Restocking an office may seem like a routine task, but without a smart strategy, supply expenses can quietly chip away at your bottom line. Whether you’re running a small business, managing a department, or working from home, there are simple and effective ways to reduce costs while keeping your team well-equipped. From bulk buying to cashback tactics, here’s how to make every dollar count.
Evaluate What You Actually Use
Before placing your next order, do a quick inventory audit. Look at what’s regularly used, what tends to sit untouched, and what’s often overordered. This step alone can cut waste and prevent unnecessary reordering of items like specialty paper or branded folders that rarely get used. Tools like Sortly or Zoho Inventory can help track supply movement and maintain order history.
Buy in Bulk—Strategically
Bulk purchasing is one of the easiest ways to save—but only if done right. Stick to items with long shelf lives or consistent usage, such as printer paper, pens, sticky notes, and cleaning supplies. Retailers like Staples and Office Depot frequently offer volume-based pricing or business discounts when buying in larger quantities.
Shop During Seasonal Sales
Office supplies often see the steepest discounts during specific times of the year. The back-to-school season (late July through September) and end-of-year clearance periods (November–December) are ideal for restocking. Look for promotional flyers and check major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon for weekly price drops.
Leverage Cashback and Rewards
If you’re not earning money back on your office purchases, you’re leaving easy savings on the table. Cashback apps can help you stretch your supply budget further. For example, you can shop discounted Home Depot gift cards through Fluz and earn instant cashback on purchases like office storage, shelving, and even light fixtures. The savings add up quickly—especially if you’re buying for an entire team or office.
You can also download Fluz to access exclusive cashback deals from dozens of office retailers, including digital gift cards that apply directly at checkout.
Use Credit Cards with Office Supply Bonuses
Some business and cash-back credit cards offer higher reward percentages when shopping at office supply stores. The Chase Ink Business Cash® card, for example, offers 5% back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and internet/cable/phone services each year. Pairing these rewards with discounted gift cards can create a powerful savings stack.
Set Up Recurring Orders for Predictable Items
If you frequently buy certain items (like cleaning wipes, copy paper, or pens), look into auto-reorder programs. Amazon Business and Staples Subscriptions allow you to set delivery intervals for staples, often with a discount. This helps lock in pricing, saves time, and ensures you never run out of essentials during a busy week.
Train Your Team to Use Supplies Efficiently
Even the most efficient restocking plan can’t save you from overuse or misuse. Set clear guidelines for common supply usage, encourage digital alternatives when possible, and assign a designated supply manager to monitor inventory levels.
