2. Paper Fax? Who still uses a paper fax???
In order to fax a document, you have to print it. In many cases, there is no need to keep a hard copy of the document being faxed out, other than a record of the fax. Imagine sending out invoices, purchase orders, expense reports, or all other faxed documents directly from a computer, electronically, without having to print the document first. Imagine receiving faxed documents in your email, printing only those that absolutely need a hard copy. For about the same price as a fax line, many companies such as E-Fax (www.efax.com) offer electronic faxing services. The savings in ink and toner can be enormous, especially for companies that typically receive and send faxes daily.

3. Genuine Toner = Genuine Waste!
Most consumers, when they buy a printer, are warned to use only "genuine" ink and toner products. Anything else, they're warned, will wreck their printer and void their warranty or extended coverage packages. Several landmark lawsuits later, the US courts have determined that printer manufacturers can't force customers to use their ink and toner; the stigma behind remanufactured or compatible products, however, has not gone away. Modern remanufactured and compatible ink and toner cartridges are a far cry from the "drill and fill" operations of past, with modern remanufacturing companies following a process not unlike OEM manufacturing, including rigorous inspection and testing of cartridges. Plus, and here's the dirty little secret that most consumers don't realize, most "genuine oem cartridges" have been recycled and resold as well! Why pay full price for a remanufactured cartridge marketed as new, when you can shop somewhere like Remark Imaging, which offers huge savings on remanufactured ink and remanufactured toner cartridges, as well as OEM-compatible cartridges?

4. Going once, going twice, and... bought?
When a government agency decides they want to make a purchase, they usually solicit bids or organize a reverse auction, inviting vendors to compete for their business. Some corporations have taken advantage of similar services with huge benefits. Before buying ink, toner, or paper retail, solicit bids from many different vendors. Many companies will give HUGE DISCOUNTS for a 1 or 2 year contract. Utilizing reverse auction services is another great way to try to get better pricing from current vendors, as well as discovering new companies that may offer exactly what you're looking for.  Matt Gonzales