Do not send someone to the local office products big box retailer to pick up supplies. First, most people think the only expense to worry about is the actual cost of the product.

Many offices today fret over the money they spend every week on office supplies with the tough economy. Finding file folders for $.20 per box cheaper than the next guy doesn't always translate to savings to your bottom line. Here are some secrets to taming your office supplies expenses, and they may not be what you expect.

While it's true offices can cut back on the bigger expenses like office desks, office chairs or that new filing cabinet, every office needs copy paper, ink and toner, binders and pens to do business. Standard office products make the business world go round, and can't be eliminated. The costs for that employee's time, gas.

The truth is, often times the costs associated with finding the products you need price shopping them online, going to the store, ordering online, and then tracking and paying for the merchandise offsets any expected "savings" you get from a low advertised price.