"Get Office Supplies on the CheapMost of the time, my frugal buying habits are the subject of teasing among family and friends. But when they're looking to save a few bucks, guess who they ask? Just the other day, for instance, my daughter was complaining about the high cost of ink jet replacement cartridges for her printer. Since I keep two printers in action, she figured I might have some advice.Sure, I responded, offering several suggestions. Then, the thought occurred that we aren't likely the only folks concerned about spending these days. The economy may be picking up a little steam, but it sure hasn't been fogging up any of our windows as yet.So simply put, this column is for cheapskates; if you don't mind paying full price, turn the page.For the aforementioned ink jet cartridges, I've had great luck at 123 InkJets (www.123inkjets.com), which also sells laser toner, ribbons, paper and related supplies, all at some of the lowest prices around.You should know three things before you begin: First, these are generic ink jet cartridges that are compatible with popular printer brands. Second, while just about every brand from Adler/Royal to Xerox is listed, cartridges are not available for every single model. Third, I've found that they don't last as long as the real thing (but over the long haul, the much lower cost still makes them less expensive).Cartridges for my Epson 777 cost just $7.95 for black and $9.99 for color (a package of three black and two color costs just $34.95). Recently, the site began offering cartridges for my HP Photosmart 1115 ($17.95 and $22.95 for black and color, respectively). I save at least 50% off the cost of branded versions, and so far, everything has worked just fine.Another low-cost office products site is Quill (www.quill.com), which offers its own brand of compatible ink jet replacement cartridges, albeit at higher prices than 123 InkJets. This company, which started a mail-order service in 1956, also is a good place to find discounts on other office supplies, equipment, electronics and more. A closeout section offers a variety of products at substantial price cuts.Similar savings are available at Viking Office Products (www.vikingoffice.com), which started as a mail-order company in 1961. This company also offers a wide variety of office supplies and equipment; spend $25 or more, and shipping is free.Another good site is GreenLightOffice.com, which offers free shipping on orders of $50 or more. On so-called "green light" products, the company guarantees to have the lowest price, so keep an eye out for those. Weekly specials are on the home page; you can search for what you need at various departments, including office furnishings.For software, I head first to Tucows (www.tucows.com), where the number of titles is almost overwhelming. But since I'm looking for bargains, I type "freeware" in the search box, which turns up a vast array of free programs and many more shareware possibilities -- the latter, in case you didn't know, are programs for which you pay a small fee if you decide to keep them once you download.Another, seller of software is Broderbund.com, which offers top-notch programs at very reasonable prices -- generally $29.99 or less. I've purchased many products here, including the ZoneAlarm firewall program. I haven't had to buy a greeting card or a calendar since I installed PrintMaster and Calendar Creator -- periodic upgrades are offered at substantial discounts -- and my grandkids love the kids' programs like the Reader Rabbit series."