November 15th, 2010
Pens & Stuff
…is probably the most common question I am asked by someone trying to compare my prices with a competitor.
The problem is, that it is also the most common question a competitor is asked which causes a huge vicious circle.
To explain…
Paper is notoriously expensive at the moment, mainly due to the fact that companies have been loss leading on paper products for years – with retailers always trying to source cheaper & cheaper – which has now caused my industry an almighty headache because it’s come back to bite them with huge increases because it was not sustainable!
Paper has always been sold below cost by our competition as a ‘grabber’ or an ‘in’ to a new client who is then fooled into thinking that every other product will be equally as low. Superb marketing but a terrible Purchasing decision.
For example…
- Joe Bloggs uses 100 reams of paper a year at £2.00 ream.
- John Doe Office Supplies (I hope this isn’t a real company!
) offers it at £1.50 ream.
- Therefore saving £50.00 per year.
- Result! Um….no…..because Joe Bloggs then buys 2 packs of laminating pouches at the catalogue price of £40.00 per pack.
- John Doe Office Supplies buy this at £10.00 therefore making £30.00 profit per pack.
- That’s Joe Blogg’s annual paper saving gone (and then some!) and they are left to pay full prices on all other products for the rest of the year, meaning they are massively overspending – but thinking they have a great deal!
The moral of my little tale is this – always think ‘bigger picture’ or the ‘shopping trolley’ mentality. By all means review what you pay but consider these points;
- Check your invoices to ensure what you think you pay is what you actually pay!
- Get a quote for all regularly used items
- Find out what discounts you get ‘off list’
- Get to know your supplier – increase communication & grow a working relationship
- Be fair – accept that not every single item necessarily will be the lowest price
- Never jeopardise quality, service or standards for price – it’s just not worth it
- Any savings made by calling 3 suppliers every time is wasted in time, cost & credibility
November 9th, 2010
Guest Blogs
Having worked in a corporate environment for most of my career, I was very used to ‘towing the line’ and fitting in with the corporate setting. Whilst I regularly got infuriated with having to conform, there appeared to be little alternative if you wanted to progress within the HR and Finance industry.
Having become self employed, setting up my own accountancy firm, I decided to attend a 4 Networking event in order to promote my business. As soon as I walked in to the event, I took a huge sigh of relief, there were very few ‘suits’ and the women were proud to be women and were not trying to compete against the men. I knew 4N wasn’t like other networking groups, but having been a corporate robot in a highly stressful position, it really was a huge relief to be amongst people that didn’t talk about ‘firing from the hip’ or ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’.
From that very first meeting, I realised I could completely be myself and that was acceptable – no, actually more than that – uniqueness and personality were encouraged! I know I don’t fit the stereotypical accountancy image, but I realised this was actually a REALLY good thing, in fact it was my USP.
Since that day I have thrived on the fact that I can be myself completely within my own business and in doing so, I have attracted and retained a brilliant client base. Furthermore, I have become an Area Leader for 4N launching 3 brand new groups in South Wales, this has allowed me to demonstrate capability whilst also maintaining personality.
I have learned that successful people do not have to conform, that success is all about finding something which allows you to completely be yourself and therefore makes you happy.
Lianne Dupre
D2 Accounting & Area Leader for 4Networking
www.d2-accounting.co.uk
@LianneD2
November 2nd, 2010
Monster Chat
Here we go with the rather delayed part 2 of “Delivering the power of a corporate with the personality of an independent” sorry I have been busy providing kit kats and stationery!! Anyway lets move on
The Question Of Variety
It is easy to think that your local, seemingly small independent stationery and office supplies company will never be able to match the number of different items stocked by the likes of Viking Direct or Staples. However don’t be fooled! Here at KN office supplies with have a vast catalogue that in many cases provides more choice and value than even the “big boys” could dream of. Furthermore, need something obscure or a little out of the ordinary? Try asking your not so local “Viking Direct” to source this for you! Well they may be able to get it, but at what price? On the other hand ask us and we will invariably not only find the item but also provide it at a realistic cost without charging you a premium for the privilege.
Flexibility
Here at KN Office Supplies we pride ourselves on flexibility. Where else can you get same day delivery to most Bristol (BS) postcodes and nationwide next day delivery across pretty much our whole product range. Furthermore if you have special delivery requirements we can happily work with these saving you the hassle of having to find the time to collect missed deliveries!
We believe that this level of flexibility in our delivery process really does give the small business or large business complete control of their stationery supply chain. Furthermore if you have special delivery requirements we can happily work with these saving you the hassle of having to find the time to collect missed deliveries!
Personality
Like to know who the hell you are buying from? Don’t want to deal with some faceless corporate that does not have a clue what your business is? Great so do we, which is why we take the time to get to know our clients and fully understand their business. 90% of our staff have been with our company for over 7 years which means we know our customers very well. If you have a problem you will not end up speaking to a call centre, with someone who doesn’t know you from Adam or Eve. I strongly believe in the Meet Like Know Trust ethos which is why we take the time to go out and meet our clients after all we all like to know who we are spending our hard earned with!
Wrapping Up
I supply businesses of all sizes, from all industries and with a massive range of products & services.
Most of my time promoting KN is spent either convincing the large companies that as an independent we can beat the ‘big boys’ or on the flip side, ensuring the small businesses and even one-man-bands that we are happy to supply them, we want to supply them – because that is how my network grows, by not looking at people with ‘£’s over their heads and doing a bloody good job! Because then…guess what…we get recommended and promoted….MONSTER!
Never underestimate the true value of fantastic, independent service….with cost savings too!
