Perhaps there is some good

If there is any good that might come form theses economic doldrums, it quite possible could be the notion that complacency is not good a business move.  I've seen far too many companies do nothing rather than explore an opportunity that offers them a savings.  Most businesses are looking to trim expenses...especially now.  Most buyer claim to be looking for savings... especially now.  And yet,  I must sadly report that the majority do nothing.  Why?  That's the great mystery.  Is it really better do nothing to sit on your hands and maintain business as usual?  I can confidently say that given these pathetic economic times we're forced to endure, those companies that fail to adapt will ultimately fail or become a shell of their former self.  Now is the time to look for cost effective expansion opportunities.  That's right expansion.  Given the available technologies it may not necessarily require additional hires but many justify maintaining existing personnel.

Operating from a position of fear is the exact opposite of what your business should be doing.  It's counter productive and retards growth opportunities.  Vendor relationships should be reevaluated as business as usual has certainly become unusual.  In our industry we have seen many what was once iron clad "agreements" with Office Depot and Staples dissolve and come our way.  Why?  Price in part.  But our flexibility and quick response has been a major factor as well.

The point of my ramble is to encourage the discouraged workers out there to avoid the complacency trap.  make your self an asset to your company by offering new suggestion, new methods, and even new products.    Sure I want one of your suggestions to be about office supplies and in particular OfficeBundle.com, but in light of that, find your own cause and increase your value.  Sitting still is a death sentence for both you and your company.

The month and ongoing....

Breast Cancer Awareness month is upon us.   Buy all the special pink ribbon office supplies you can and help contribute to finding a cure to this damn disease once and for all.  It's caused too much damage for far too long to allow this thing to continue.  Clinical research is ongoing and better treatments have resulted with a cure on the horizon.  Some of the top manufacturers in the office supply business have stepped up tot he plate by creating a healthy variety of pink office supplies.  A portion of each sale goes to the City of Hope, a wonderful hospital in California that is doing some amazing things.

So help fund the cure and get some great office products a the same time.  You know, it doesn't have to be just in October...these products are available year round.    

This goes for the men too.  Don't be afraid to be seen in pink, using pink, etc.  If the NFL can do it, surely it's "cool" enough for you.

Aim..fire..tear

SKU: MMMH103R

When is scotch tape cool? Well, let's be honest not often if ever but that still doesn't mean that this isn't a very cool item.  But rather than me go and on about this, why not take a peak for yourself.  Watch a demo here.


Main Features

• Manufacturer: 3M
• Manufacturer Part Number: H103-R
• Brand Name: Scotch
• Product Name: Automatic Tape Dispenser
• Packaged Quantity: 1 Each
• Product Type: Handheld Tape Dispenser

Product Description

Scotch Automatic Tape Dispenser squeezes out a preset amount of tape to prevent waste. Simply pull back the lever and a hidden blade cuts the tape cleanly. Protected blade cuts clean and is designed for safety. Refillable dispenser features an enclosed design that keeps tape clean. Compact size lets you carry it in your briefcase, purse and more. Dispenser includes a roll of Scotch Magic Tape. 3M scotch tape.

Just In Time

PIL31551

There are school supplies and then there are school supplies.  This particular pen is a school supply and then some.  It's meant for...well...anyone who writes.  What is it?  It is the erasable pen that's a real game changer.  Available in blue, black, and red, this pen is so much more than what was once called an erasable pen.  For one, it works.  Secondly, the eraser NEVER goes down therefore leaving ZERO eraser dust.  This is just one of those cool products you need  to try. 

Main Features

• Manufacturer: Pilot Corporation
• Manufacturer Part Number: 31551
• Brand Name: Pilot
• Product Line: FriXion
• Product Name: FriXion Erasable Gel Pen
• Packaged Quantity: 1 Each
• Product Type: Gel Pen

Product Description

FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pen allows you to erase and rewrite repeatedly without damaging documents. Thermosensitive gel ink formula disappears with erasing friction of rubber tail plug eraser on the pen. Erasing leaves no residue or debris. Pen can write on the same spot that has been erased. Gel/rollerball pen delivers smooth writing gel ink and is not recommended for signatures, examination papers or official documents where writing needs to remain permanent or for exposure to extreme temperatures.

Here's a nice ad from Australia: 

Be Super

SKU: SMD11961

Smead folders are wonderful. No doubt you were just thinking the same thing. Seriously though, a filing product is not given much thought until it is needed and at that time you don't want some flimsy piece of junk that tears if it has to hold 5 pages.

Smead manufacturers many great products and is consequently one of the most respected makes of office products in what is a huge industry.  Of all the products they make, I keep going back to the SuperTab as one of my favorites.  I do so because it is of course practical but I also do so because it demonstrates a willingness for an older company to tweak or improve if you will on one of it's most basic items.

A "Super Tab" is just logical, those normal tabs are often to small and difficult to read offer not much space for the information is should convey.  Also, a SuperTab can actually improve efficiency.  How you say?  By reducing the time it takes to retrieve a file.  If you can see it easier, you can grab it easier.  Simple enough?  Add this idea to color coding your files and you're cooking with grease.   The SuperTab come sin colors, manila, and legal...the sku number under the image above is put one product number.

Main Features

• Manufacturer: Smead Manufacturing Company
• Manufacturer Part Number: 11961
• Brand Name: Smead
• Product Line: SuperTab
• Product Name: SuperTab Oversized Tab Folder
• Packaged Quantity: 100 / Box
• Product Type: Top Tab File Folder

Product Description

SuperTab folders are designed with 90 percent larger label area than standard folders for improved labeling. Labels are easier to see using larger text or more lines of text. Economical single-ply tab fit any vertical or lateral filing system. Folders feature 11 point stock, extra-wide 1/3-cut tabs and 7/8" high tabs. Scored for 3/4" expansion. SFI Certified.

Excellent Advise

I'm not one to be too harsh but it's hard to argue with such sound logic. Ordering office supplies and willingly paying more and getting less? Then perhaps this video is for you. One quick product recommendation before you press play...a very cool stapler.

Get you some (or at least one)

Forgive me my poor English, put I just gotta scream..."I love me some Cardscan!" This awesome machine has saved my hide on more than one occasion. It keeps me from having to pretend to be organized. It's simple to use which is wonderful but best of all, it works. That's right, this machine does exactly what says it will do. How refreshing is that? There is no way you can tell me that you won't benefit from a small scanner attached and connected to all you important contact programs that will quickly scan, read, and populate the fields you need from any business card in seconds. This isn't a luxury, this is a must. You want to perform at a high level? Then get the tools that will get you there.

The Cardscan (in particular the executive) is one such device.

Here's the 411:
Main Features
• Manufacturer: Sanford, L.P.
• Manufacturer Part Number: CS-A08180-ENG
• Brand Name: CardScan
• Product Name: Executive Business Card Scanner
• Product Type: Card Scanner
Product Description
Card scanner accurately reads business cards and places the information in the correct fields of a digital address book. Drag and drop contact information from e-mails and websites directly into CardScan. Exports, imports and synchronizes with Outlook, ACT, Notes, Goldmine, Palm handhelds, Pocket PCs, Blackberry, and smart phones. Card scanner offers free online backup to keep your contacts safe. Access your contact anywhere from a browser.

SKU: CSNCSA08180ENG