Are Office Depot and Staples the least expensive place for business office supplies?
Can smaller firms compete in this industry? I’m in Los Angeles. What Office Supplies companies deliver and offer the very best rates?
Smaller firms can compete, but not on price. Large companies place large orders with suppliers, and get better prices with those large orders. Their cost per unit is lower, so they can sell the items for a cheaper price than a smaller firm.
A smaller firm can compete on service and knowledge, though.
Smaller firms can compete, but not on price. Large companies place large orders with suppliers, and get better prices with those large orders. Their cost per unit is lower, so they can sell the items for a cheaper price than a smaller firm.
A smaller firm can compete on service and knowledge, though.
References :
I run a small business and have purchased office supplies for years, from
Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, Costco, Quill.com, Amazon.com, and even Walmart.
I have found that there is no one place that has the lowest prices every time for every item.
That being said, I would estimate that on average I get the best prices from Costco and Amazon (for most general office supplies). For office furniture and equipment like printers, etc, I would have to add Office Max to the two just mentioned.
References :
You can find good pricing at smaller firms in addition you will most likely get better service by seasoned professionals. I prefer the smaller firm as they are always more personal then the big-box vendors.
I often contact the vendor via chat or phone to find coupon and discount offers. Like http://www.factory-express.com has “supp15″ for 15% discount on all office supplies. Chat with the firms to find current discounts.