BY LIZ WITBECK
Owning a small business can be challenging,
especially when it competes with large national
companies. Seeley Office Systems is one such
business: a local office supply company that
understands what it takes to remain competitive.
Seeley Office Systems is a family owned business
that has been based in Glens Falls for more
than 30 years. Tim Seeley left his position at Xerox
to start the company. The business is now in its
second generation, with Tim Seeley Jr. as vice
president of sales.
The company has a catalog of more than 40,000
office supplies. Megan Reising, marketing director
for the company and fiancé to Tim Seeley, said
several employees have worked there more than
10 years and have the entire catalog memorized.
Customers aren’t going to get that kind of
expertise at a “big box” store, said Reising.
The company serves Washington, Warren,
and Saratoga counties and maintains long term
friendships with many customers. “We have saturated
this market. We know all the customers by
name,” said Reising.
Still, Reising is noticing some disturbing trends
in the office supply market.
“A trend we are noticing is that competitors will
start their products at a really low price, almost a
price that you can’t refuse,” she said. “And then
once they have you in, they start increasing their
prices. They do it so small people usually don’t
notice it is happening.”
Reising said Seeley Office Systems maintains
stable prices on all of their items. “What you see
is what you get,” said Reising.
Since Seeley is unable to compete with big box
stores like W.B. Mason and Staples on prices, they
rely on building strong relationships with customers.
One of their techniques is to use the same
representative to deliver products each time.
Seeley Office Systems offers a variety of ways
for customers to order products. For customers
who want convenience, online ordering is an
option. The company will also send representatives
to the client’s location, where they can help
customize a list that will meet the client’s needs.
For customers who need their products fast,
Seeley offers overnight shipping.
“Our success comes from the loyalty and the
customer service we provide” said Reising.
The company recently underwent a marketing
change, with a new logo being unveiled for the
business, said Reising.
Seeley can be reached at 793-5168. Its website
is www.seeleyoffice.com.
Photo Courtesy Seeley Office Systems