On the surface, buying office supplies from a big box vendor may seem like a smart move. Low prices, fast shipping, and easy ordering portals—what’s not to like? But procurement professionals know better. The true cost of those “deals” often hides in plain sight—and your bottom line is taking the hit.
1. Missed SLAs and Delayed Deliveries
You may be promised next-day delivery, but in practice, “next day” turns into “next week” far too often. Every delay creates a ripple effect—missed project deadlines, frustrated employees, and extra hours wasted chasing down orders.
2. Tariff-Driven Price Volatility
Global supply chain issues and import tariffs on foreign goods hit big box vendors hard. That discount toner you got in Q1 might cost 20% more by Q3. If your procurement plan doesn’t account for price fluctuation, budgeting becomes a nightmare.
3. Limited Human Support
Try calling a big box vendor. You’ll get a robot, then a transfer, then a hold loop, then… maybe help. Procurement teams need real account managers—someone who understands your contract, your challenges, and your compliance requirements.
4. Poor Compliance with Procurement Mandates
Federal and enterprise procurement rules exist for a reason. Many large retailers fall short on mandates around diversity, sustainability, and domestic sourcing. This puts your team at risk of audit failures or contract violations.
5. One-Size-Fits-None Catalogs
Big box portals are built for the masses. If your organization requires a custom catalog—approved SKUs only, mapped to cost centers, aligned with compliance—it’s usually a workaround, not a solution.
What’s the Solution?
Partnering with a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) like ASE Direct doesn’t just check a compliance box—it changes the procurement experience. You get responsive service, stable pricing, custom catalogs, and true accountability.
💡 Tired of the hidden costs? Discover the ASE Direct difference.
📞 Let’s talk: asedirect.com