Depending on the kind of business you have, you may find that you need to buy equipment. For example, as a blogger, I need a phone, a camera, a microphone and a functioning laptop. I may also need studio lights for good lighting on videos.
I, for one, have long avoided investing in equipment. For example, it’s not until eight years in the game when I’m considering buying a camera. And it’s only because I realized that Instagram provides good ROI and that pictures of myself perform better than graphic design. Buying a specific camera is also cheaper than upgrading my phone, which was my original plan.
Being the financially savvy blogger that I am, I always look for ways I can save money when I have to buy equipment. Here are some of the tips I’ve learned over the years.
Pay for good quality.
Here is a lesson we all learn the hard way: If you’re going to buy equipment, make sure it’s good quality. In my case, that looks like sticking to Apple products for laptops. I’ve done the PC thing and I hate it, mostly because I’d have to re-do an image every six months. A Macbook, on the other hand, lasts me years.
Is the price tag higher? Yes. But it has exactly what I need to run a successful business as a blogger and it lasts a long time. I also enjoy using it. Since I’m on my laptop several hours a day, that’s something that is extremely important to me.
This may not save you money in the immediate future, but it will in the long run because you won’t have to replace it for several years.
Buy refurbished.
Another way to save money when you buy equipment is to buy refurbished. For example, I’m planning on buying a refurbished camera. This will save me at least $200.
Often times, the companies themselves have certified and refurbished items for sale on their website. You can also buy items second hand on sites like e-Bay but that’s a little riskier.
Use cashback websites.
In addition to buying my new camera refurbished, I’m also using eBates to get 3 percent cash back. This may not be a huge saving, but it’s still money I’ll get back. I’ve used cashback websites for everything from equipment to hotel stays for business trips. I also get cash back from my credit card.
Use coupon websites.
Sometimes you save more money using a coupon than you will using cash back. That’s why I plan on using an app like Honey to see if I can save more money on this camera with coupons. Depending on how I get more money back is how I decide which app to use.
Make sure you actually need it.
As I already mentioned, the reason I’ve decided to buy equipment is that I’ve been paying attention to my metrics and ROI. Instagram performs well for me and it performs even better when I have photos of myself. In addition, I will be filming some videos for clients and need the equipment to help me do that.
If you’re looking to buy equipment for your business, do your due diligence so that you save money. There are several ways you can get the high-quality equipment you need without having to overspend. And finally, make sure you deduct it from your taxes!
