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Meagan Francis

Guide to 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:

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

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



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


Become a member

Joining professional organizations can give small businesses access to large-group bargains on services like health and dental benefits.
I recommend: 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,
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: 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.
I recommend: 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
I recommend: American Express cardholders qualify for discounts on shipping and software. Bank of America small-business customers get deals at thousands of retailers.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • 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.
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Recommended Solution Providers

Office Depot: Business Resource Center
Reward credit programs with member savings for office furniture, supplies and copying services.

Wachovia: Business Discounts
List of places Wachovia customers can receive small business discounts.

Bank of America: Discount Program
Get great discounts on everyday purchases for your business, as well as on home furnishings, entertainment, and more.

SmallBusinessDiscounts.com
Pre-screened and negotiated rates on a variety of common business purchases.

OPEN from American Express: OPEN Savings
List of partners where you can save when you use your American Express credit card.

Best Sites to Learn More

BusinessTown: Purchasing/Cost Control
Articles, books and other resources for controlling your purchasing costs.

Inc.com: Controlling Costs
Resource for simple, everyday cost savings strategies.

NFIB: Budgeting
List of articles for reducing costs and saving money for your business.



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