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Creative Methods to cut costs

Cost reduction
Recent activity on Nov 13, 2018
3 Answers
2.7 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Nov 13, 2018

Hi Everyone,

This a very broad question, but could you help me out with some more creative ideas than the usual on how a business can cut costs? Of course, it depends on the industry and a hundred other things, but if you have anything interesting for whatever industry I would take it!

Many many thanks!

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Best answer
Anonymous replied on Nov 13, 2018

Spitballing:

  • Instead of buying (expensive) office chairs and tables, buy them at IKEA and have your employees assemble them (Amazon did that).
  • Use AirBnB instead of hotels for business travel
  • Use open source software
  • Use motion detectors in office lamps and meeting rooms to automatically turn of lights (Deutsche Telekom does that)
  • Use heat from data center to heat buildings
  • Set default printer settings to grayscale and double-sided print
  • Use tap water filtration/cooling machine instead of traditional water cooler bottles (not a good idea if your business is in Flint, though)
  • Get people public transport tickets and company bikes instead of company cars
  • MOST EFFECTIVE: Treat your people well to lower attrition and reduce search, hiring and onboarding costs!
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Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 13, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Your question is so broad and specific at the same time that I believe that none of the answers would really help you. But here are some ideas from the real projects:

  • Put asphalt instead of grass lawns on the huge factory and cut related employees
  • Turn-off the computers at the retail store at night to save electricity
  • Put the rugs at the hospital to cut the cleaning staff by 30%

Good luck!

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Anonymous replied on Nov 13, 2018
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