Business Starting Grants

How do I get accounts for my new office supplies business?

I am starting a new business caled Surfing Office Suppplies, now I know there are quite a few big office supplies companies out there, but my catch is I would surf the web and find the lowest prices on any supplies, instead of them just going to staples and getting ripped off. I tried it with my father, he needed some folders that were selling on staples for 5$ a piece I found a website that was selling it for 4.10 each, if a big company is buying 100 of them, I would save them 90$ right there, I get Cartridges and toner for half price. I have the resources I just need the accounts. Thank you in advance

Public Comments

1. advertise and marketing, make brochures, put ads on websites, and market your company to the proffesionals.
2. A lot of times going with staples is very unreasonable however i found out about some office supply companies by calling a few local businesses and having them refer me to their supplier. Also have a 2 or 3 suppliers will help, you can have them to compete against each other
3. get out there and go find people that need what you have........never mind your to lazy.....
4. To succeed in business, you've (a) got to make a profit, and (b) provide a product or service that is in demand. For people to want to give you their business, they will need to be convinced that you can save them money on the products they need, and that you are professional and reliable. Let's start with the professional part. You absolutely should triple-check the spelling and grammar on any printed material that you associate with your company (yep, I'm referring to the paragraph you posted with your question--it needs a lot of work). You may think I'm just being overly critical, but I assure you that in order to win the business of large accounts that pay their bills, you need to come across as educated and knowledgeable about business operations. The information provided indicates that you are shopping retail sources for your products. This is not the way to make a profit. You should be contacting wholesale suppliers. Once you have obtained the best cost on your item(s), then it becomes an issue of determining what mark-up will allow you to make an acceptable profit, while still providing a better value for your customers. The more you can keep your overhead costs down, the lower the price you can offer to your customers. You didn't indicate whether or not you intend to stock office supplies for retail sale (which involves a HUGE investment and overhead commitment), or if you are just providing a research service. If you're just providing the service, you will still have to charge the customer a fee. What exactly can you offer for such a fee? The name and contact information of a supplier that will save them money on a particular item? Once they've got that information, what's the incentive to come back to you again? Or, if you're planning to purchase the items for your customer that they need, can you provide a quick turnaround? I realize that I've given you more questions than answers, but your information doesn't really make it clear what you're selling. Once you've got that nailed down, the next step is to put your name in front of the people that do the purchasing. Whether that is the secretary, or a formal purchasing department, think about your target audience. It takes time to get initial advertising into the yellow pages or other publications, so in the beginning you'll have to do a lot of footwork. There is a lot to be said for giveaways and promotional campaigns. Visit a marketing company that can print your company name, phone number, and email/website address on products that you can give away to potential customers. I recommend coffee mugs, coasters, pens, mouse pads, and other items that will be used right there on that customer's desk, so that your name is always in front of them. Then, initiate a promotional campaign that offers them some sort of discount or other "freebie" just for trying your service. After you've had an opportunity to do a great job for them, follow-up with a phone call, email, or letter (even a visit if it's appropriate) to solicit feedback on how you did. Accept constructive criticizm as a sort of "free training" on how to do better. It's always good to ask the customer if they have suggestions on how you can improve. The element that is lacking today in many businesses is personal service--provide that and your customers will tell others about you. Best of luck to you!
5. I like your spirit but you just can't make money surfing the internet for people who don't have time. First you would need to market your service to find those "big companies" and those "big companies" need to be full of employees that don't have time to surf the internet for office supplies. Thats pretty unlikely...Big companies have accounts with office supply stores where they do not pay the retail prices. Your Dad might pay $5 but a large company might be paying $2.80. It seems like a good idea to you I am sure but I think you should move on and not attempt it.
6. I think you are dreaming. If you can find the supplies, so can the companies that you want to sell to. The biggest mistake you are making is that you believe that everyone just wants the lowest price. Most companies are a lot more interested in availability and quality. In addition, you have a problem getting past the trust issue. I can't think of a way that you could present your business proposition with credibility. The half-price statement on toner and cartridges is nonsense. There are so many scammers in that business that no one will accept your word on that. Fortunes have been built by serving an opportunity. I don't think your idea will go anywhere. That is my opinion.