SmallBusinessNewz

Saving time and money is important to small businesses that order their supplies online, and almost all (99%) say free shipping is a key factor when selecting a retailer, according to a new survey commissioned by Staples.

Small businesses that order online say it saves them time and money, and nearly half (46 percent) feel that their small business could not operate without this cost-saving benefit.

In terms of the greatest advantage for online ordering, 86 percent of respondents said it saves them time. Among those who do not shop online, fifty percent said it's due to shipping costs and 51 percent said it's more convenient to pick up an item in-store.

Small businesses that shop online frequently (three or more times per month) are more than twice as likely to say that mobile capabilities are important than those that place one to two orders online per month. Additionally, more than a quarter of small businesses (27 percent) say they already have a device capable of making these purchases.

"At Staples, we make it priority one to understand how small businesses' needs are evolving. We're committed to making it easy for customers whether they want to shop online, on a mobile device, by phone or in-store," said Anabela Perozek, vice president of marketing, Staples Business Delivery.

"We also realize that the bottom line for many businesses is saving time and money. That's why we offer our Fast and Free Delivery service for all orders over $50 to anyone who shops Staples.com or by phone."