How to run an efficient supply of office products

When it comes to ordering office supplies it easy to think of the usual requirements being a hand full of pens and maybe a pack of post-its, but before you know it you find yourself dashing out to the local stationery store for emergency laser supplies and "BANG" there goes your best value strategy.

To make sure you have everything on hand that´s needed to keep you and your office going, keep these five general guidelines in mind:

1. Always keep a small cache of supplies handy.
You´ll save a surprisingly large amount of time if you keep essential daily supplies within an easy to reach place, perhaps in a desk drawer or small filing cabinet. Otherwise, you´ll find yourself making two or three daily trips to the storage room that can break your rhythm of work and waste your precious day.

2. Hide supplies you don´t use every day.
Stacks of stationary, rolls of tape, piles of legal pads - it all adds up to an unsightly and distracting mess. Stuff you use monthly should be on a shelf; stuff you use less often should be in a cupboard or storage room.

3. Compile a core list of the supplies you and your office use.
Note whenever an item on the list is running low, replenish supplies so that you won´t run out of fax paper or black ink in the middle of receiving an important document.

4. Every couple of months, review your office supply expenses.
Target one or two areas of purchasing and speak to your account manager for advice of ways to save money and cut back on costs. Supplying your most frequently purchased products and volume of units required is a great way to discuss quantity price breaks with your account manager.

5. Save on delivery.
Ensure that each order you place covers the minimum order value required for free next day delivery, this is a great time to add that extra toner to your order to replenish supplies and is an excellent way to save a considerable sum over the financial year.