There are many simple ways one can reduce costs in business supplies, from changes in telephony to a paperless office. One solution that many businesses choose at start up, is working from home. It is not as easy as being in an office situation, as self-motivation is paramount, but one can still employ staff and interconnect via the new ways of communications. Consider doing away with your landline telephone.

You can use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) which uses your computer to communicate free or for a fraction of the cost of maintaining a telephone. There are some good deals on mobile phones that also give better service than a landline. It is a consideration well worth exploring. Making your office paperless through use of your computer will save money on all the paper, ink, envelopes, paper clips, and other supplies that an office using paper requires.

You can email your invoices, scan and save documents to your computer and only print if necessary. You will not need many filing cabinets, but you will have to ensure that you have a very good back-up service. You can back up to on-line storage websites, or buy an external hard disk and programme it to back up each evening after work. If you are unable or unwilling to try a paperless office, then shop around for your office supplies.

There are many businesses in competition with one another, and all want your patronage. Some firms offer free delivery, others offer discounts, some will offer 'sweeteners' to get your custom. Get to know one supplier for repeated good service. One needs to have good software for keeping track of business, one that will generate invoices, receipts, estimates, and do double-entry book-keeping. There are dozens of programmes available, but scan the internet for free programmes before you spend unnecessarily. These are known as 'open-source software' and are open to the public.

Ensure you have a good anti-viral programme before using these. Look at second-hand office equipment before you furnish an office from scratch. Manufacturers sell refurbished stock, and it is possible to buy used furniture in auctions, either on- or off-line. You might also look at relatively inexpensive premises to begin with, rather than going for a top address. After all, you can always move upwards - a lot easier than downsizing.

Market your business on-line, as this gives a high turnover for low outgoings. If you are not as computer literate as you would wish, you can find marketing courses that will bring you up with a worthwhile investment. Use a business credit card if possible, to keep your business expenses separate from personal ones. If applicable, get business credit cards with an appropriate top limit for your employees. This saves the petty cash situation, which can be time consuming and difficult if a receipt for an item is not received.

Keep a close eye on what your employees are spending and why. When it comes to business supplies, a financial plan is indispensable, and it should be a tool used daily. With it, you can see where expenditure is high and take appropriate action to reduce it effectively.