You’d be surprised at how much money may be leaking from your business in seemingly small and insignificant ways. Unfortunately, overspending can kill a small business, even if it’s nickeled and dimed down the drain. And you’d be surprised at how much money you can save by making a few changes to your spending habits. Keeping track of where your money is going is the first step.

Here are seven things you can do to plug up those leaks and perhaps save a bit more on your business.

1. Buy used equipment
You can save over 60% on office equipment when you buy it used. There are many rental chains that sell computers and office furniture once they’ve been in circulation for a certain amount of time. You can often find equipment, including computers, copiers, and office furniture at auctions for businesses that have declared bankruptcy. And you can also find good deals by looking in the classifieds.

2. Hire temporary help
In your business you may not need help year-round. You can save a lot of money by hiring temporary help during a particular season; not only could it save you money, but your temporary employee may help you work more efficiently and increase your profits.

3. Hire your children
This isn’t the first time you’ve been encouraged to employ your teenager. There are numerous benefits in doing so: you’ll be teaching your child employable skills while spending quality time together, the money you pay him/her may go towards things you would have to buy anyway, not to mention his/her wages are tax deductible.

4. Mind your office supplies
You can save a lot of money when you purchase office supplies in bulk. But that’s just the first step in this process. When you buy your supplies, ensure you don’t purchase more than what you need. Your business only requires so many pens or reams of paper in order to function properly. Having more than you really need on hand, even when you may have purchased it for a good price, is a waste of money.

5. Use email and fax when possible
Email and fax are always less expensive than snail mail. Every time you need to send correspondence, consider whether or not it’s appropriate to use these two inexpensive, electronic methods.

6. Negotiate
There’s always the chance that you can get a deal if you just ask for one. Whether it’s internet service, office space, a copier, or a credit card; ask if you can get a discount in price (or APR). It doesn’t hurt to ask.

7. Outsource large printing jobs
If you have a photocopier, you may be surprised at how much those printing jobs are costing you (when you consider toner, paper, and maintenance costs). You can often get a better deal when you outsource. Shop around for the best deal and send those larger jobs (flyers, forms, etc.) to a professional printing company.

Small costs add up, and when you can save, even a little bit, here and there, you may find that you’re enjoying a significant savings overall. It may take some time and attention at first, but your business will enjoy the benefits once you get into the swing of saving.