The Cubicle Crucible

From Star Wars to Paper Trimmers

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:59:00 +0000

Lasers are synonymous with technology. If a laser is involved you know it's gotta be cool. Used today in everything from eye surgery to children's toys, the laser has long ago ditched its science fiction image. We now see the mighty laser in a variety of office supplies as well. Your printers, pointers, paper shredders, and computer mouses (or is it computer mice?), all incorporate the laser as a major component of functionality. So, tired of lining up paper in a paper trimmer the "old" way? Get out of the 1970's with a laser guided paper trimmer. That's right, forget trying to use your own eye. What are you crazy? Use a laser! Come on, you know you want to. Oh, and if you don't think you need a paper trimmer in your office, you might want to reconsider. Besides the obvious value for in house marketing pieces, I've seen many a company receive printed materials (e.g. invitations) that were just a bit too large for the envelopes...the quick solution? A paper trimmer...an office supply classic.

The specifics on the product you see above: Item number EPI26234

· Get a precise cut every time -- laser shows exactly where to line up the paper.
· X-acto® hardened steel blade stays sharp with the X-acto® Perpetual Edge Self-Sharpening System.
· Cuts up to 12 sheets at a 12" cut length.
· Deluxe safety guard keeps fingers away from the blade.

Surprised to hear it

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:37:00 +0000

I recently heard of a rather large company that still sends an employee out to the supply chain store to pick up needed office supplies. Here we are in 2008 and I had assumed that this archaic practice was all but extinct. Actually, I do believe that this particular company is truly the last of a dyeing breed. The chain office supply store may serve an individual, offer that much needed school supply, or even fill in as a stop gap for a minor office emergency. But for the primary source for the office's needs? That is foolish. Why? Well, for one, the cost of fuel isn't exactly going down. So are you willing to pay for both gas and the lost time strolling down the aisles looking at computer games and trying to decide what candy bar to buy? Secondly, an employee out of offical company business is technically still on the clock, as such should an accident occur, you (if you are the owner) or your company is liable. And for what? Where should you buy your office supplies? Right here of course. At OfficeBundle.com you have the best of both worlds, documented low prices and ease of use. Forget the store, the whoile store and more is right at your finger tips. Okay, what office product will I suggest today? How about something that addresses a very common office ailment...wrist pain. Ergonomics seems to have lost some of its appeal but the issues have not gone away. Wrist pain associated with repeated computer navigation can be improved with this innovative mouse from 3M:

You are looking at the MMMEM500GPS

Product specifications include:

This mouse's unique vertical grip keeps hand and arm in a neutral position, reducing pressure on wrist’s median nerve.
Clinically proven to reduce discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Features a programmable third button.

You may have to get use to a new way of maneuvering your cursor but the benefits are hard to ignore. This as well as so many other fantastic office supplies are mere seconds away, mere clicks on your mouse (regardles the style) ...right next door at OfficeBundle.com. Heck, I'll even make it easy for you...go right this way for discount office supplies.

Instant Marketing...Lasting Impression

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:32:00 +0000

The practical application for this awesome office machine should be apparent. Unfortunately, an office manager may see this item ( IMN26331) and decide that the price tag along makes it unnecessary. At just over $1,300.00 ( and as always cheaper than Office Depot by the way), it may be considered a luxury office product. That would be a mistake. This machine by Imation is something that could have a dramatic improvement on office efficiency in the burning capacity alone. Next, factor in the professional look, ease, and lack of labeling supplies, and you've got a real winner here. Power point presentations, product and service demos, software, documents, and photographs...you get the picture, the uses are hugely important. This is an item that your marketers must be aware of. The smartest buyers are the ones that seek new innovations and introduce them to those who might benefit the most. Simply reordering products is not the only service our office supply buyers do. At OfficeBundle.com we encourage our buyers to do the research on behalf of the company and try to find those products that would actually help make others perform even better. Through e-mail alerts and blog entries, we strive to provide the information you as a buyer would need. We feel strongly about this wonderful machine and its ability to impact your office. As always, for this and thousands of other discount office supplies, please go to OfficeBundle.com

Again, the item number is IMN26331. Imation write up is as follows:

Leave a lasting impression with this easy-to-use CD/DVD publishing solution. Combination printer and CD/DVD drive automatically duplicates discs and prints graphics on any standard inkjet printable disc (sold separately). High resolution and vivid colors produce professional results from edge to hub. Compact design fits on any desktop. 20-disc capacity means less time spent reloading. USB 2.0 port ensures easy connectivity and fast data transfer rates.

