Oxford Business Management

Oxford Business Management We are a unique team that reviews the client’s overheads and re-negotiate contracts, as well as identifies ways to reduce usage to increase efficiencies.

Tip number 19: Always follow up, follow through, and follow a process to maximize savings. Tip number 19: Always follow ...
07/04/2022

Tip number 19: Always follow up, follow through, and follow a process to maximize savings.

Tip number 19: Always follow up, follow through, and follow a process to maximize savings. the job is not complete until the paperwork is done”.

Capturing ideas is the important first part but allocating tasks and responsibilities, as well as timings, and treating cost management as a series of projects deliver results. Initiative and good ideas don’t get forgotten, communications with suppliers and others don’t dry up mid-flow and agreed on steps that might be uncomfortable for some don’t get pushed into the long grass.

Identifying owners from senior management down, who can own the initiatives brings significant results. People like to own things and be shown to be contributing, use that fact.

At OBM we follow up and follow through so you can focus on running your business. Get in contact for a free no commitment phone call to find out more.
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Tip number 18: Ask “Do we really need this?”, “How much is it needed?” and “How much do I want to pay?” before starting ...
06/04/2022

Tip number 18: Ask “Do we really need this?”, “How much is it needed?” and “How much do I want to pay?” before starting to negotiate.

It can often be a difficult process as individuals become wedded to “we have always done/bought/used etc” mindsets. Some research internally and externally can throw up more interesting options for discussion and agreement. Use suppliers’ and staff’s knowledge to rethink what is done and why for cost benefits.

Learn more about how OBM can develop your thought processes when looking to negotiate a cost-effective contract.

https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 17: Make use of the supplier’s knowledge and ask for their advice.They are the experts in their market and th...
04/04/2022

Tip number 17: Make use of the supplier’s knowledge and ask for their advice.

They are the experts in their market and their billing/management systems will have information about what you purchase and when. Use this to get advice on products, patterns of purchasing, and deliveries to maximise the benefits.

A good supplier will want to do this as they are enthusiastic about their products and want you to trust them for future business. OBM worked with a supplier who talked the client out of spending £600K per annum on a service that was hardly used (large fixed cost, low variable).

The alternative approach was more cost-effective. It then transpired that it was costing them more than that to maintain the service. A true Win-Win!

Click the link below to schedule your bespoke audit of indirect costs
https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 16: “Planning saves money” – last-minute decisions always cost more. By planning you can consider your option...
31/03/2022

Tip number 16: “Planning saves money” – last-minute decisions always cost more.

By planning you can consider your options, engage with alternative suppliers and solutions, as well as avoid being pressurised.

Many companies end up getting a solution because they have run out of time or have been led down a route as they didn’t plan for the alternative options.

Our bespoke audit of price, usage, and processes can help.

Click the link below for more information
https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 15: Build and encourage a culture of cost awareness in your organisation. By utilising the ideas and enthusia...
30/03/2022

Tip number 15: Build and encourage a culture of cost awareness in your organisation.

By utilising the ideas and enthusiasm internally it will help keep your employees engaged and let them feel they can contribute. They also often know more than senior management about what is really used at the sharp end!

Learn more about how OBM can support this change in thinking by clicking the link below.

Tip number 14: What can you offer as a business so you and the supplier both benefit? A recent example was deliveries ar...
28/03/2022

Tip number 14: What can you offer as a business so you and the supplier both benefit?

A recent example was deliveries arriving on pallets rather than box quantities. It meant an increased storage requirement, but extended credit terms and a cheaper delivery cost meant it was better for both parties (the client had plenty of space, and the supplier saved the hassle of bulk breaking). As a result, I helped the client save 10%.

Have you ever had a win-win situation like the one above? Let us know how it went in the comments below.

Tip number 13: Buy the appropriate quality for your needs, do you need a top product, like a Rolls Royce, and when you t...
24/03/2022

Tip number 13: Buy the appropriate quality for your needs, do you need a top product, like a Rolls Royce, and when you think about it, have you been paying for one unnecessarily?

In the coming months reviewing what is more appropriate may be a better option than “this is what we have always bought”. Remember though that “buying cheap means buying twice”.

I recently negotiated a deliberately, short term, lower quality, and cheaper solution with a clear understanding with the supplier that this is short term only during the lockdown. The client wins and the supplier keeps a customer.

To learn more about our practices, click the link below.
https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 11: Do not accept the first price reduction offered, there is always a better one available. Sales/purchasing...
21/03/2022

Tip number 11: Do not accept the first price reduction offered, there is always a better one available. Sales/purchasing is a game with the salesperson trying to maximise their company’s profit and own commission and you minimising your costs.

A price “reduction” is a recognition that there is flexibility. Do not accept it on principle, instead find ways of pushing back to get a better deal. Investigate payment terms, changes in volumes, relationship length. If reductions are offered there is always more to be had, even if it is limited.

Find out if you can get a price reduction for your business with Oxford Business Management today. Visit our website or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 10: Check the contract thoroughly before signing; get all queries answered in writing. T&Cs can be almost imp...
17/03/2022

Tip number 10: Check the contract thoroughly before signing; get all queries answered in writing.

T&Cs can be almost impossible to read and there is often a reason for this. Look for hidden charges or repeat costs that you were not advised of. Check termination conditions and timings. Who owns the equipment (if any) at the end, or what payments are required? By having it in writing, if things do happen, you have proof of the basis of your decision. Keep the emails/letters with the contracts for easy access and review in the years to come.

Click the link below to make don’t miss out on some simple savings.
https://flow.page/obm

Tip number 9: There is no such thing as a “free” phone, teddy, box of biscuits, etc; these free gifts are in the price s...
16/03/2022

Tip number 9: There is no such thing as a “free” phone, teddy, box of biscuits, etc; these free gifts are in the price somewhere.

Often the box of chocolates is a recognition that you are a “good” customer, not because you are buying a lot but that you are paying a premium. They want you on side to maximize their margins.

How do you notice that a gift isn’t really free? Let us know in the comments below

Tip number 8: Do not trust “limited” or “special offers” that are time-bound, they are designed to panic you into making...
14/03/2022

Tip number 8: Do not trust “limited” or “special offers” that are time-bound, they are designed to panic you into making what could be a costly mistake.

A bit like tip 2, have the information to hand, slow down the discussion, you are being pushed for a decision for their benefit, not yours. Often an unrepeatable offer can be beaten. Check also what their sales quarter end is. It may be that they are desperate to hit their sales target. This you can use to get better “unbeatable” offers

Let Oxford Business Management take some of the stress away with an audit of indirect costs. Click the link below for more updates.
https://flow.page/obm

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