When it comes to running an office, some purchases are unavoidable. However, many of the most common supplies are rarely worth paying full price for. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can keep your office stocked without overspending. Here are the top items you should always look for discounts on—and how to get them.
Printer ink and paper
Printer ink is notoriously expensive, and paper costs can add up quickly for offices that still rely heavily on printing. The key is to avoid last-minute purchases at retail price. Instead, shop in bulk at Staples or Office Depot, where recurring promotions make ink and reams of paper far more affordable. You can also subscribe to ink replacement services or keep an eye out for bundled deals during back-to-school or holiday sales.
Office furniture
Chairs, desks, and filing cabinets are big-ticket items that you should never buy on impulse. Retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and Target regularly run sales, especially during the summer and holiday weekends. Investing in quality furniture at a discount not only saves money but also improves employee comfort and productivity without breaking your budget.
Electronics and tech accessories
Laptops, monitors, routers, and printers tend to drop in price during key sale periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school season. Best Buy is one of the best retailers to watch for deals, with frequent discounts on open-box and clearance items as well. Waiting for these promotional windows can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying at retail price.
Cleaning supplies and breakroom items
Paper towels, tissues, coffee pods, and sanitizing wipes are all daily-use items that can drain your budget if bought in small quantities. The best strategy is to purchase in bulk at Walmart or Sam’s Club, where per-unit prices drop significantly. Stocking up not only saves money but also ensures your office never runs out of essentials.
Stationery and desk supplies
Pens, folders, sticky notes, and planners may seem inexpensive individually, but when bought at full price throughout the year, the costs add up. Retailers like Staples and Office Depot often include these items in their back-to-school promotions, making late summer the best time to stock up for the year ahead.
How to guarantee you never pay full price
The smartest way to shop for these items is by combining sales with cashback and rewards tools. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz help you maximize savings. For instance, you can earn cashback with a Walmart gift card, buy a Staples e-gift card with instant delivery, or even stack Ibotta offers on cleaning supplies at Sam’s Club. This layered approach ensures that even small purchases provide lasting value.
By identifying which items to avoid at full price and leveraging the right tools, you’ll keep expenses lower and have more room in your budget for investments that truly matter, like employee growth or better technology.
