Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

Trying to pull together your office on a budget?  Most of us, whether home-based or in a leased space, would rather invest our funds in the necessities of the business than into a single fancy wingback for the sitting area.  Having good, reliable office equipment is essential to operating a business too, though. 

If you're trying to figure out ways to cut costs and decrease your initial expenditures while still covering the bases as you begin building a business, you'll be able to glean some ideas from Janet Attard's article, "Keeping Home Business Startup Costs Under Control".  In addition to her suggestions, I've got a few of my own.

1. Sign up for refund and rewards programs at your favorite office supply stores.  Staples and Office Depot both offer programs where loyal customers can earn store credit and special discounts.  (During 2005, I earned the maximum credit checks available to me at Staples...boy, was that handy!)
2. Consider purchasing all-in-one office equipment such as a combination printer/fax/scanner.  Not only can you potentially save money over buying three separate products (depending on your needs), you will definitely save space.
3. If you are in the market for commercial space, consider sharing office space with another tenant.  Choose carefully though...an accountant will not want to pair up with an artist who is welding metal all day.  Try to find another small business owner whose clientele will be interested in what you have to offer, and vice versa.  I happen to know a pair of attorneys who are located in the same building as a CPA.  Needless to say, the two offices communicate frequently and share a number of clients.  Drive business to each other where possible and both parties will benefit.
4. Don't forget to save all your receipts...office equipment and supplies may be deductible.  To learn more about such business expenses, visit the good ol' IRS and see what they have to say.