If you run a small business, you know the numbers don’t lie- overhead eats into your profits faster than you’d like. While rent, salaries, and utilities are big expenses, there’s another area that often gets overlooked: everyday supplies.
From printer paper and packaging to cleaning products and coffee, these costs add up. The good news? With a little planning and the right tools, you can trim these expenses without cutting corners.
1. Buy in Bulk- But Smartly
Buying in bulk can be a huge money saver, but only if you’re strategic:
- Focus on high-use items you know you’ll need.
- Track inventory so you don’t overstock.
- Compare per-unit prices before committing.
For my business, signing up for Amazon Business gave me access to bulk pricing on everyday items- without needing to store pallets in my office.
2. Standardize Your Supply List
Instead of buying different brands and sizes each month, choose a consistent set of products. It makes ordering faster, reduces waste, and often lets you qualify for volume discounts.
3. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Options
If you’re ordering frequently, shipping costs can quietly chip away at your budget. Services that include free shipping on business orders can save hundreds over time.
4. Centralize Purchasing
When multiple people in your business order supplies independently, you lose track of spending. Use one account for all purchases so you can:
- Monitor expenses in real-time.
- Prevent duplicate orders.
- Negotiate better prices with vendors.
I invited my team to our Amazon Business account, so everyone orders through one place- with approvals and spend limits set up.
5. Track Usage Patterns
Review your purchasing history every few months. You might find products you no longer need or that can be replaced with cheaper, better alternatives.
6. Automate Reorders for Essentials
Running out of essential supplies can slow operations and cost you more in rush orders. Set up automatic deliveries for predictable items like toner, packaging, or cleaning products.
7. Separate Personal and Business Purchases
Mixing personal and business expenses makes accounting messy. Use dedicated accounts and tools designed for business purchases- especially those that provide downloadable reports for tax season.
8. Look for Tax-Exempt Purchasing
If your business qualifies for tax-exempt status, make sure you’re not paying sales tax on eligible purchases. Some platforms offer automatic tax exemption once your documents are approved. With Amazon Business, once my tax exemption was verified, I stopped paying unnecessary sales tax on eligible orders- instant savings.
9. Don’t Ignore Small Savings- They Add Up
Even if you only save a few dollars per item, over the course of a year, those savings can be significant- especially for consumables you buy often.
10. Use Business-Only Deals
Many suppliers offer special deals to registered businesses — discounts that aren’t visible to regular consumers. Signing up for a free account with such suppliers can unlock these hidden savings.
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean cutting quality. With the right systems, bulk discounts, centralized purchasing, and tax-exempt buying, you can keep your business running smoothly while keeping your budget in check.
If you haven’t explored it yet, Amazon Business is free to join and offers exclusive pricing, business-only deals, and tools to simplify your purchasing process- making it easier to save money while staying organized.
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