How prices are changing
- Producer prices, overall
+6.7%
- Producer prices excluding energy
+3.2%
- Paper and paper productsProducer prices
+1.6%
- Wood and products of wood and corkProducer prices
+7.1%
- Basic chemicalsProducer prices
+11.3%
- Computers and peripheral equipmentWholesale prices
+12.1%
- Chemical productsWholesale prices
+16.4%
Paper prices are rising markedly less than the average; chemical- and energy-related goods and transport are rising markedly more. Destatis attributes the overall increase mainly to higher energy prices and, in the case of mineral oil products, to the hostilities in Iran and the Middle East. An increase that is the same for all product groups does not reflect this.
What makes up the price
The basis is the catalogue or list price. Discounts apply either as a flat percentage off the list or as a net price per item. For the core range – the items bought most often – fixed prices with a price lock can be agreed; for the non-core range, list price minus discount applies. On top of this come volume tiers, annual rebates, small-order surcharges or minimum order values, delivery charges and surcharges for deliveries to individual branches.
Watch out for the catalogue changeover: when list prices rise, the non-core range rises with them, without anyone announcing an increase.
Which index to use
For goods bought from manufacturers, the producer prices of the Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis, statistic 61241) are suitable; for goods bought from wholesalers, the wholesale selling prices (61281), in each case for the most detailed matching product group.
Six places where office supply contracts cost you money
- One increase for everything. In September 2026, paper and paper products were only 1.6% higher than a year earlier, basic chemicals 11.3%. A supplier that raises all prices uniformly is charging too much for paper.
- Catalogue changeover in the non-core range. New list prices push up the non-core range without notice. Agree a price lock or a cap on list price changes.
- Invoice does not match the contract. Check the items you buy most often on your invoices against the agreed prices.
- Too many variants. Every variant splits your volume. Standardise the core range and allow equivalent alternative items.
- Small orders per branch. Many small orders trigger small-order surcharges and delivery charges. Consolidate orders and set delivery schedules.
- Freight without a formula. Producer prices for fuels were 48.6% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. Have freight and fuel surcharges shown separately and calculated with a formula that also brings them down again.
Before you agree to an increase
Ask your supplier in writing:
- How is the increase distributed across the product groups?
- Which prices apply to the items we buy most often, and for how long?
- How often does the catalogue change, and how does that affect our discount?
- Above which order value are the small-order surcharge and delivery charges waived?
- How do you calculate freight and fuel charges?
For the check, you need: the framework agreement with the price list, your orders from the last twelve months by item and branch, the invoices and the notice of the increase.
How we renegotiate office supplies
We analyse your orders from the last twelve months, check the invoice prices of the items you buy most often against the contract, and negotiate fixed prices for the core range, discounts for the rest and consolidated deliveries. Our senior negotiators handle large contracts in person, together with your buyer. We process the many small contracts in a standardised, software-supported way, following your rules. You approve every deal.
Frequently asked questions about office supplies and consumables
The supplier is raising copy paper prices by 8%, citing energy costs. Is that justified?
Probably not. Producer prices for paper and paper products were only 1.6% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. Energy rose by 14.9%, but that only affects the energy share of the costs. Request a breakdown.
Why are cleaning products and plastic films rising faster than paper?
They depend on chemicals and oil. In September 2026, basic chemicals were 11.3% higher than a year earlier, and wholesale prices for chemical products 16.4% higher.
Which price index is suitable as a reference?
For goods bought from manufacturers, the producer prices (statistic 61241); for goods bought from wholesalers, the wholesale selling prices (61281) – both from the Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) and in each case for the most detailed matching product group.
How do we avoid small-order surcharges across our branch network?
Consolidate orders, set fixed delivery schedules and state in the contract the order value above which no surcharge applies.
