Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Making things simple
The small business person faces countless tasks every single day. Searching for and discovering little things that make each task as effortless as possible is yet another task and one that goes undone due to so many other things that need to be done first. I use a number of tools that simplify my tasks. Everything from online banking and bill-pay to shopping for office supplies online. The little things matter too. Even the tiniest thing to speed up the process like my sweet little letter opener that makes opening bills and payments lend to peace and productivity.
Office supplies!
Buying office supplies doesn't seem like a "big thing," nor does it require too much thought. Well one would think. The fact is, with preferred paper, printers, fax machines, file folders and pens, little things matter. When the time comes to restock the shelves, looking up ink cartridges and the paper stock purchased last time can be time consuming.
In the past, I've created lists of commonly purchased supplies and their stock numbers. This made the trip to the office supply store a little less time consuming and efficient. When the time came to go buy an ink cartridge or more printer paper, I would locate my trusty list and head to the store. By the time I got in my truck, navigated to the store, walked the isles, stood in line, purchased my supplies and returned to the office, it would seem like half the day was spent.
Another problem. When I do finally make it to the store, I tend to "shop." As much as I hate shopping, there are three places that I can get stuck for hours. The hardware store, Sam's Wholesale Club and the office supply store.
The solution!
Once the basic office supplies are carefully selected, restocking those items should not require much research or effort. I love to purchase online because it's easy, offers a transaction record for accounting and it doesn't require me to leave the office. Many places including Amazon, Wal-Mart, Office Depot and Staples offer online shopping, I have been using OfficeDepot.com for about 2 years now I love it.
The killer ap! The Office Depot online store allows me to create a virtual shopping list. (Actually as many different lists as I want.) Just like my printed lists in the past, I can add items to my list online and when the time comes to restock, simply add the quantity to my order and check out. It could not be more simple. Also, for orders over $50, they will bring me my "stuff" the next day for free. Alternatively, you can select to pick up your order at the store the same day.
I needed printer paper now!
Yesterday I had an issue where I could not leave the office but needed some printer paper right now. I logged on and placed my order for store pickup and my wonderful assistant (wife), stopped in and picked up my order while out and about.
Being able to order exactly what I wanted and pay for it in advance simplified the process for both of us.
- With as many kinds of printer paper there are out there, pre-purchasing removed the inevitable question, "what kind do you want?"
- Paying for my order online allowed me to use my business account for the purchase, thus eliminating the need to transfer funds or account for the sale.
- Ordering in advance meant that the pick up process didn't involve standing in line, checking out or running around the store trying to find things. In other words, it was a win-win-win!
There are other options if you don't like buying online such as call in orders, mail order and faxed orders too. I like things simple and easy and the online method is easiest for me. It takes care of my lists, the accounting and the convenience is unbeatable.
One task at a time!
As I conduct business I am always on the lookout for little tips and tricks to simplify my life. I'm the kind of guy who can sit down and write out long lists of things that need to be improved or changed. Instead of wasting that time and creating another task that would seem daunting, I just improve my process one thing at a time. A little here, a little there and voila! Life is easy is Sokyville.
Labels: eCommerce, Office Depot, office supplies, simple, small business, tips and tricks
