Startup Spark

Cost saving tips for startups (or just about any business!)

by ShannonCherry on May 21st, 2008

There’s sometimes nothing better for me than finding a great deal.  I love it.

But when money’s  tight - and it always is when you are starting a business - the fun gets very serious.

Here are some of my tips to cut initial costs:

1. Ask for a discount - ALWAYS. Never settle on the first price. Ask for a discount and see what happens. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
2. Buy in bulk. It’s usually the cheapest way to go.
3. Check if it’s available elsewhere for free. Instead of buy prepackaged forms or taking the extra time making it from scratc, check online to see if it’s already available somewhere for free.
4. Stretch your budget with barter. Swapping one product or service for another is a good way to avoid cash outlays and unload slow-moving inventory.
5. Question every possible purchase. Do you really need that espresso maker, when just a good ol’ coffee pot will do? In other words: is this a want or a need?

Share This

POSTED IN: Entrepreneurship, innovation