Most businesses assume their everyday expenses are under control. But our data—and thousands of audits—tell a different story.

📊 The graphic right shows how indirect expenses typically break down for small and mid-sized businesses. Across these categories, we consistently find that companies are paying 20–40% more than they should. On average, that adds up to 30% in unnecessary spend.

Where the overspending hides:

• Telecom & data – outdated plans, unnecessary surcharges
  
• Software/SaaS – unused licenses, overprovisioned seats
  
• Shipping & freight – dimensional weight errors, missed refunds, incorrect accessorial fees
  
• Merchant services – complex rate structures that favor the processor
• Waste & recycling – inefficient pickups or underutilized contracts

Most of this spend never gets reviewed. And since these aren’t “headline” expenses, they often escape executive attention.

But the upside? This is found money. Fixing it doesn’t require hiring, rebranding, or massive change management. Just the right data and oversight.

John Rumasuglia works with Schooley Mitchell to help Idaho businesses improve margins and free up resources for growth. From Hailey, he supports manufacturers, nonprofits, and service providers across the Wood River Valley. More information is available at www.schooleymitchell.com/jrumasuglia