Good timing The more time you allow for managing procurement, the more negotiating power you will have, especially when you can show suppliers you are prepared to walk away or wait for the right deal. Last-minute purchases (unless planned for) can be expensive and lead to costly mistakes. Moreover, if you need goods quickly, you might have to pay higher delivery charges, and could miss out on opportunities to source from further afi eld. Observe the market and buy at the right time. For example, you can save money by buying only fruit that is in season, or save on the cost of school trips by taking advantage of off-peak rates. You’re also able to negotiate better deals when there is less demand for certain supplies, by organising a garden installation during winter rather than summer, for instance.
Good deals
There are always deals to be had. Some are ongoing, some last until stocks go and others last for a limited time only. Look out for:
■ Lightning deals, usually lasting a few hours
■ Flash sales, lasting up to 72 hours ■Daily deals, running for 24 hours ■Deals of the week, lasting for seven days
■ Early-bird and late deals Many stores also run in-store
promotions, offering free gifts with purchases or ‘buy one, get one free’ offers. Sales events – such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to- school offers and end-of-season sales – can help schools squeeze more out of their budget.
Good research With fluctuating prices and so many products, promotions and suppliers on the market, seeking out the right ones may seem overwhelming. However, there are several ways to help you make confi dent, informed buying decisions. For instance, you can fi nd multiple suppliers under one roof by attending a trade show or exhibition. Not only will this give you a feel for what’s out there,
48 SUMMER 2020 FundEd
OUR GUIDE TO
BETTER BUYING
When you’re counting the pennies it pays to be a savvy shopper, says Lindsey Marsh, author of The School Fundraising Handbook
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