Overspending on office supplies is easier than most teams realize—especially when items that seem like daily necessities could be marked down, bundled, or sourced more affordably elsewhere. Here’s a breakdown of the products you should never pay full price for when restocking your workspace.

Printer Ink and Toner
These are among the most overpriced office products. Instead of buying direct from the printer brand, try remanufactured cartridges from trusted sellers like LD Products or subscribe to ink services like HP Instant Ink.

Office Chairs and Desks
Retail markups on office furniture can be steep. Avoid full retail by shopping during major sales (President’s Day, Memorial Day, Black Friday) or using marketplaces like Wayfair and Overstock. You can also earn cashback with a Staples gift card if buying online.

Notebooks, Pens, and Paper
Buy these in bulk at wholesale prices from stores like Staples or Office Depot. Better yet, shop discounted Office Depot gift cards to stack additional savings.

Cleaning Supplies and Breakroom Essentials
From paper towels to coffee, warehouse retailers like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club offer better per-unit prices than traditional office supply chains.

Software Subscriptions
Project management, time tracking, and CRM tools often provide non-profit, educational, or business bundles. Always check for educator pricing or tiered discounts before subscribing.

Calendars and Office Decor
Skip full-price seasonal items and get deeply discounted planners, bulletin boards, and decor during clearance cycles at Target or Amazon. Cashback platforms like Fluz can help lower the cost even more when paired with merchant gift cards.

Basic Tech Accessories
Avoid overpaying for keyboards, mice, and cables. Shop refurbished items or use platforms like Newegg or Best Buy during promotional periods.