10 Tips to Reduce Importing Business Costs

10 Tips to Reduce Importing Business Costs

More information in the form of a straters ebook to importing and selling online may be found at http://www.importingforauctions.com

We have used many if not all of the business expense reduction tips found here, for setting up our Importing Business, that allows us to sell on eBay and other auction sites. Some work quickly, some work a little slower. However, by and large they do all work.

1. Borrow/Rent
Have you ever purchased business equipment you only needed for a small period of time? You could have just borrowed the equipment from someone else or rented the equipment from a "rent-all" store. I know a business owner, who did buy a piece of machinery, new. After using it he resold it as used and recouped all of his investment.

2. Search
You can always be searching for new suppliers for your business supplies and equipment. Look for suppliers with lower prices and better quality. Don't just be satisfied with a few. Ask some of your business associates, who they get their supplies, etc from. Then drop the referring businesses name to the person your talking to about buying supplies.

3. Negotiate
You should always try negotiating a lower price for any business equipment or supplies. It doesn't hurt to try. Pretend you are talking to a salesman at a car lot. Use the honest approach. I share with the person I am talking to and just let them know. We are small, but growing. Work with us now, and as we grow we will still buy from you. Then keep your word

4. Barter
If you have a business you should be considering the exchange of goods, bartering goods, and services with other businesses. You should try to trade for something before you buy it. Barter deals usually require little or no money.

5. Online/Offline Auctions
You can find lower prices on business supplies and equipment at online and offline auctions. I'm not saying all the time, but before you go pay retail for these items try bidding on them first. As with any online purchase, do your homework.

6. Free Stuff
You should try visiting the thousands of freebie sites on the internet before buying your business supplies. You can find free software, graphics, backgrounds, online business services etc. As in the case of Internet Marketing, there are many items, articles, and e-books that are free. Often they may want your email address. Just because you give it to them once, does not mean you have to stay on their lists.

7. Used Stuff
If your business equipment and supplies don't need to be new, buy them used. You can find used items at yard and garage sales, used stores, used stuff for sale message boards and newsgroups etc. Unless your in a business setting where the image of new is important, used or refurbished will work as well as new, and for less money.

8. Plan Ahead
Make a list of business supplies or equipment you'll need in the future. Keep an eye out for stores that have big sales. Purchase the supplies when they go on sale before you need them. Often times in some stores you can put what you want on lay-a-way. You may be able to keep it on layaway until you need it and can pay for it.

9. Wholesale/Bulk
You can save money buying your business supplies in bulk quantities. You could get a membership at a wholesale warehouse or buy them through a mail order wholesaler. You may even go in with other businesses that use some of the same products and then split out what each of you needs.

10. Networking
Try networking your business with other businesses. There could trade leads or mailing lists. This will cut down on your marketing and advertising costs.