So what is this anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Do you really want to know? Okay. But you asked for it. What you are looking at are colonies of microscopic organisms. They may be small and fuzzy but make no mistake about it, they are not friendly. The scary part is that your office is probably loaded with them. You may even have some unexplained ailments that can be traced right back to these guys. New manufacturing technology brought to you by the top office product manufacturing companies are ready to rescue you. I know. Price is paramount... especially during these tenuous economic times. However, the health of the office or lack there of is much more expensive than the extra money it may cost to stock up valuable antimicrobial office supplies. So what exactly does antimicrobial mean? Basically, an antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Antimicrobial drugs either kill microbes (microbicidal) or prevent the growth of microbes. armed with this knowledge, look for commonly handled items like folders, envelopes, pens, binders, etc. Below is a short list of some of these fantastic antimicrobial office supplies that should become essential to your office. All of these and many many other discount office supplies can be found at OfficeBundle.com.

A small sampling:

Quality Park Envelopes: QUA90019
S,eadd Folders: SMD10349
Samsil View Binders: SAMU86308
Fellowes Wrist Rest: FEL9175301
Bostich Staplers: BOSB500BLK
Fellowes Computer Mouse: FEL98913
3M Mouse Pad: MMMMW269MB
Alliance Rubber Bands: ALL42179
ITW Dymon Hand Wipes: ITW90956CT
Papermate Pens: PAP85585

A healthy office is a happy office. A happy office is a productive office. A productive office is a profitable office! And so it goes...

Recession?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:53:00 +0000

If you listen to the economic experts, we're heading for a recession. With some more favorable than expected economic numbers recently being released, the chatter has died down a bit but the possibility still looms large. A true recession or not, one thing does appear certain, and that is an economic downturn of some degree is fast approaching. So, what can you do? The truth is, not a whole lot. You can control your spending whenever possible. Well, that's where OfficeBundle.com comes in. We're the perfect solution for small to medium sized businesses looking for legitimate savings. Save on every item. Need Avery labels? Save. Need Hewlett Packard cartridges? Save. Need copy paper? Save. Need Smead products? Save. I think you get the point. Every item, every time with proof of savings....that's what we offer and that's a powerful tool. Stop buying your office supplies the "old" way. Stop assuming your price is the best. Stop getting a coupon for a free box of pens and start getting something you could use. See. How would you like to get a $40 Target card, Wal-mart card, or gas card, every month simply for ordering the same office supplies you already use? Many of our clients do. And why not! They could certainly use it and we don't mind giving back. So you save and you receive. Are we starting to make sense? Discount Office Supplies the smart way... OfficeBundle.com...a great idea.

Extra! Extra!

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:05:00 +0000

I am but the messenger, but make no mistake about it, Office Depot is in trouble. State governments such as Georgia, California, Florida, and Nebraska (click the newspaper on the right), have conducted in depth contract investigations and have discovered millions of dollars worth of contract discrepancies. In Georgia, Office Depot has lost the sate contract as a result. This news is based on government overcharges as business can conduct their own internal investigations. Besides the overcharges, the scrutiny alone has been expensive. These over-charges are not miscalculations, but rather intentional price manipulation for the purpose of profit. We understand that profits are essential to the health of any business, but when they are acquired via dubious practices, we have a right to call foul. The marketing budget of Office Depot seems bottomless. They acquire many customers strictly on name recognition alone. We are not ashamed to share this news. OfficeBundle.com may not be as big as Office Depot but we serve as a viable alternative for verifiable discount office supplies.

