Whether you’re a freelancer, remote employee, or small business owner, staying stocked with office essentials is non-negotiable. But just because these items are necessary doesn’t mean they need to eat into your bottom line.
With a few simple strategies—especially cashback apps—you can save consistently on your most-used supplies. Below is a curated monthly shopping list with smart ways to stack rewards and cashback, featuring top retailers that remote professionals trust.
Core Monthly Office Supply Essentials
Use this checklist to streamline your monthly workspace reset:
Category | Item Examples |
Paper Goods | Printer paper, sticky notes, notebooks |
Writing Tools | Pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils |
Planner Supplies | Refill pages, tabs, stickers |
Tech Essentials | Printer ink, USB drives, batteries |
Desk Organization | Trays, file folders, cable organizers |
Wellness Add-ons | Blue light glasses, hand cream, tea |
Creative Tools | Journals, sketchpads, markers |
Need specialized planners and layout tools? Check out the PrimeDesk Planner.
Where to Buy + Cashback Hacks by Category
- Paper, Pens, and Printer Supplies
- Best Retailers:
- Staples (Fluz, Rakuten)
- Office Depot & OfficeMax
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Cashback Strategy:
- Buy gift cards via Fluz for instant cashback (3–5%)
- Activate Rakuten browser extension for an additional 1–3%
- Apply discount codes with Honey or Capital One Shopping
- Check weekly flyers or loyalty perks from stores like Staples
- Planner Refills and Journals
- Best Retailers:
- Amazon
- Target
- Book Boulevard – curated for professionals
- Cashback Strategy:
- Use Fluz gift cards
- Watch for back-to-school sales or quarterly specials
- Combine with coupon codes during holiday sales for double savings
- Desk Storage + Organizers
- Best Retailers:
- Staples
- Office Depot
- RetailMinds – specialty storage picks
- ClubCore – modern workspace essentials
- Cashback Strategy:
- Use a Fluz card for purchase
- Pair with Rakuten for online orders
- Browse coupon codes on Honey or store loyalty platforms
- Monthly Budget Snapshot
Here’s what your typical monthly supply list might look like—with cashback included:
Item Category | Retailer | Price | Cashback (Fluz + Rakuten) | Final Cost |
Printer Paper (3 pk) | Staples | $20 | 7% = $1.40 | $18.60 |
Planner Inserts | Amazon | $15 | 5% = $0.75 | $14.25 |
Desk Organizer Set | RetailMinds | $30 | site sale (10%) | $27.00 |
Pens + Notepad Pack | Walmart | $18 | 4% = $0.72 | $17.28 |
Creative Notebook | Book Boulevard | $22 | n/a | $22.00 |
Total | $105 | Approx. $3.00–$5.00 | ~$100.00 |
Pro Tips to Maximize Savings Long-Term
- Set a recurring reminder to restock on the 1st or 15th each month
- Track purchases and cashback in your PrimeDesk Planner
- Use a dedicated payment method (like a rewards credit card) for office-only spending
- Join loyalty programs at Office Depot, Staples, or Walmart for bonus rewards
Smart freelancers don’t just buy what they need—they plan how to buy it. With a set monthly shopping list and strategic use of cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten, you can keep your workspace stocked without draining your wallet.
Start saving today with your first Fluz-powered purchase: Download the app here