Being Brand Loyal in Challenging Times
by Diana L. Martin
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I’m a very particular person. Actually, they may say persnickety, finicky or fussy. Personally, I think exacting, meticulous or discriminating are better adjectives. When I find something I like I don’t like having to make substitutions. Consequently, the whole pandemic situation is not good for people like me - especially in the grocery store!
Supply chain issues exist everywhere, in every industry, and it’s just getting worse. If you’re like me and are brand loyal, you’re probably a bit frustrated. This is one reason why brand loyalty is challenging for the office products consumer – your favorite brand may not be available and the absence could be lengthy depending on what is causing the shortage. Or maybe the brand is available, but the package quantity you order isn’t and the only package you can get is way too many - it’ll take you years to use them all up. As the supply chain shortages increase, purchasing agents, receptionists and office managers (and other staff assigned to the task of ordering supplies) need to become more nimble in sourcing office items.
Being willing to switch brands, colors, sizes, etc. has become more of a necessity. I’m not trying to paint a doomsday scenario – not everything in the office supply world has disappeared – I’m just pointing out that when your favorite items become unavailable, it could be a while before they’re replenished and you need to be willing to pivot. There is almost always more than one manufacturer of any given item. For example, if you like Pendaflex file folders but they’re not available, switch to Smead instead. Pendaflex standard green hanging file folders (PFX 415213) are currently $38.85 per box of 25 while Smead standard green hanging file folders (SMD 64035) are currently $22.32 per box of 25. That’s a great savings - and another reason brand loyalty is not always the best idea. Brand loyalty can cost you money, so you shouldn’t be blind to other options. Want even better savings? Business Source brand (BSN 17532) will run you $11.96 per box of 25. Yes, you read that correctly - $11.96 per box.
Business Source is a company that offers a wide range of products – file folders, storage boxes, sheet protectors, pens, easel pads, etc. Not only is their selection quite extensive, but their items are priced significantly less than the major players, so this brand is always a good choice for saving money on your office supplies. If you’ve been tasked with cutting costs, take a good look at their options for your frequently ordered items. You’ll find over 1000 Business Source items on our website.
Many people hesitate to buy generics and house-branded items because they believe that the low price equates to inferior quality, but that just isn’t the case in our industry. Most times, these items are the same quality as the name brand and the savings can really add up when you switch to them. Here’s one example from our website on a 24-count box of sticky notes:
Now that’s a major savings! Think about how many times you order sticky notes and how many packages you order each time.
Here’s another example:
Again, this is a significant savings. Even when the pandemic is over and the supply chain is back to normal, house brands/generics will still be a good idea. If you want to stick with the brands you like, that’s OK too – everyone has their own preferences. We’re here to share our knowledge with you and show you the other options out there so you can make informed decisions.
Reach out to us by phone (877-795-2600), fax (877-792-8110) or email (orders@oexusa.com) with any questions you may have – we’re here to help!