Not the standard binder

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:50:00 +0000

CRD26321

What makes a product "eco-friendly"? Besides it's biodegradability, a key factor is durability. If you don't have to constantly replace an item, if truly lasts, then fewer need to be purchased. You may buy 5 cheap binders for everyone solidly constructed one. Cardinal has created on with some fantastic features such as:

* Biodegrades Safely – Polyolefin
cover is more environmentally
friendly than polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

* High Recycled Content – Each contains a
minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content.

* Renewable/Reusable – Non-stick cover won’t
stain from ink transfer and is so strong, it’s
guaranteed for one year not to split or tear even
in extreme temperatures. So you’ll be able to reuse
XtraLife binders again and again.

* Conservative Footprint – Slant-D® shape rings
hold at least 25% more than round rings, so you
can use a smaller size binder to save shelf space.
Cushy GelTab triggers make rings comfortable
to operate.

For outstanding prices on thousands of discount office supplies, please visit OfficeBundle.com

Save your documents and maybe even your job.

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:37:00 +0000

SKU: QUAR2420

· Features a Tamper Indicating Panel (TIP) incorporated into the flap—the word “OPENED” appears in red to signal tampering.
· Durable Tyvek® envelope resists punctures, tears and moisture.
· Lightweight envelope saves on postage.
· Flap-Stik® self-sealing closure is simple to use.

This particular product is quite possibly the ideal office supply. Why? Because while simple in nature it incorporates so many vital features that will protect you sensitive documents be it a contract, photograph, etc., this envelope offers you confidence. It may cost a little more, but the protection is invaluable. Sure you can buy something cheaper but you may pay the difference a thousand times over should your materials become damaged. The good news is that you can still get this product at a discount. In fact, you can get thousands 0f discount office supplies at OfficeBundle.com.

Quality Park™ Tamper-Proof Advantage Tyvek Security Envelopes,10x13,White,100/Bx

Better than a sword right?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:17:00 +0000

SKU: SAN65870

1.00 mm gel ink technology provides an ultra-smooth write.
· Vibrant, pigmented gel ink is acid-free, fade-proof, and water-proof, ensuring that your document won't smear.
· Features an auto-retractable tip to protect pockets and purses.
· Visible ink supply lets you know when you're running low.

When it comes to office supplies, almost everyone likes a good pen. With so many choices such as ballpoint pens and gel pens, most of us have our own personal preferences. That being the case, here's mine. This retractable roller ball, gel writer from Sanford, has everything you want at a fair price. Sure you can buy a ballpoint stick pen for under a dollar but there are certainly times... and pens being one such case, when cheap office supplies just won't do. For this item and 27,999 other discount office supplies you need OfficeBundle.com

Color It In

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Black markers on a white board is the simple recipe for a boring meeting. If you have to be trapped in a conference room anyway, why not add some color...literally. Something as simple as a colorful presentation can make a meeting more interesting, more engaging, and most importantly, more memorable. The added details that a color provides is unmistakable. Dry erase boards are considered one of the staple office supplies so too should colored dry erase markers be considered a staple for any office. Get discount office supplies online , it's the smartest way to buy.

SKU: SAN84616

Bold, vibrant colors with pleasant scents for attention-getting communication.
· Use on whiteboards, ceramic, glass or any nonporous surface.
· AP Certified nontoxic.
· Black/chocolate mint, blue/blueberry, green/apple, purple/grape, orange/orange and red/cherry.

