A Peaceful Office is a Well-Supplied Office

Does running out of printer paper cause your staff to “freak the proverbial freak out”?  Running out of items like paper, ink, staples, and rubber bands is not only really inconvenient, but it can also be costly for your bottom line.  Running to a big box store to pick up file folders or a can of bathroom cleaner doesn’t seem like an expensive proposition until you add up all the associated costs.  Costs like unproductive staff time, extra travel expense, the additional up charge you’ll pay by buying the items in small quantity; add it all up and that seemingly inexpensive trip doesn’t seem so inexpensive anymore.   

To make sure you have everything that you need on hand and readily accessible, Dunn and Bradstreet suggest keeping these general guidelines in mind:

1. Keep a small cache of supplies handy. You'll save a surprisingly large amount of time if you keep essential supplies within easy reach, perhaps in a desk drawer. Otherwise, you'll find yourself making two or three daily trips to the supply closet. That can break your rhythm and waste your time.
2. Hide supplies you don't use every day. Stacks of stationary, rolls of tape, piles of legal pads — it all adds up to an unsightly and distracting mess. Stuff you use monthly should be on a shelf; stuff you use less often should be in a closet.
3. Compile and maintain a master list of the supplies you need. Note whenever an item on the list is running low. Replenish supplies weekly or monthly so that you won´t run out of printer ink in the middle of an important print job.

Compiling a master supply list is probably the best thing you can do to make sure your office supplies are purchased at the best price and quality available. Your master list should include most, if not all, of the items listed below:

• Printer cartridges
• Stationary
• Bathroom and cleaning supplies
• Calculators
• Calendars
• Coffeemaker and coffee
• Computer disks
• Cork boards
• Custom stamps
• Digital postage scale
• Glue
• Envelopes
• Invoices
• Mailing labels
• Manila folders
• Markers
• Note pads
• Packing tape
• Paper clips
• Pencils
• Pens
• Rubber bands
• Scissors
• Staplers
• Telephone headsets
• Tools
• White boards and markers

Once you know what to purchase, consider your system for ordering. Depending on the number of people in the office, you may need to designate one person to control the purchasing process.

Great River Office Products has compiled a list of many essential office supply items in our Core Values List.  These frequently purchased items are high quality products we’ve tested and they’re priced low so you know you’re getting the very best value for your money.

We believe in giving our customers value above and beyond the big box stores.  We want you to find excellent pricing, quality products, and exceptional customer service with us every day. 

If you’ve never tried Great River Office Products, you should.  Compare our prices and then try our service.  Contact us today at 651-293-1135, or toll free at 877-793-1135. www.greatriverofficeproducts.com.