Small Business Resource

1. Office space.  This is one of the most overestimated needs and underestimated costs for a small business.  A lease can literally leach away your startup funds.  And the sad thing is that so much business is now conducted online, you really don’t need a physical storefront to succeed (in most cases it’s more of a hindrance).  So consider running your business by way of the internet and having employees telecommute.  You’ll save on rent and they’ll save on gas.  It’s a win-win.
2. Equipment.  If you must have a physical location, one of the many ways you can cut initial costs is by purchasing discount equipment.  Phones, faxes, copiers, and printers can be bought refurbished or as combination devices.
3. Computers.  For goodness sake, do not buy top-of-the-line computers (unless you’re running a software company or a graphic design house).  The majority of businesses do not need to shell out beaucoup bucks for the latest and greatest computers on the market.  Check with Dell to see what solutions they have for small business and find out if you can get a discount by purchasing several.
4. Furniture.  Again, this does not need to be purchased new.  Look online for good deals or check out Craig’s List to see if you can get something in decent condition from a business that is closing.  You can also look into reclaimed items, which are often refurbished and could save you a lot on some very nice pieces.
5. Supplies.  Do not fall into the “discount” trap offered by stores like Office Max and Staples.  You can get anything and everything you need online for less, and often with additional deals for those who order in bulk.
6. Phones.  Forget a landline (so outdated!) and opt for VoIP (voice over IP) which is a lot less expensive if you plan to do some international calling (and sometimes even if you’re only calling domestic).  And you can get some handy extras like call waiting and voice mail delivered to email at no additional cost.
7. Security.  Most businesses these days feel that building security is a necessary expense, and it may be.  But rather than paying a physical security force to patrol the premises, opt instead for cameras that send a feed directly to your home so that you can monitor them on your own, as well as an alarm system.
8. Paper.  Most modern businesses really have no need for hard copies any more.  Even the IRS will now accept digital copies of just about everything.  So throw away the throwbacks and get with the program (the computer program, that is).  You’ll save a lot by losing the paper trail.
9. Get a buddy business.  One of the best ways a business can save money is by purchasing products in bulk.  But you don’t expect to use 1,000 toner cartridges within the next fiscal year (or ten).  So team up with some other area small businesses to order items that you all need in bulk so that everyone can save.
10. Go green.  You should always practice the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle).  If you’re updating computers for staff that needs cutting edge equipment, don’t toss the old stuff.  Instead, give it to someone whose equipment is no longer up to snuff (rather than buying all new for everyone).  And when you have piles of used (and discarded) paper lying around, recycle it for inter-office memos and such.  Reducing your waste and reusing and recycling older items will definitely help you to cut your costs.

Sarah Danielson writes for http://www.tshirtprinting.net where you can design your own custom clothing at affordable prices.