What Should You Use?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:14:00 +0000

Of course this would never happen in your office, but let's just pretend that a co-worker aggravates you. Impossible you say? Let us just imagine that the unthinkable were to come true. Now let us pretend that the level of aggravation is as such that feel the need to hurl an object at the back of his/ her head. So the question is this...what office supply item should you use now that your target is clear. Some item are easier and more effective than others. Take a manila folder for example. At first glance it has similar properties as a Chinese throwing star or perhaps even a boomerang. Don't kid yourself, a manila folder is far too erratic and no sooner does it leave your hand than it is completely out of control. If you are a fan of the slicing saw blade type action then go with a 3X3 sticky note pad, it's heavy enough to fly in a more deliberate manner thereby increasing your chances of an effective hit. Shooting rubber bands is old school but as we all know sometimes there is clear wisdom in the ancients. Don't discount the effectiveness of a properly placed launched rubber band on the back of the head. A successful hit creates a certain undeniable sense of satisfaction.
Blowing black toner in the face of your annoying co=worker is stepping it up a notch and could earn you your walking papers so despite the temptation, this "attack" should be avoided. Ballpoint pens will give you that tomahawk rotation that will allow you to strike effectively from more than 3 cubicles away. Thankfully OfficeBundle.com offers you true discount office supplies to use as you see fit!

Cover Your Tracks

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:37:00 +0000

We all mistakes from time to time. That's normal. But when it happens on a key document, that's quite another story. This correction pen from PaperMate PAP59601 is a fantastic way to make right your wrong without damaging the paper. It's a clean, precise, and of course affordable tool that provides instant relief from your error.

· Multipurpose white tape covers any type of error.
· Pen-shaped design is easy to hold; grip provides comfort and control.
· Tip guard protects tip from damage.
· Super-strong tape resists breaking.

The Dryline Precision Correction Tape should be in every desk drawer. For this item and thousands of other items...go to discount office supplies.

A Great Solution for Smaller/ Medium Sized Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:50:00 +0000

The Dymo Labelwriter Twin Turbo PC Connected Label Printer otherwise known as DYM69115

We use it ourselves! This label writer is a great way to print out labels and internet postage simultaneously. Alternate sizes on either side allow for address labels on one side, name badges on the other, or even stamps. You won't need traditional stamps anymore with this great product. Simply purchase stamps online after installing the included software and pay the current postage rate. It's a real time saver. This item will sure to become one the best office products you use. Buy it for less than either Office Depot or Staples anytime you want discount office supplies.

Here's the basics...

The fastest—Prints up to 55 labels/minute.
· The most versatile—Only LabelWriter® integrates with the most popular software programs.
· The most flexible—The only label printer compatible with a PC or Mac®.
· The most reliable—The only label printer with Address Fixer; automatically proofreads and corrects addresses against the USPS database.

Write Off

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Smooth writing without the skips, scrapes and smears, that's what you want when you write with a pen. Sounds easy but it's actually pretty hard to pull off. Of all the office supplies, pens are the most personal. Most people have a favorite brand be it Pentel or Sanford. Although,today's office supply buyers are more likely to go with the generic cheaply made Chinese product than a higher quality pen. Basically, you can pick an old standby, the ballpoint pen or go with the gel ink as found in a rollerball pen. Here's what you can expect: gel ink does not dissolve as does the oil based paste ink of a ballpoint. Therefore for archival purposes, old school ink might not be your best choice. Gel ink is composed of a pigment suspended in water-based gel. Gel ink allows for more vibrant color choices and will produce the brightest write out on dark surfaces other than a paint pen. Rollerballs require less pressure to write, but the likely hood for smudging increases as does the possibility of a leak. Ballpoints are cheaper and will write longer. Gel inks create a shine that can make a document look more professional. So what's the your best option? Who knows? Why not go with a hybrid ink? It dries fast (great for left handers) and produces the smoothest write out. Here's a popular product SAN33922. A great source for discount office supplie s.

