Buying Everything You Need at a Discount

Join a club or shop online just don't pay retail.

By Meagan Francis, Director, Studio 4b

Are the stores in your nearest strip mall really getting you the best deal on your computer equipment or professional printing? Are you getting the best deal possible on health and dental benefits? What about travel costs like hotels and car rentals? Whether you're setting up a new office or replacing used supplies and equipment, it pays to bargain shop — and when you're working hard to keep costs down, even small savings can add up over the long run.

For bargains on business goods and services, you can:

Group together with other business owners through memberships in professional organizations
Hunt for the best prices by shopping wholesale clubs or discount catalogs and sites
Use rebates and coupons.

Here are some of the best solutions for buying everything you need at a discount.

Become a member

Joining professional organizations can give small businesses access to large-group bargains on services like health and dental benefits.
Try: The US Chamber of Commerce directory allows you to search for your local branch and find out more about the benefits of membership.

Buy from a discount retailer

Cut out the middleman by shopping online dealers in equipment and supplies,
Try: OfficeMart.com has good deals on office supplies and equipment. Check out FurnitureWholesalers.com for bargains on desks, chairs, and other office furniture.

Join a wholesale warehouse club

Leverage the buying power of the major national clubs.
Try: BJ's Wholesale Club and Sam's Club sell discounted and bulk office supplies, food, household items and more, and offer members discounted health care plans and other business services.

Find rebates and coupons online.

Be a smart shopper – scout for promotional pricing.
Try: The Consumer Club lists rebates and discounts for anything from printer ink to computer equipment to coffee. Orbitz's business travel section gives the best rates on hotels, airfare, and car rentals with business travelers in mind.

Take advantage of your bank or credit-card vendor

The big financial institutions negotiate deals for their customers
Try: American Express cardholders qualify for discounts on shipping and software. Bank of America small-business customers get deals at thousands of retailers.

When possible, group together with other business owners. You can form a buying club to get supplies in bulk and may be able to negotiate large-group deals on other goods and services.
Negotiate. You can get a better deal on almost anything if you ask.
Price-shop. Looking around at several outlets before making a purchase will give you a good idea of the best prices available and a strong position for negotiation.