6. Plan Ahead Make a list of business supplies or equipment you'll need in future. Keep an eye out for stores that have big stock clearing sales. Purchase supplies when they go on sale before you need them.

7. Used Stuff If your business equipment and supplies don't need to be new, buy them used. You can find used items at garage sales. Keep an eye out in papers for liquidation sales.

8. Negotiate You should always try negotiate a lower price for any business equipment or supplies, especially if you are paying cash. It costs retailer to operate a merchant account for credit cards and often they willing reduce price for a cash sale. It doesn't hurt to try. Pretend you are talking to a salesman at a car lot.

9. Search You can always be searching for new suppliers for your business supplies and equipment. Look for suppliers with lower prices and better quality. Don't just be satisfied with a few.

10. Office Upgrades Many commercial businesses upgrade their information technology requirements every few years. When this happens offer to purchase old equipment, which may be going to be scrapped in any case. It is likely your IT requirements are not as stringent and ‘old’ system will still adequately run software you need for your business. Keep an eye out for new office fit outs. When a tenant leaves a commercial building they may be required to removed their office fit out. Desks, chairs, partitions are just some of useful home office items you may pick up for a penny!

© Kim Beardsmore

14. You don't make your web site look professional.

15. You don't offer a free online service.

16. You don't give people as many ordering options as possible.

17. You don't offer free current information.

18. You don't let people know anything about your business.

19. You don't offer free samples of your product or service.

20. You don't make people feel safe and secure when they order.

Once you have made a list of possible reasons, then set time in your schedule THIS week to address each of concerns. Approach them one at a time and develop clear plans to correct issue. Make sure you follow through on those plans. Don't try to take on too many projects at once as it is better to come to a resolution and fix a problem, rather than have many problems in process of being solved.