Читать книгу 19 Ways to Survive in a Tough Economy - Lynn Spry - Страница 41

Doing away with superfluous expenses covers all other business-related expenses. Every other bill, every other credit card charge, and every other cash layout should be included in this category. For most businesses this will include your office supplies, vehicle expenses, staff break room items, cleaning services, magazine subscriptions, organization dues, and other miscellaneous expenses.

The first thing to review is any automated credit card charges. Some charges may be from old expenses that have never properly ended. Check each item and call credit companies to cancel any charges that you cannot identify or no longer need.

Next, review each bill and each item on each bill. These expenses, although sometimes necessary, are usually more elective in nature. Each item should be seriously considered. If possible, the expense should be dropped entirely. For instance, if you are currently paying for cleaning services, consider assigning these tasks to the staff instead of paying an outside agency.

Check your office expenses thoroughly. There are often many opportunities to reduce expenses in this area. For instance, if pens are being ordered, you may want to check what pens and for how much. Paying for expensive office supplies does not necessarily improve the effectiveness of the office. Further, check how often office supplies are being ordered. Does the staff order regularly from a list of approved products? Or are they ordering individual items and paying unnecessary shipping charges? Which products are they choosing? Review your local office store catalog and compare prices. Make sure to include the cost of delivery or mileage if you purchase items in person.

Lifesaver: Check your expenses to see if any items you purchase regularly or need to purchase can be obtained from another small-business owner. Many small-business owners are often willing to barter services and sometimes even goods. Just remember, bartered goods and services are still taxable unless certain exemptions are met. See your accountant or visit your local tax authority’s website for more information.

Shipping costs are another type of service that can vary greatly. The cost of shipping the item, the time it takes to get there, and the type of packaging you can use all effect the cost.

Over the last few years, the United States Postal Service has created a very competitive system for packages. With free boxes delivered to your door and low-cost fees, the post office can be a more competitive option for small business shipping.