5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Save Money
If you own a small business, you are probably already focused on saving money. Software, stocks, and staff can be very expensive, so if you don’t have a strict budget, you could easily end up overspending.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to save money without cutting corners. Here are five simple ways that small business owners can save money.
Start With Secondhand Equipment
Laptops and computers can be a big expense for small businesses. After all, the average price for a new laptop in the US is around $600! This is often far too expensive for a startup, but don’t get disheartened; instead, invest in quality secondhand equipment.
You can look at used equipment markets online, or you could check out a government auction. It is even possible to contact companies you know to find out if they are getting rid of their old tech any time soon; if so, they may sell it to you for a discounted price. This is a great way to cut costs initially – just make sure to check out the tech in person first, so you can make sure that it still works effectively.
Look For Relevant Open Source Software
In the past, most software was private, but in recent years there has been an explosion of free, open source software. Open source software is free software that can be used by individuals or businesses, and it is a great option for small companies with a tight budget. Sure, the software normally isn’t as efficient as private software, and sometimes, there is no client support, so if you have an issue, you will have to resolve it yourself. However, the software works well, and it can be used in a variety of ways. For instance, you can download open source web design software, or you can use video chat software to stay in touch with remote workers.
Use Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is very popular, and it isn’t hard to see why. This fairly new technology can be used in various ways; for instance, you could host a virtual phone system from your house as a customer service line. This means you can provide your clients and customers with a reliable, affordable form of customer service – even if you don’t have an office or any employees.
Don’t Forget About Discretionary Expenses
Discretionary expenses are costs that you want but don’t need. For instance, you may be spending money on weekly snacks for the office, or you may want to buy a water cooler. We suggest holding off on discretionary expenses if you want to save money; after all, you can always buy these items later, when your business is booming!
Focus On Incremental Increases
Finally, it can be useful to focus on incremental increases. Start with small goals, and then slowly grow your goals each month. This will give you the chance to measure how easy it is to achieve each goal, so after a few months, you will be able to create a realistic financial forecast for your business. Over time you may notice that your budget starts to increase, and when this happens, you can consider paying discretionary expenses.