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Professional News Articles : FRONT DESK by Mary M. Byers, CAE : How to save money online

How to save money online

October 9, 2008

An old Yellow Pages advertising tagline said “Let your fingers do the walking.” Though the medium has changed from the phone to the Internet, the advice is just as relevant today. With a little effort, your office can save significantly. Here’s how:

Plan ahead. It’s difficult to save money shopping online if you’re continually running out of supplies that need to be replaced immediately. However, with a little planning, you can stock up on often-used items and have them available when you need them rather than making emergency trips to get them. Not only will this save money, it saves time, too.

Identify products you use that can be purchased ahead of time and/or in bulk. Printer ink and paper goods are just a couple of categories of items that can be purchased and then stored for later use. Your available storage space will obviously affect how much you can buy ahead of time, but buying in bulk is an easy way to cut costs.

Look for free shipping. Take advantage of online sites that offer free or reduced shipping as delivery costs can quickly eat up any savings you incur shopping online. Watch for special sales that waive shipping costs and purchase during these times to enhance your savings.

Comparison shop. Use Internet search engines to find the least expensive alternatives for whatever you’re purchasing. If you’re undecided about a company, call and talk to a representative. Ask questions. See how you’re treated. By making sure there’s actually a human or two at the other end of the line, you’ll reduce the chances of getting burned with a bad purchase.

Sign up for club savings. Both local retailers and online merchants offer special savings in exchange for your e-mail or mailing address. Sign up for any free club, card or discount program that insures you’re eligible for special savings and deals. Doing so allows you to maximize your savings.

Limit your exposure. Never spend more than you can afford to lose with a company, especially one you’re dealing with for the first time. Most Internet transactions run smoothly but just as there are bad brick-and-mortar businesses, there are bad online stores as well. By not spending more than you can afford to lose, you’ll limit your liability in the event a vendor turns out to be less than you expected.

Look for freebies. Some online companies offer their products or services for free to introduce themselves to you. For example, as of this writing, several printers are offering 250 free business cards. You simply pay $3.99 for shipping. Sound like a good deal? It is. And there are plenty of others out there for you to take advantage of.

Use coupons. Type in the name of the company you plan to purchase from into an online search engine, followed by a comma and the word “coupons.” You’ll immediately find Internet savings codes for use when you order. Not only does this work for purchases for the office, but you can use this method to save on personal acquisitions as well.

Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to save money online. A few minutes of research can add up to significant savings in a short period of time. Why not start today?

CDS presents Front Desk, a column addressing problems dentists and staff members experience in the office. Front Desk is prepared by Mary M. Byers, CAE, a professional speaker and freelance writer. Ms. Byers may be reached at mbyers@marybyers.com or www.marybyers.com. Send suggestions for topics to be covered to review@cds.org.

© 2008, Chicago Dental Society