UK office supplies

paul · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:09 pm Post subject: UK office supplies

Can anyone recommend suppliers in the UK for office supplies and other products?

I've always tended to use Viking Direct up to now. I find they're competitive for stuff like pens, paper, envelopes, etc. ...but when it comes to other odds and sods like loo roll, coffee, telephones, etc. I've noticed the prices aren't quite so inviting... anyone got any recommendations for alternatives so I can compare prices?

Many thanks

Paul
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stephen · Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 7:03 pm Post subject: rumour has it...

i'm told (and i've haven't checked this but it sounds plausible) that some office supply companies have 'flexible' brochures that allow them to increase their prices as people get in to the habbit of buying from them. i.e. the first brochure will be really competitive, the second less so, the third less so still. might be complete nonesense!

in any case, i know these people through a business networking organisation and have ordered stuff myselves: http://www.topsweb.co.uk/. they seem pretty good to me! let me know what you think.

(no relation to me, so i hope this doesn't upset your advertising rules aaron!)
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paul · Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 8:02 pm Post subject:

I had a look but they don't appear to show the price of anything. It immediately has me thinking that they're unlikely to be competitive on price, if they're not forthcoming with their prices. Confused

Paul
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Old Welsh Guy · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 1:49 am Post subject:

try office world & staples both have online stores and both are competitive
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paul · Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:21 am Post subject:

Thanks OWG. I bought 12 boxes of C5 white window self-seal envelopes from Viking yesterday, and the best price I could get was £9.99 a box (with 500 to a box).

Just been on to the above websites to see how that price compares...

Staples: £15.99 a box (if buying 3 or more boxes)
Office World: £17.99 a box

Seems I'm doing OK with Viking Direct. The tip with them is to always ask what their best price is. You have to be persistent with it, or you'll get the catalogue price, or one of the sale catalogue prices. They often have discounts that they're not forthcoming with if you don't ask.

Paul
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Klyve1 · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:14 pm Post subject:

My wife manages to get a lower price for some stuff from Viking, she just asks! Of course it may be that she flirts :>)
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Mike Dempsey · President Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Posts: 801 1366 ants

Claire · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:45 pm Post subject:

We use Lyreco but stuff always seems to come through from VIKING. Not sure if Lyrco do loo paper and stuff though
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Old Welsh Guy · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:06 pm Post subject:

Klyve, she could be shoplifting the goods, and forging the Viking receipts in order to store up enough cash to run away with the guy from down the street Very Happy

What do you mean I am paranoid?
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Klyve1 · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 11:13 pm Post subject:

Now you come to mention it she has been very friendly with that guy.....
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Tidge · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 4:02 pm Post subject:

We've used Viking for years. They're not as good as they used to be (late deliveries, parcels missing) but they rectify any mistakes quickly.
Occasionally we receive a box of choccies from them - definately worth it!
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easytrade · Secretary Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 9 10 ants

There are a number of wholesalers out there that can perhaps help you with sourcing needs.

I would recommend checking out the wholesalers directory on http://www.uk-wholesaler.co.uk
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MikeH · Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:43 pm Post subject:

It will depend on where you are based. We use Martin Luck. The catalogue is sensibly priced for the basics. Order 1 pen or a million it's delivered the following day. We negotiated set prices for our larger purchases saving us a few pounds every month.

C5 White envelopes - 8.99 and that's the catalogue price. You could have got them cheaper if ordering 12 boxes.

On a recent order for basics, a calculator, trays, pens etc. Viking were more expensive for everything.

There website is www.martinluck.com.

Mike.

P.S. They should pay me commision Wink

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DarrenC · Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2004 4:53 pm Post subject:

I use very little in the way of stationary but in the past I've used Viking or have gone to my local stapes store.

MikeH · Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:09 am Post subject:

Staples are convenient as you say for small orders but I believe they are far too expensive.

Mike.
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