What's the formula?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:48:00 +0000

The office supply business is extremely competitive. There are literally thousands of would be sellers out there of various sizes. You'll find a wide variety from the antiquated suppliers that run their businesses like it was 1935 to the progressive supplies that rely on technology and everything in between. All of them have at least one customer that isn't a family member. So, given all the possibilities and all the noise what is that makes a buyer choose one office supplier over the next? Is it price? Is it convenience? Is it ease of use? Is it that something extra? Is it that the buyer is too lazy to switch? The truth is that it's a combination of all of those things. Most buyers now buy office supplies online. Online office supply ordering is the most efficient, cost effective method of acquiring those necessary items. OfficeBundle.com is the perfect supplier for matching all the factors necessary in picking an office supply company. Are you interested in discount office supplies? If you are, OfficeBundle.com instantly discounts your price off of the price off both Office Depot and Staples. Do you want efficiency? OfficeBundle.com is the ultimate solution in that future supply orders can be completed in a under a minute. Do you want something extra? OfficeBundle.om prefers to reward our front line buyer directly. Are you lazy? well we can't help you here but you can buy an energy drink from OfficeBundle.com. So if there is anything close to a formula concocted in a secret lab in order to reveal the secret behind buyer motivation, we have the closest thing to it. Yes, you will have to learn a new web address, www.officebundle.com. You will have to buy your office supplies off of a new website that may look a bit different too...bBut we have faith in your talent to do so. When you go to place your standard office supply order and you type in the HEW92298X and you see that you suddenly received an instant discount plus earned reward points, you'll realize that learning a new web site address isn't so hard after all. Welcome to our lab.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late.

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Who has access to vital company documents? Perhaps those who shouldn't? The point is that businesses should/ must have a shredder on site to protect themselves from unscrupulous people and disgruntled employees. Personnel it landed in the wrong hands must be properly destroyed. There are too many quality shredder available to support commercial demands for you to fall victim to document theft. Take for example the FEL38485. This commercial shredder may be just what the doctor ordered.

With such features as:

· Cross-cut action ensures that private information is disposed of properly, protecting against identity theft.
· Innovative Turbo Jam Release feature makes recovery from feeder jams easy.
· Extra-wide feeder accommodates up to 132-column printouts as well as CDs and credit cards through a separate safety slot.

You get speed, security, and peace of mind.

Powershred c-480c continuous use confetti-cut paper shredder, light gray/black

Multiple benefits in one.

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:34:00 +0000

It never fails, just when you're getting ready to enter the missile launch code, there's someone looking over your shoulder. Fret not with this wonderful item from leading manufacturer 3M. Protect your monitor screen, your work from nosy peepers, and your eyes from harmful glare with this fantastic product from 3M. Item Number MMMPF400XLB can be purchased at OfficeBundle.com below the prices of both OfficeDepot or Staples. Check out the key points below.

Up to 95% screen glare reduction to help prevent eyestrain and headaches.
Flat frame style.
Prevents static and dust build-up when properly grounded.
Reduces up to 99.9% of ELF/VLF E-field radiation.
Keeps on screen data private with 3M's blackout privacy technology; on screen data visible only to persons directly in front of the monitor, passersby see a blank, dark screen.
Assembly-free on CRT.
Meets the American Optometrist Association’s specifications for VDT glare reduction.
Fits both CRT and LCD Monitors.
Protects against scratches which can permanently damage your screen.
Lifetime warranty.

In case you still don't know how it works...

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Discount office supplies. There are literally thousands of websites claiming to to offer discounted office supplies. However, only one site can show you instant proof of savings. That's right. Next time instead of assuming that the big box national office supplier is your best option, go to OfficeBundle.com and see for yourself. OfficeBundle.com offers you a unique buying method. Every day is a sale! On this site you simply enter in your item number...perhaps something like AVE79192 (a 3" view binder from Avery). You can even use an item number taken from an Office Depot catalog , and immediately the site will shop the two largest office suppliers (office Depot and Staples) show you their current internet price, and then produce an instant discount from the lower one. That's a real discount you can see...not one a website can simply claim. Over 25,000 products are available so whether your looking for hanging colored files, view binders, ink cartridges, task chairs, or any other common office supply item, you'll get a lower price on every item every time. If you don't already buy your office supplies online, now is the perfect time to start.

Because you've always wanted to know...

