I have been doing this for years and wanted to share it with everyone.

For my office supplies I usually get my paper for free, discounted forms, discounted supplies and much more. The way I do this is I go to Office Depot or Office Max and I hit up their clearance section. They have some of everything in that section marked down to almost nothing. This is the perfect time of the year to go and hit them up. In the clearance section I have been able to get Christmas designed paper for only $.25 a package, labels for $.50, matching envelopes for $.90 a package. I put all this in a bin and when I get a request for something I have supplies ready. They have items marked down daily and you just have to go and find out what they have in the clearance area. If you get in good with management they will tell you what they are marking down.

The free paper comes from taking my old ink carts. and trading them in for paper. They give you $3.00 for each one you turn in and at that time I will get my paper. It use to be that you can get a rim of paper per cart, but it changed so I pay about $1.00 for a rim if that much.

A lot of times they don't list all the store sales in that paper so if you need something or are running low on something just call them and see if they have it on sale. Remember a box of 500 enevlopes were going for $1.99. I got about 10 boxes and they are packed in storage bins for when I need them. I also use wholesale places to get other items. Like cards, you can buy in bulk and end up paying about $.10 or less for cards. I have a company that I was using and once I find their link I will post it, they will allow you to mix up your purchase so you will have cards for every occassion. I brought 50 cards for only $16.83.

Just thought I would share these little tips with you all.

These are great tips TaCreacia! Thanks so much for sharing
You're truly a savvy businesswoman

Do you know if these office supply chains ever post their big sales on their website or is it the kind of thing you need to go to your local branch to see what's left from the stock?

Thanks again!

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No problem. For the clearance items you have to go in the store. If you have a good manager or staff that you can call there they can tell you what they have back in the clearance area. But i have found it best to just pop in from time to time. You never know what you will find in there. LOL

Thank you for sharing. I can use all the money saving tips I can find.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Thank you, I often or I should say, my ex boss alway hit up the clearance section way in the back of the store at office depot and we would get pens and phone cords for little of nothing. I think I'll do the same, I just open an account with Quill, I was shocked they gave me an open credit business account, as this business is just getting off the ground. Please keep posting the way we all can save a buck or two.

Fortunately, after we closed our office after my ex boss give me everything I had in my old office. My computer, laser all in one fax printer machine, desk and filling cabinets. Only thing I needed was a phone, and I used my quill account to get that. I was happy they put me on a 30 day net.

I also ordered today my business cards. They charged me $29.99 for 1000 if I designed it myself. I tried to upload but the file is to large so I'll post it to my website so you can see.

Ok I think I have a link to my card. Could you please let me know what you think. Thanks

my business card

You were really blessed to get all of those great office supplies for free. I love the business card. Very memorable...wont get lost in the sea of business cards that most business owners have.

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Michelle, nice card. I like the color scheme.

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Mattie Stokes

Great job on the business card Michelle, did you design that yourself?

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Wow Michelle the business card is great. When you get a chance can you post a link. I was thinking about ordering cards from Vistaprint to start and then as I run out of those I will upgrade. As far as the supplies I love shopping for supplies. Target also has great supply clearances as well. I like Target because I think a lot of their items are unique.

I am a self professed office supply junkie. I always hit the clearance rack at Office Depot. I have to stop myself though.

Thanks, this is helpful. I will keep this in mind when searching for supplies.

nice card, Michelle. Reading it reminds me that I took a Notary class & have yet to take the actual test!
These forums are great motivation & inspiration for those of us who are in limbo.

I also love hitting up the local supply stores' clearance sections. I have done this for a few years now and always buy based on anticipated need. Also, try to think up creative alternative uses for items on sale. For example, I had a problem with my magazines getting too disorganized for my liking. I bought a set of hanging wall bins (like you would use for an inbox) and separated my magazines by type. Now they are handy and organized.
Sheila

I wish I had a Office Depot close by. I do happen to do something similar at Staples. I have got design print file folders for $.50. Loved it!