Margins

Decrease your stock range. Just focus on the fastest sellers you've got, you'll be amazed at what it'll do to your profitability.

Change accountants. If the one you're dealing with really just doesn't understand what's going on, then change. Don't feel you've got to be loyal, this is your business.

Charge for a finance facility. If you're going to offer credit to people make sure they pay for it, especially if they're overdue.

Buy in bulk, pay accounts over time. Get your stock up front and pay it off on a time payment, or even have it delivered and paid for as you need it.

Buy direct. Cut out the profit taker in the middle and take it for yourself.

Know your actual costs. It's hard to reduce them if you've got no idea what they are.

Keep an accurate database. Don't waste a minute and don't waste a cent following up dead leads.

Learn better negotiation skills. Never accept your quoted price as the fixed and firm price, everything's negotiable.

Negotiate fixed, not variable expenses. If it costs you a lot in variables, then negotiate a fixed fee every month.

Manufacture yourself. Why have others made a good base margin before it ever gets to you. Often it's a great choice to manufacture yourself.