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:22:00 +0000

Being green, eco-friendly, carbon footprints, etc. Whether you like it or not or agree with it or not, these terms appear to be here to stay. Needless to say they have also entered the vocabulary of the office supply world. There have always been recycled products even before it was in vogue. For many many years, you could purchase recycled copy paper, file folders, paper towels, post it notes, and even shredder bags. Today, you can exercise your environmental conscious by purchasing such things as biodegradable tree-free plates made of 100% sugar cane (item number ECOEPP013) same for coffee cup jackets. You can buy compostable forks (item number ECOEPS002), spoons, and knives made from potato starch, corn-based manufactured cups, and even environmentally agreeable binders. Factor these products in with earth friendly cleaning supplies and you're suddenly a virtual global savior. Put the whole global warming thing aside. Is it man made? Is it a result of natural cyclical changes in the climate and the unpredictability of the unstable sun? The fact remains, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a good steward of the planet. You can do your little part to help keep mother nature happy.

Now for our featured film...

Our customers tend to be younger & savvier

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:52:00 +0000

Happy retirement to the office dinosaur.

In terms of the office supply industry, the technical revolution is over. Internet ordering or buying office supplies online is without a doubt the preferred method of business ordering. And why not? It's fast, convenient, informative, and maintains a fair amount of ordering history. A number of companies have added a few cool features to enhance the experience but no matter, the days of the order taker showing up in an office with a legal pad and pencil ready to take your "weekly" is now a thing of the past. We'd be foolish to discount the human element but the fact remains, with products becoming more and more standardized, the need for a wealth of product knowledge is diminished. Everything from staples, to file folders, toners, and even office chairs has undergone intense standardization. The end result, besides cheaper merchandise, is the standard order with little change. Buyers are more than likely to be female and they are getting younger. Because they are tech savvy, they want to solution based systems rather than the basic show and buy set up. OfficeBundle.com can accommodate this demand with a unique website proven to increase efficiency.

Industry Statistics...Who Wouldn't Want to Know?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:12:00 +0000

For most companies, office supplies are not considered a top priority. As a result, the thankless task is often thrown upon an unsuspecting receptionist. Larger companies may have a purchasing agent but they too often lack the motivation to properly analyze this vital product category.

Granted office supplies is a rather mundane topic, but is there a smarter way to buy them? With over 25,000 items, it is a huge industry. Over the last 15 years it has been dominated by the mega national office supply companies. We all know who they are as they spend an enormous amount of money to market themselves with jingles, commercials, and flyer's effectively making sure we don't forget them…and why not? The industry is valued at over $250 billion dollars.

At first, these behemoths dramatically lowered prices in a successful effort to eliminate many of the smaller "home grown" office supply companies. Most are now out of business. After the initial carnage, prices slowly began to rise and the transition towards internet ordering began in earnest. In 2005, commercial office supply ordering via the internet was a mere 5%. By 2010, the number is projected to balloon to 40%. Soon after, commercial internet ordering will dominate, as the days of a salesperson trekking through the office with a note pad and a box of donuts becomes obsolete. From a strict economic stand point, the overall price reduction did benefit the consumer while forever altering what was an old school business methodology.

Customers are now sufficiently spoiled to expect deliveries the next day. A hospital has two days to deliver a replacement heart in an ice chest, but in the office supply world, the need to deliver a tape dispenser the next day is all too real. This is now standard practice.

The inexperienced buyer will often look for lower prices through multiple catalogs or toggle through various websites in search of the best "deal". Perhaps saving an extra .30 on a box of file folders can be construed as doing a good job but it is incredibly inefficient. Often not calculated is the lost time and the expense in terms of wages for such an absurd exercise. Still, it's hard to get a buyer excited about office supplies and how they could be purchased more effectively.

Here's what the typical office supply purchaser may not realize. Generally, a company's operating budget is comprised of almost 97% labor expenses, 2% furniture and computer hardware, and only 1% general office supplies. Although it represents such a small fraction of the overall budget, because it is so high profile, office supplies are often the first things attacked during cost cutting efforts. Of course you need to make sure you're paying a fair price for the goods; but, even more importantly is ensuring that the procurement process is efficient. Addressing the labor associated with buying is in fact addressing the 97% of the cost rather than focusing only on the 1%.

