Smart Purchasing in Bedford
Running a business in Bedford means watching every cost carefully. Janitorial supplies might seem like a minor expense, but across a year, they add up significantly. We spoke to several Bedford businesses about how they manage their janitorial supply costs effectively.
Case Study: Bedford Retail Park
A group of four retail units on a Bedford retail park were each ordering their own janitorial supplies from different national suppliers. When they switched to a collective approach with a local supplier, the results were dramatic.
"We went from four separate deliveries to one," explains park manager Steve Collins. "That alone saved us hassle and reduced our environmental impact. But the real savings came from consolidating our buying power."
The Numbers:
Case Study: Bedford Care Group
This care home operator runs three facilities in the Bedford area. Previously, each home ordered independently, often from expensive catalogue suppliers.
"Our homes were paying catalogue prices because that's what they'd always done," admits Operations Director Helen Williams. "When we centralised ordering through a local janitorial supplier, we were shocked at the difference."
Key Strategies:
Results: Annual janitorial supply costs reduced by 35%, while quality actually improved.
Strategies That Work
Buy Concentrated Products
Many Bedford businesses have switched to concentrated cleaning chemicals:
"We used to buy ready-to-use surface cleaner by the case," explains office manager Julie Thomas. "Now we buy concentrate and dilute it ourselves. The space saving alone is massive, and cost-per-litre is about a quarter of what we were paying."
Choose Quality Over Cheap
Counter-intuitively, spending more per unit can reduce overall costs:
Toilet Tissue: Premium paper with higher sheet counts and better strength means less usage and fewer blockages (plumber callouts are expensive!).
Bin Liners: Stronger liners that don't split save time and mess.
Soap Dispensers: Good dispensers with controlled portions prevent wastage.
Establish Regular Ordering
Rather than running out and placing emergency orders, set up regular scheduled deliveries:
Consider Your Supplier's Location
A Bedford-based or nearby supplier offers advantages:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Too Little at Once
Small, frequent orders mean:
Ignoring Hidden Costs
The cheapest product isn't always cheapest to use:
Not Reviewing Regularly
Usage patterns change. Review your ordering at least annually:
How Doves Helps Bedford Businesses
Based just 15 minutes from Bedford in St Neots, Doves Hygiene Services provides janitorial supplies to businesses throughout Bedfordshire. Our proximity means:
We work with businesses of all sizes in Bedford, from single offices to multi-site operations. Our team can help you review your current spending and identify savings opportunities.
Call 01480 210999 or email sales@doveshygiene.co.uk to discuss your janitorial supplies needs.