Tips for Saving Money on Office Equipment

Many small-business owners dream of owning an office with brand-new furniture, up-to-the-minute computers and phone systems, and every ergonomically correct device on the market. The reality, of course, is that growing businesses can't afford these luxuries.

That's why it's important to look for ways to cut costs on office equipment. The money you'll save buying used equipment can be spent on advertising to grow your business, or to help keep you afloat during slow periods. In the end, you'll probably appreciate your rising revenues or strong cash flow more than a fancy mahogany desk.

Consider these alternatives to buying new equipment:

Auctions. Bankruptcy auctions are one of the best sources for inexpensive office equipment and furnishings. You often can find high-quality, almost-new equipment for much less than you'd pay at a second-hand shop. Check your local paper for auction listings.

The Internet also is a great place to find new or used equipment at bargain-basement auction prices. Web sites such as Auction Guide post auction dates, the items for sale, and other details.

If you're looking for new equipment, check out online auction sites such as eBay. You can search for specific items or browse broad categories such as restaurant equipment, office furniture, and computers.

Warning: Be careful when providing credit card information to online auction sites — some sites automatically bill your card if your bid wins.

Liquidators. Liquidators often obtain equipment the same way auctioneers do — through bankruptcy sales. However, liquidators usually offer a wider selection of items and lots of equipment from large corporate offices, so you have a better chance of finding matching furniture or several computers of the same model.

The prices at liquidators' sales typically aren't as good as they are at auctions, but you'll still save 50 percent or more off the equipment's replacement value. And liquidators sometimes provide technical support, installation assistance, and guaranteed performance. Look for local liquidators in the Yellow Pages or on the Web.

Second-hand shops. You often can find used equipment in a local second-hand store. Be aware, however, that most of these shops charge significantly more money than do liquidators or auctioneers. And unless you track down references from other small-business owners, you won't know if a shop owner is trustworthy or knows anything about the office equipment that they're selling. It is also unlikely that you'll be able to track down more than one matching desk or office chair at a second-hand shop.

On the plus side, second-hand stores, as well as the random estate sale or garage sale, can be good places to find a unique chair for the lobby or a more upscale bookcase, desk, or decorations for the CEO's office.