Buying products and services that are required to run an office, shop, farm or business is part of day-to-day business life. Much of what businesses require in the way of office supplies requires little thinking or shopping around. However, when the purchasing decision requires researching, such as buying a new office desk, or when there is a reason to check whether a long-term supplier is still offering the best deal, the Internet can be a great time-saver and often a cost-saver.  

Using search engines, local business directory websites and the Yellow Pages online, enables quick and easy research into the various suppliers and options. Referring to a supplier's website should reveal their models or product lines, plus the quality, price or fee, delivery costs, availability, payment terms, guarantees and after-sales service they offer.

A growing number of suppliers have their catalogues online and provide the means of ordering and paying online. There are many advantages to this, including the convenience and cost-efficiency of being able to order whenever you wish, in or out of traditional office hours. It is also cheaper to pay online than writing a cheque.

What to do

• Develop policies in your e-business plan for reviewing at regular intervals via the Internet the pricing, quality, convenience etc of current suppliers.
• Develop policies in your e-business plan for giving preference to office suppliers that provide online ordering and payment facilities.

Related topics: Procurement over the Internet