08.14.2008 — Everyone knows costs are increasing at the same time the economy continues to slow.

Gas is up 300 percent in four years. Copper costs have doubled. And commodities like electricity and shipping costs are way up, primarily because of the price of oil.

So what can you do? Lots of little things, according to some integrators.

CE Pro gathered advice from integrators on the cost-cutting maneuvers making a difference in their business with the free Webinar How to Beat the Rising Cost of Oil. A lot of the tips are no-brainers … others you may not have thought of.

For example, one dealer talked about instituting a new laptop policy after having so many broken computers. His technicians are now required to purchase their own laptops, and the company gives them a $1,000 rebate that is paid out over 18 months.

The policy has not only reduced the company's liability and improved productivity, it has helped reduce turnover.

Another integrator has turned to bartering for goods, including marketing services, cleaning service, vehicle paint jobs, accounting services, furniture, toner cartridges and more. The result has been a 40 percent boost in cash flow.

This 24-minute Webinar revealed advice that covers several vehicle fleet management policies, laptop purchases, office equipment, bartering, shipping/dealing with distributors and educational expenditures.

Many of the topics covered in the Webinar will be subjects of sessions during EHX Fall in Long Beach, Calif. from Nov. 4-7 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

Click here to download the free Webinar.