Office furniture, what, where and how much?

Office furniture are not an easy buy. The cost, specially for boardroom furniture and desking is high but there are many more factors to consider. For one, furniture used in offices need be robust and in cases of expensive desks, executive chairs and other boardroom furniture it is essential that there are spare parts in case of damage. You therefore need consider not only a reliable supplier but also one that delivers on time and understands your space and business needs.

The office furniture industry is a saturated one with a few established and many new players. If you are after quality and understanding of your business space then you should consider buying from a company that offers office space planning, refurbishment, relocation services and interior design. These services might not be applicable to your current needs but they often show that the retailer you get involved with has a deeper understanding of this area.

Try Panther Interiors for a complete solution or visit Furniture@Work  for basic entry level products.

Tax benefits for office supplies

The US National Federation of Independent Business has achieved an increase in expensing limits for the 2006 tax returns of small-business owners . Congress has already approved an extension of the increased expensing limit from 2009. The 2006 tax year limit is $108,000. To receive immediate tax benefits you can now spend on office supplies, rather than spreading the cost over several years as a depreciation expense. Computers, software, furnishings and machinery can all offer tax benefits as long as they are purchased before the end of 2006.

Stop stealing the office supplies

Latest reports indicate that one in five young workers steal office supplies without thinking it is wrong. Only one in ten older workers do the same. No one knows how many employees had been caught in the process or how many were fired for such behavior.

One expert professor that has studied employee theft for years has revealed that he has himself never been caught. He is the author of some of the most important research and authorships in this field.

He claims that employees fall into two categories: those who steal office supplies and those who don't. He admitted some employees may take office supplies home accidentally and is not interested in these employees.

So, between the kleptomaniacs, survivalists, cheapskates, and basic thieves it's a wonder any company can keep it's office supplies. Companies are therefore advised to buy only the cheapest, lousiest supplies - pencils that break, pens that skip and staplers that jam.

Ever wondered why the stationery was in such a state?
Now you know!

Pen, Pencils and Writing Supplies

Pens, pencils and graphic supplies are no less important for your office supplies procurement. Finding the right supplier is essential to save you money and maximise productivity.
It might sound trivial but finding a balance between usability, quality and longevity of your writing supplies would be key in keeping office costs down.

Choosing a good range and variation of pens, pencils, ball point pens, markers, highlighters, sharpeners, erasers and other writing supplies is of great importance.

Try to remember that people in different levels in the company might have different needs and what works best for staff does not satisfy/apply to senior management.
Ordering writing supplies is like any other type of office procurement. It should always include a head count, an estimation of every day use and pens being lost or broken.

Office supplies business for sale

Consolidation time for the office supplies industry in the UK?

Reports that ISA, a privately-held UK office supplies company, is being sold with owner Brett Palos hiring US investment bank Rothschild to seek buyers for the business, are being distributed.

Palos bought ISA out of administration in 2003 and seems to have managed to fully turn it around. ISA is currently one of the UK's leading office suppliers, and counts Tesco, the MoD and Citibank among some of its customers. Rothschild are seeking offers of around £80m for the company, which has been profitable since September 2005.

Office stuff

Ok, how often do you meet a procurement maniac?
Someone who really cares about his pads and pencils?
A people's person that loves ordering stickies over pizza and punchers over shooters?

Never!

So this is your only chance to explore the mind of an office procurement brainiac. No, its not a disease, it's a talent.

I will be guiding you through the secrets of office supplies procurement, it's pitfalls and joys, for better and for worse and together we will reduce your spend, increase valuable funds for the Friday cake and guard pencils like it was No10.

Ta!