As a small business owner, you are probably always looking for ways to reduce your monthly business expenses.

And the good news is:  it’s not very difficult at all!

Here are 3 Creative Ways To Reduce/Save:

Dump Your Expensive Merchant Account

It may be a bit scary to make this move. (I understand!)

But when you need to cut some monthly expenses, start shopping around for lower Merchant Account rates – and put your negotiators hat on.

You may also want to consider using low cost alternative online payment services like 2CheckOut or PayPal.

If you don’t feel comfy cozy with PayPal, then Google around for a more reasonably priced credit card processor.

Switch Your Land Lines To VOiP

VOiP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It’s basically phone service over the Internet – with rates below traditional telephone networks.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that phone service rates typically go up rather than down.

Sure, they may start off at some great low number, but over time – that low rate eventually begins to creep up.

So why not begin with Free?

Check out Skype features and prices (it’s mostly free – but with a paid upgrade option).  You can even make video calls with Skype!

Google Voice is free too (with a free phone number) – and it has some very powerful features for Small Business Owners.

Buy Only When Absolutely Necessary

Of course you’ll have to spend money sooner or later, but the trick is to spend it only when you have to.

And does everything have to be brand new?

Who would know if your stuff is new or not – other than you?

Why not try Ebay for great deals on everything from postage scales to office printers – some are gently used or even refurbished by the original manufacturer.

Overstock.com is another great place for refurbished office items.

Keep a list of things you may need soon – and start checking out some prices.

Compare online prices with your local Xmart and find out how much you can save.

Remember, a penny saved is penny earned!



Really Go Green.

E-mail, e-Zines, blogs, and websites do a great deal to cut down on paper consumption and waste. You can easily implement methods like printing double-sided, using PDFs instead of paper documents, and using DVD or CD Business Cards.

And by purchasing energy-efficient office machines like inexpensive printers, scanners, and netbooks, you can help conserve energy too.

Review Your Web Hosting Plan.

If your website has been around for longer than 5 years or so – it’s time to look at your Web Hosting Plan again.

Web Hosting is cheap these days, and if you are paying more than around $8 a month for a shared hosting plan – you can stop now.

Dump Your Expensive Merchant Account

It is easy to wait too long to make this move. (I know!)

When you need to cut some costs, start shopping around for lower Merchant Account rates. You may also want to consider using low cost alternative online payment services like 2CheckOut or PayPal.

Consider VOiP

VOiP is Voice Over Internet Protocol. It’s basically phone service via the Internet – with substantial cost benefits over traditional telephone networks.

Check out Skype or Vonage to compare features and prices. (If you are considering MagicJack, look very closely at their privacy issues).

Eliminate Non Essential Land Lines

Do you really need a fax line, business line, and home phone line?

If you are a very small business – you probably don’t. You just think you do.

But if you think a bit harder and really look at it, you’ll probably see that you can get along quite nicely with just 1 or 2 phone lines/numbers.

If you feel you must have more than 1 line, and you need fax services as well – you can always sign up for an inexpensive Virtual PBX Service.

See? You can always cut back just a little bit more if you have to.