Another change to affect commercial office supply transactions is the proliferation of corporate credit cards. Companies of all sizes now understand the ease associated with credit cards, the labor associated with paying via this method is significantly less, and if the right card is utilized, the company can earn valuable points from the card issuer. It simply makes sense.

So, if you are responsible for the thankless task of ordering the supplies for your company, know that effective buying is the result of efficient practices along with the actual cost of the product. You can buy office supplies online the smart way with OfficeBundle.com.

New Products?

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Has everything for the office that can be invented already be invented? Well, there are always product improvements on the basics but I wouldn't look for any creative new product in 2008. Simple adjustments to the old standbys actually have very nice effects. Smead for example has altered their production methods to create a built in tab that eliminates the need fro those annoying plastic tabs. Sounds simple and it is but the effects are hugely efficient. For those folks who concentrate strictly on the pennies saved and not so much the quality and functionality of a product, you may in fact be altering the industry. Look for more products to come from China. In my opinion the quality is lacking but you do in fact save a nickel or two. For some items it may not matter at all but for others the difference is quite noticeable. Pens that last 3 days, staples that are too brittle, these are just two examples. The impact is being felt by the American manufacturer as less emphasis is placed on innovation and more on price reduction. There will always be some newness brought into the market but for our industry the volume isn't what it once was. When you buy your office supplies, consider who is using it, and how it is being used. The answer may suggest that you focus more on quality and function then price. When dealing with high volume commodity items like office supplies, the true savings are found in the impact it has on efficiency. Save .60 cents on a box of pens or save the time looking for something that writes well? Perhaps there is no right answer?

This year will be different...

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:43:00 +0000

It's that magical time when we mentally start out with a clean slate. Gone are the old habits that held us back last year. If the previous year didn't live up to our expectations, well this new year better look out because here we come! Right? That's the idea at least. How hard can be to string together 365 good days? How about 200? Or even 80? Give it your best shot and make 2008 your year. We will.

Back the glorious world of office products, now is also the time when manufacturers create new promos and product incentives so sign up for our e-mail specials to be updated on the new ones.

Pass these out like breath mints

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:49:00 +0000

PAG33549CT (item number for a case)

Admittedly this is not the type of box you're hoping to get this year, but an important one nevertheless. It's a good idea to have a healthy supply of facial tissue on hand as the temperature drops and more people are confined to the indoors. everyone in the office should have a box at their desk. One misdirected sneeze and pretty soon the whole office is "under the weather." After all, do you really know where your co-worker has been... or even care for that matter? Regardless, germs are easier to spread this time of year so step up your sanitation and keep your nose clean.

Most Of Us Know One Of These....

noreply@blogger.com (The Office Oracle) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 04:06:00 +0000

She is the office holiday decorator and she's into her self appointed job big time! The "present" above was created by wrapping an empty rubber band box. Looks nice and makes an inexpensive office decoration provided you have a few crucial elements...one an empty box, two someone willing to care enough to take the time to wrap it. Almost every office has that particular individual who gets into Christmas so much that it becomes annoying. I love Christmas and unlike Charlie Brown, I don't find it depressing. However, the dancing reindeer and rockin' Santa's can be a bit much. The shiny artificial holly only creates the feeling of a Chinese factory. Decorate the office if you must but not every Christmas item has to come from the clearance rack.

Heres' an easy way to freak out your co-workers: tell them you're going to spend your lunch hour stuffing shredded paper into pillow cases to create the perfect office snowman and you'd like to invite them to join you. Hopefully you will tell them you are joking before they contact security. You will be joking right? I don't recommend the office snowman, but if you must...hey might as well suggest you use this...FEL-38385 Extra-wide feeder accommodates 132-column printouts as well as normal sized pages. Uses confetti-style cross-cut shredding for greater document security. Durable steel cutters accept credit cards, staples and small paper clips, while a designated safety slot accepts CDs.