New Officeworks program targets SMEs and sole traders with discounts and free delivery
Officeworks has unveiled a new discount program for business customers and outlined a goal to support 5,000 more businesses by 2025.
For the first time, Officeworks will offer across-the-board discounts and new delivery options for business customers, as part of a program it says is designed to help Australian SMEs grappling with the rising costs of doing business.
The prominent retailer has outlined a goal to support an additional 5,000 businesses by 2025 with in-kind donations and support.
Launched this week, the Officeworks for Business program will offer businesses of all sizes a 5% discount on hundreds of products, as well as 30-day payment terms for customers that meet credit approval.
Speaking to SmartCompany, Officeworks managing director Sarah Hunter confirmed the program is a first for Officeworks, which is “reaffirming our commitment to supporting Australian businesses and challenging ourselves in continuing to deliver greater value and quality to our customers”.
The discounted prices will apply to products across multiple Officeworks categories, including office supplies, stationery, copy paper and kitchen and bathroom supplies. According to Hunter, the inclusions represent the everyday products purchased most frequently by existing business customers.
A limited introductory discount of 15% will also be offered on four J.Burrows copy paper cartons and palette products.
The Wesfarmers-owned retailer is also promising additional “exclusive offers” across its 170-store network and online for members, and free delivery on orders over $65 for metro customers in all states, including the Australian Capital Territory.
The program also includes a free two-hour click and collect service, same-day delivery in certain locations, an online self-service checkout that can be used with multiple payment cards within a business, and same-day printing services.
Future phases of the program will incorporate sustainability-focused features, including the ability to purchase recycling boxes for tech accessories and printer inks and toners. This service, called Bring it Back for Business, is expected to be available by the end of the year.
Hunter also hints at “more additions and innovative solutions”, which will be incorporated into the program over time.
“We know our B2B customers have changing needs both in the products they need and the ways they want to shop, so we’ll continue to learn, listen, and be agile to the ways customers choose to shop with us,” she says.
Along with recently launching a same-day print offering, Hunter says Officeworks is exploring other digital solutions too.
“We will be adding new e-commerce capabilities to make it even easier for business customers to manage their purchasing and ongoing spend, as well as expanding new categories such as next Gen AI computing range specifically designed for businesses,” she adds.
Taking out the “guesswork” for SMEs
The Officeworks for Business program and its discounts are being offered to new and existing business customers, except those that have already negotiated their own pricing with the retailer.
Hunter confirmed there are no costs involved for businesses wanting to sign up. There is also no minimum spend requirement for business to access the program, which they can do by registering with their Australian Business Number (ABN) on the Officeworks website.
Officeworks already counts more than 260,000 businesses among its customers, with 92% of those businesses considered SMEs. It also provides access to credit to more than 100,000 businesses.
The Officeworks for Business program is designed to help these businesses, and more, “make bigger things happen”, says Hunter.
“We understand the challenges that businesses face, especially small businesses during these inflationary times, and with Officeworks for Business, we aim to offer more than just products,” she says.
“Whether a local gym, not-for-profit, retailer or medical centre, this is a complete support system that helps them save time, money and receive in-person personalised support to ensure they can focus their resources on what matters most.”
Small businesses across the country are under serious financial pressure, and a program like the one offered by Officeworks could help “alleviate” some of the costs facing SMEs, said Gary Mortimer, professor of consumer behaviour and retail marketing at the Queensland University of Technology.
“In particular, offers that include business discounts, free delivery and same-day printing certainly respond to the financial and operational pressure businesses are facing today,” he added in a statement provided to SmartCompany.
The program’s guided buying and sustainability initiatives may also take out the “guesswork” for businesses, said Mortimer, and help them “attain their sustainability goals and meet their customers’ demands”.
Supporting small businesses
Officeworks says SMEs are at the forefront of its operation and it has a long-term commitment to the sector.
This year, the retailer has provided in-kind support to 4,826 small businesses to help with cost-of-living pressures, and since 2020, 19,000 small businesses have received in-kind donations and support from Officeworks.
The retailer is aiming to lift that figure to 24,000 small businesses by 2025, with an overarching goal to “help these businesses start, run, grow and thrive in the years ahead”.
Hunter says this support is provided through the Officeworks ‘Store Meaningful Contributions Program’ — a community-led program that “empowers our team members to forge strong, direct relationships with local businesses and give back in impactful and relevant ways”.
This can include in-kind donations of physical products and services to local businesses, as well as product donation support.
“Small businesses are at the heart of what we do, and we recognise the vital role they play in driving local economies,” says Hunter.
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