When it comes to office supplies, the cost of all the little things like pens and paperclips definitely adds up. To save money on these and other office supplies, consider your needs and do some comparison shopping. Office superstores like OfficeMax and Staples are good for many small- to medium-size businesses because they generally offer the lowest prices on standard-size purchases.
If your business has over 100 people, you may be able to negotiate special rates with contract stationers, which can stock as many as five times the number of items as office superstores. Warehouse clubs like Costco represent a third option, but while their prices are competitive, they tend to offer a very limited selection.
For good advice on furnishing your office for less, be sure to read Seven Tips for Saving Money on Office Furniture.