| When running a business even one from home it pays | | | | Also to help with costs look at big ticket items like cars |
| to use different methods for saving money in all | | | | and see if leasing them would be better. In the long run |
| business dealings. I want to share some of the most | | | | it may save just from not having to worry about |
| dynamite ideas to help improve you bottom line. After | | | | mechanical issues. Other smaller items can be leased |
| all a shoestring budget has to go a lot further these | | | | too, office space, office equipment and even a |
| days. | | | | computer if necessary. |
| 1) Bartering for goods and services: | | | | 6) Auctions and closeouts: |
| You can see evidence of this making a comeback | | | | Another resource for business equipment is to look on |
| these days. There are coupled of barter networks on | | | | auction sites to see if you can bid on a good piece of |
| line that may be helpful. You might even have a local | | | | equipment without paying retail. I would also suggest |
| barter network in your area. It would allow you to list | | | | that you go into stores and ask for floor models and |
| what you are willing to trade goods or services. I set | | | | or returns that have to be priced lower cause after |
| up a deal with one of my clients that is a lawyer | | | | someone got the item home changed his or her mind |
| where for every 5 searches I do one is free and goes | | | | and sent it back. Because it was opened it has to be |
| to building up hours of billable time so that if I need a | | | | marked down, so it doesn't necessarily mean it is |
| legal advice or contract drawn up it is covered. | | | | defective. |
| 2) Networking association: | | | | 7) Plan your expenses: |
| When you join an association and go to it's functions | | | | As you build a business and know that you'll need to |
| you can develop new clients but also network with | | | | make a capital expenditure you can watch for sales |
| folks that do similar businesses in order for you to get | | | | and other cheaper pricing. |
| referral business for an area that you work in and | | | | 8) Garage sales: |
| they can get the same from you in their area. In other | | | | If your equipment does not have to be new then by all |
| words say I ask you if you cover so and so county | | | | means see what you can dig up at a garage sale |
| for searching...you can have a great outlet for sending | | | | because some other home business may need to |
| business to an associate and they will do the same for | | | | upgrade and may give you an opportunity for a good |
| you, that way cutting down marketing etc. | | | | deal. |
| 3) Buy Wholesale: | | | | 9) Negotiate: |
| Look in the phone book there should be a place listing | | | | I've seen this happen everywhere even in |
| all wholesalers in the area. They can include items like | | | | supermarkets on food. So when you buy office |
| paper for your fax, pens and other office supplies. | | | | equipment do not hesitate to negotiate for a lower |
| Depending on your business this is a great way to buy | | | | price. The worst that can happen is you pay what |
| product at a steeper discount and increase your profit | | | | they were asking..if they agree then hey good deal. |
| margin. | | | | 10) Searching for better deals: |
| 4) The Freebies: | | | | When your in business a long time it can be very easy |
| When you start your business and say are looking for | | | | to be come complacent with the suppliers that you |
| graphics for designing a logo or need even office | | | | have. Do not stop looking for new ones that may |
| supplies, there are on line channels that give away | | | | offer better deals. This will give you a negotiating tool |
| many items so this should be look into for possible | | | | to use with present ones as well. If they can not meet |
| savings too. | | | | the new price you can go elsewhere. |
| 5) Lease items: | | | | |
