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Breaking Business Plans Down to Smaller Steps
Most of us know what a business plan is. We know that it
includes product information, marketing strategies, financing,
facilities and a customer profile. Yet how many of us know that
the comprehensive report is just a piece of paper without...
International Shipping/Freight for Dummies
There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import or export goods. Manufacturers and distributors can order directly from the overseas manufacturer and save money on their purchases. They can also market their goods to the world instead of...
Mining For Gold With The Best Affiliate Programs And Hitting Pay Dirt
Colin McDougall tinkered around with affiliate programs earning a few dollars, nothing much to write home about, even had his own e-commerce site, known as the man’s mall. In theory that site was supposed to offer all sorts of gadgets for...
Small Business Tax Credit - Americans with Disabilities Act
Many small businesses complain when confronted with the expense of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most do not realize that there are a number of tax incentives available to offset the costs. Importantly, one tax incentive comes...
Work From Home And Get More Done!
Working from home can be a most effective way to be more productive!
Today's open plan offices stop many people from getting their work done. The constant noise, phones ringing and colleagues interrupting can drive anyone to distraction!
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Small Home Business: Effective Ways To Reduce Your Costs
One of the advantages of conducting your own small business is you can significantly reduce your costs by controlling a few simple processes. Here are ten useful ways to reduce your business costs.
1. Network With Non Competing Businesses
This can present a fantastic opportunity for many businesses. Try networking your business with other business owners. Of course, you would not approach someone with business that is in direct competition with yours! There may be several non-competing businesses that appeal to a similar market as your business. For example weight loss, lingerie and child care businesses all appeal to women and do not compete with one another. You may be able to trade leads and mailing lists.
Make a list of all the possible business alliances in your area, work out a win-win arrangement where both businesses benefit, and systematically work through your list. This will cut down on your marketing and advertising costs.
2. Wholesale/Bulk
You'll save money buying your business supplies in bulk quantities. You could get a membership at a wholesale warehouse or buy them through a mail
order or internet wholesaler. Buy the supplies you are always running out of.
3. Free Stuff
You should try visiting the thousands of freebie sites on the internet before buying your business supplies. You can find free software, graphics, backgrounds, online business services and business cards to mention a few items. There are many online sites providing freebies, and to get you started visit www.freeonline.com.au and www.ifree.com.au
4. Borrow/Rent
Have you ever purchased business equipment you only needed for a small period of time? You could have just borrowed the equipment from someone else or rented the equipment from a business equipment supplier. A quick search through the Yellow Pages or on the internet will give you a number of places that rent office equipment.
5. Online/Offline Auctions
You can find lower prices on business supplies and equipment at online and offline auctions. I'm not saying all the time, but before you go pay retail for these
items try bidding on them first. If you are not able to visit a local auction, you may find online auctions such as www.ebay.com useful.
6. Plan Ahead
Make a list of business supplies or equipment you'll need in the future. Keep an eye out for stores that have big stock clearing sales. Purchase the supplies when they go on sale before you need them.
7. Used Stuff
If your business equipment and supplies don't need to be new, buy them used. You can find used items at garage sales. Keep an eye out in the papers for liquidation sales.
8. Negotiate
You should always try negotiate a lower price for any business equipment or supplies, especially if you are paying cash. It costs the retailer to operate a merchant account for credit cards and often they willing reduce the price for a cash sale. It doesn't hurt to try. Pretend you are talking to a salesman at a car
lot.
9. Search
You can always be searching for new suppliers for your business supplies and equipment. Look for suppliers with lower prices and better quality. Don't
just be satisfied with a few.
10. Office Upgrades
Many commercial businesses upgrade their information technology requirements every few years. When this happens offer to purchase the old equipment, which may be going to be scrapped in any case. It is likely your IT requirements are not as stringent and the ‘old’ system will still adequately run the software you need for your business. Keep an eye out for new office fit outs. When a tenant leaves a commercial building they may be required to removed their office fit out. Desks, chairs, partitions are just some of the useful home office items you may pick up for a penny!
© Kim Beardsmore
About the Author
Kim is part of an established home business group operating across 60 countries. We urgently require people to join our expanding team. Earn $500-$5,000 per month part time around your current schedule. Full training and ongoing support to ensure your success. http://free2liv.com/?refid=csts -567887442
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