Guide to Getting the Most from Office Depot

Basic supplies and equipment

OD offers a variety of name brands, as well its own exclusive line of products. Interactive tutorials and demos allow you to review product features and make the best choice for your needs.

I recommend: Use the online tool to compare features of different products. If you find a lower price elsewhere, ask for the low-price guarantee. Search for rebates to make sure you get every dollar you deserve.

Choose from several ways to purchase

Check out Office Depot's Web site or its latest catalog, which may have products not found in stores. Place orders by phone if you need to speak to a customer service representative.

I recommend: If you're buying online, check to see if you live in a local delivery area, which may qualify your purchase of $50 or more for free delivery. Sign up for a Business Solutions Division account if your company purchases $25,000 a year in office supplies and has multiple locations. You'll receive operational support for billing, as well as helpful usage and tracking reports.

Order print on demand online

Get full-service printing, copying, binding and finishing. Just upload your documents, then pick them up at your local store or have them delivered to your home or office.

I recommend: Build and preview your order online. Or order promotional products with your business or product logo.

Discover technology solutions and support

Get free, pre-sales technical support on your purchases. Businesses can benefit from customized extranets, volume price discounts, software licensing and flexible payment and financing plans.

I recommend: Find the account management team for your area to get help finding the right products, working through the complexities of bid processing and fulfilling time-sensitive orders.

Supply chain diversity

Are you hoping to get your products onto Office Depot's shelves? If you're company is considered a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) — which includes certified, minority, women, disabled, veteran, and small enterprises — you may be eligible to apply for the supply chain diversity program.

I recommend: The program has three dimensions: Vendor Diversity, Supplier Diversity and Tier One, which aims to develop a network of independently-owned HUBs. Check to see if you meet the requirements of this program and fill out an application.

Business resource Center

Get tips and tools to manage your business at Office Depot's resource center.

I recommend: Download free business form templates, attend a free, Web-based seminar at the Web Cafe or listen to small business radio shows.