MAIN Business Small Business Equipment & Supplies

One of the major expenses that small businesses face is buying equipment and supplies.

From simple desks, partitions to make a room into an office space, and pens, paper and shipping supplies to complex electronics and machinery, getting the business set up can put a dent into the budget.

One solution many small business startups look into is leased equipment. While you don't get the asset depreciation on your taxes, the cost of leasing may well offset that. Leasing may also mean returning a machine that doesn't work instead of having to foot the bills for repair work.

Buying used equipment is another cost saving alternative for the budget conscious small business owner. Many businesses invest in equipment and then can't make a go of it. Their equipment and supplies may be available at auctions or going out of business sales. The money you spend helps them pay off outstanding loans while giving you a break on the price.

Get down to business with info on supplies and equipment provided here at top sites offering tips, how-to's and good advice, places to buy or lease your business supplies and equipment — as well as suppliers and vendors that help your small business work for you...

Setting Up An Office - There are some helpful resources and a little advice for to help you get set up, but the links to suppliers are the best resource offered here.

The Business 2 Business Yellow Pages - Yes, the old standby has an online presence and is just as useful for locating information on the Internet as it was when it was that big yellow book.

The Patent Cafe - A listing of places where you can find supplies - everything a small business or home office needs to get work done. Includes a section on leasing - a good option for a low budget enterprise.

Lease vs. Buy Analysis - This is a handy calculator to help figure out whether you'll be better of buying or leasing that piece of equipment you're thinking of getting.

The Virtual Office - A mix of information on what you need and resources to sell related goods, this site is a good place to start planning your own space.

Epinions.com - This site searches the Web and lets you compare prices on what you need to buy. The items and the stores are reviewed so you get an idea what you're dealing with before you spend any of the budget.

Office Store Supplies Online - More customer reviews and price comparisons at BizRate.com

also in Small Business --> Franchises | Minority Owned Businesses

Small Business Advertising | Small Business Associations

Small Business Financing | Small Business Management

Small Business Software | Small Business Taxes

also see -> Cloud Computing | Office Supplies