When it comes to choosing a paper supplier it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. However, there are a few things that you should consider when evaluating sources for that all-important office supply.
1. Quality
Paper plays such an important part in improving the quality of printed documents as well as being an essential component in maximising the efficiency and performance of printers and copiers. With that in mind, choosing the right paper shouldn’t just be a lowest cost exercise. Look for a supplier that can provide a range of paper, with consistent quality for whiteness, thickness and stiffness. A media that delivers consistent print quality and excellent performance, whether printing duplex, black and white, colour or at high speed is key.
2. Sustainability
Paper and the environment go hand in hand. Look for papers that are produced from sustainable sources. If it’s FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) as well as PEFC accredited, it’s manufactured by mills that use materials sourced from sustainably managed forests. In the UK, Ricoh goes one step further by donating 2p per ream of paper to The Woodland Trust (one pallet = one tree planted).
3. Efficiency
Like all procurement processes these days it pays to be efficient. How often have you seen stacks of paper piled up in the corner of the office? With office space costly and at a premium, it makes sense to order only what’s required for the short to medium term. Online ordering capabilities are a must for bringing the supply of paper into the 21st century.
4. Control
With the right supplier, however, the ordering of paper can become automated by location and even provide an extra degree of control. Why? Because paper volumes can be monitored over time to not only provide the paper that’s required but also to detect any deviations from the norm. This brings the supply of paper into a more strategic realm, where the on-going monitoring of this everyday supply can highlight changes to work patterns and, in some cases, extra print devices off the corporate radar.
5. Flexibility
The final benefit to look out for in a paper supplier is flexibility. Whether that’s next day delivery or a sudden request for stock to meet an increased demand within the office, it’s important to work with a company that is open and flexible to your needs as a business.