Let’s face it: if you operate a small business, even a one-person freelance operation, then you understand how critically important it is these days to conserve cash. Given that you work from home or in a small office, your office supply expenses may not be terribly high. Still, when it comes to buying toner, updating an expensive software program, shopping for new computer equipment or purchasing mailing supplies, your costs can easily spiral out of control.

One important way to control your small business expenses is by online shopping. The following tips can help you reduce your office supply overhead, through mostly through proven online means.

1. Shop for discounts. Every major office supply retailer has a presence online. Instead of schlepping off to your local retailer, you can buy what you want from the convenience of your personal computer, mobile phone or a tablet and have these items sent to your mailing address.

Most retailers will give you free shipping when your order tops a certain amount such as $50 or $75. Sometimes the discounts online are better than what you would find in a store so compare prices before heading to your retailer. If sales tax is charged, you will want to find savings elsewhere to offset the shipping costs.

2. Apply those coupon codes. Most every retailer will offer one final discount at the register. Such coupon codes allow you to reduce your already low costs by taking a final discount. Discounts typically start a 5 percent and can easily top 20 percent or more.

Coupon codes are found in retailer mailings and are sometimes included in other promotional materials. Third-party sites that aggregate this information are also good places to look. Find your best discount and put in your code at the checkout to reap amazing savings.

3. Savings rewards. Some retailers encourage your loyalty and will present loyalty cars for your purchases. These work the same way as supermarket cards do by allowing you enjoy coupon savings without the coupon.

Expect your retailer to offer you a card with perhaps an extra special discount up front. Then, simply keep your card or code handy for future discounts. You may also be rewarded with deeper discounts the more often you shop with the retailer.

4. Avoid sales tax. Your state’s sale tax can easily add six or seven percent to your office supply bill. One way to avoid this cost is to buy your year’s office supplies the same weekend your state has its annual “back to school” tax-free holiday.

Take note of school supplies and office supplies that are the same and buy these at tax-free time. These items include sticky notes, pens, pencils, writing pads, paper, glue, paper clips, highlighters, clip boards, note books, filing pockets, folders and much more. Some items, such as a new computer or a printer, may not be covered. Keep your receipt with your tax record — only deduct those goods used strictly for your business operation.

5. Go electronic. You can trim your mailing costs automatically and the biggest way is by resolving not to send documentation by mail if possible. This option does not bode well for the postal service, but then you are not expected to prop up this financially stressed institution by your lonesome.

Wherever possible, instead of printing out your documents, save them as PDFs. This sensible approach means that you won’t use paper and an envelope. Nor will you buy a stamp. Instead, you will write an email and attach your document for your recipient’s review and record-keeping.

Fax machines may seem like technological dinosaurs, but if you have one then keep using it. Whether faxed or scanned, a document that is sent electronically with your signature on it is as legitimate as one that you receive by regular mail. Plus, it gets there faster.

Shop With Care

Of course, one of the best ways to reduce your small business shopping expenses is crafting a budget to reflect what you need to spend in a given year. Review your items to find out which ones can be eliminated or where the purchase might be put off. You can also consider dollars stores, outlet shops and other discounters when you want to add these options to your discount shopping initiatives.

Author Information

Jason Benton is a personal shopping assistant who loves hunting down a good bargain. Jason enjoys sharing his tips on shopping websites. Visit Cheap Sally for weight watchers discounts.