Buying for the office during lean economic times can be hard to justify. But putting the brakes on spending altogether and limping along with an inadequate setup can result in an even bigger waste of cash. Here are some tips to stretch your current resources and make the most of your money when you do need to shop.

Maintaining your current equipment should be your first line of defense. Nothing is as cost-effective as maintaining copiers, printers, and other equipment that is already paid for. Take the time to remove dust from vents to prevent overheating. Dust buildup can easily cut months, even years, off a device's useful life.

People can greatly affect equipment life expectancy as well. Prominently post reminders to handle the machines gently so you can reduce the chance of the equipment becoming the inadvertent victim of user rage. Also, make sure manuals and troubleshooting guides are easily accessible in case of a breakdown or paper jams. And adhere to maintenance schedules. Saving the short dollars by skipping a maintenance visit can really cost you in the long run.

When you do need to buy, do so judiciously. Try extending the life of your equipment through upgrades rather than replacements. For example, buying additional RAM for your computer can be enough to boost performance. This could be a paltry $50 to $100 investment versus the $1,000 plus you might spend on a new computer.

Another way to shave 20 percent to 45 percent off your spending is by buying used or refurbished equipment. While you will find greater savings when buying something used, refurbished equipment provides some peace of mind that the key components of the device have been upgraded as necessary. It is still best to buy new though when it comes to equipment that is critical to your business so you can ensure that you receive the level of support you need.

When you do buy any product or service that will cost more than $1,000, obtain multiple quotes to ensure your final price is competitive. Also, before you choose a less-expensive option simply on price, don't forget to consider the total cost of ownership.

Savings can also be found in services. Check your existing service agreements, from your long distance to your business insurance. Make sure the plans you have accurately reflect your needs. You may be paying additional charges for extra minutes on a cell phone plan, for example, that could easily be saved if you upgraded your calling plan. Alternately, you may have insurance coverage that is no longer relevant to your business.

Another way to save money on your services is to make payments on time to avoid costly finance charges. Finally, if it's been a while since you have priced out the cost of your services, you may want to check out current market rates by asking for quotes for your business.

When the going gets tough, the tough cut spending. Savvy shoppers just know how to cut the right way.