[Jodith]

We don't have a policy on ordering office supplies except that all orders must by approved by the budget authority for that department. I'm the one who does the ordering, so if I get an order for something that I know I can get cheaper or that I think is unnecessary, I will call the dept manager and discuss it before ordering it. It's good to have one person who is the gatekeeper on ordering office supplies. Sometimes a manager, especially if they are new, just doesn't realize how this will effect their budget. They need someone to give them feedback about things that might be excessive.

[charity]

I often compare prices for office equipment at Newegg.com. They are usually cheaper and the shipping isn't bad.