Online retailers use coupon codes as a way of competing for your business. No matter what you are buying, there is a good chance there is a coupon code out there that can save you money.
• •  Free shipping can mean the difference between a good deal and a great deal, so always factor in the price of shipping, and whenever possible shop at online retailers with free shipping offers.