One of the ways to successfully maximize your profit, when you start a home business or a small business outside of the home, is to be frugal when it comes to purchases of supplies. Use these tips to save you money, build a workspace that's totally "You," and add to your bottom line.

Scout the Yard Sales

I picked up two "magazine racks" that will actually become my inbox & filing rack for a quarter each, at a rummage sale, earlier this year. They were both new in their box, in gorgeous deep watery colors that match the theme in the home office I'm renovating.

These are examples of ways to start your business without going for broke. I sometimes wonder how many entrepreneurs waste their savings or venture capital funds on expensive designer office furniture, and run out of money before they make a sale...


Save a landfill: Freecycle

People have a cycle of stuff. They want stuff. But they already have stuff. So they have to remove stuff, before they can get new stuff. Rather than putting that stuff in a landfill, they list it on Freecycle.

Then you, as a person building your dream of working from your home (or for any other reason) you can claim the stuff. The usual caveat is that you go get it. So, only claim stuff from the Freecycle group in your area. Look Up the Freecycle Group Near You.


Back to School Time is Golden for Your Business Supply Stash

Writers, To-Do Listers, Doodling Brainstormers - now is the time to stock up on packs of paper, pens, markers and even art supplies.

Check out specials for Back-to-School editions of laptops, desk top computers, computer accessories, PDA's, software, and well locker paraphernalia (hey, those cute magnets work on metal filing cabinets, too.)

Get your day-planners & calendars now, if you use them. They'll likely have "extended months" such as August 2007 through December 2008. Many these days have organizational boons like pockets for envelopes, stamps, bills or anything you would need to be productive with your time on-the-go.


De-clutter & Re-purpose

You probably have areas of your home that are overflowing with clutter. You might have even lived with it so long that you don't see it anymore. But what if, you could reuse items that are clutter in other rooms and turn them into useful office things? Look around your home... what do you already have?



By saving money on things you need for your new business by using items you already own, getting stuff for free or for cheap, you are enabling your business to use that saved money on other important things... like marketing... or coffee. ;)


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