| Just a few short decades ago, the term "office | | | | unknown waters of the extended office supply |
| supplies" referred to any generic supplies used on | | | | industry, including software, printers and fax |
| a regular basis in an office/business environment, | | | | machines. |
| such as paperclips, pens and staples. Maybe you'd | | | | Next came the Internet revolution, making the |
| be able to find a few desks and chairs hanging | | | | biggest impact to date on the entire office supply |
| around to catch the eye of discerning customers. | | | | industry. Not only can you purchase every |
| You could walk down the block to your | | | | possible office supply, both in the traditional and |
| neighborhood shop and pick up some packing tape | | | | modern genres, but also you can do it without |
| and a few rolls of paper for your adding machine. | | | | ever having to leave your home or office. |
| But now, "office supplies" refers to an entire | | | | Personal service also came back into the limelight. |
| genre of products including a wide assortment of | | | | Of course, with the many positives that the |
| desks, fax machines and personal computers, | | | | World Wide Web has brought with it, there are |
| including any and all well-known accessories, plus | | | | just as many negatives. First and foremost are |
| dozens that you've probably never even heard of. | | | | the threats of identity theft and other security |
| Office supply stores have also taken on the role | | | | issues, like someone gaining access to your credit |
| of meeting supply stores, offering visual and | | | | card or bank accounts. In order to protect |
| audible devices such as CD and DVD players, | | | | yourself and your finances, be sure that your |
| plasma and LCD televisions, as well as | | | | online office supply shop is a secure site, proudly |
| combinations of any of the above. Multi-media | | | | displaying a security seal for potential customers |
| projectors and dry erase boards make it easy to | | | | to see and feel safe while shopping. |
| show your assembled group your plans and ideas | | | | Another negative of e-commerce websites are |
| for the future while integrating their ideas into the | | | | the shipping and handling charges that can |
| mix. | | | | significantly add to the cost of your office |
| So what exactly caused the expansion of the | | | | supplies. While the shipping charges will usually |
| office supply industry? Superstores began popping | | | | reflect a nominal fee, the handling fees can be |
| up around the globe, offering a variety of | | | | outrageous for doing nothing more than sending a |
| products never seen in the neighborhood shops, | | | | package through the post. Free shipping for a |
| but were seriously lacking the personalized | | | | minimum purchase, typically no more than |
| customer service that the smaller stores became | | | | £40.00, will assure you that your internet |
| known for. In order for the neighborhood stores | | | | shopping purchase remains the great deal that |
| to keep up, they had to venture into the | | | | you originally found. |