Growth isn’t always about selling more. For many businesses, the real opportunity lies in uncovering hidden savings worth tens of thousands of dollars. It’s money they never realized was there.
Shipping costs. Credit card processing fees. Telecom expenses. For most companies, these “background costs” feel fixed. But Robyn Bowles knows they’re anything but…
As a Business Optimization Specialist at Schooley Mitchell, Robyn helps companies uncover and recover wasted expenses, often saving 26–30% in multiple cost categories. And here’s the kicker, she does it with zero upfront cost to the client.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your “best price” is the best, this conversation is going to change the way you look at your bottom line.
But before we proceed, don’t forget that this episode is brought to you by Video Case Story, collecting, crafting, and delivering customer stories.
The Myth of the “Best Price”
One of Robyn’s most eye-opening stories came from a small e-commerce business she worked with. The owners had inherited the company and were determined to keep it afloat. Their shipping vendor assured them they were getting the best possible deal.
They weren’t.
Robyn’s team secured a 30% reduction in shipping costs and 35% savings on credit card processing fees, two of the company’s biggest expenses outside of inventory.
The reality is that loyalty to one vendor can often mean you’re missing out on competitive pricing, sometimes for years.
Why Businesses Overlook Huge Savings
So why isn’t everyone doing this? According to Robyn, two main reasons hold companies back:
- Ego: Decision-makers don’t want it to look like they’ve been overpaying.
- Bad past experiences: Many have worked with large consulting firms that delivered expensive “cost studies” without implementing real changes.
Schooley Mitchell takes a different approach by finding potential savings and managing the negotiations and implementation for their clients. Their model is performance-based, so they only get paid if savings are delivered. It’s a simple and risk-free way to uncover hidden opportunities.
Beyond Cost Cutting: True Optimization
Robyn is quick to point out that her work isn’t just about slashing costs. It’s about making sure businesses are paying for what they use.
She recalls working with a company that had 12 different locations, each with varying internet and phone plans. Some offices with only three employees were paying for top-tier business packages they didn’t need. By standardizing services, they freed up even more budget without sacrificing performance.
This optimization mindset applies to companies of all sizes, even solopreneurs. Robyn suggests simple practices like pulling 12 months of invoices, sorting them in a spreadsheet, and looking for anomalies. A single double-billed month can signal bigger issues.
A Smarter Way to Free Up Budget
For Robyn, this work is as much about opportunity as it is about savings. The money she helps recover can be reinvested into marketing, expansion, or even staff retention.
Marketing agencies and consultants frequently collaborate with her to uncover hidden budgets for their clients. She even provides pre-written email templates that partners can use, making it easier to overcome budget objections and turn a “we can’t afford it” into a green light.
And while the savings can be dramatic, sometimes adding up to more than an employee’s annual salary, the time commitment is surprisingly small. Most executives only need to spend one to two hours upfront before Robyn’s team takes over.
The Takeaway for Business Owners
If your instinct is to focus on generating more revenue, you might be missing one of the fastest ways to improve your bottom line: keeping more of the money you already earn.
Robyn’s process proves that finding hidden savings doesn’t have to mean painful cuts or risky investments. With the right expertise and a willingness to look behind the “best price” curtain, you can uncover funds to grow your business without spending a dime upfront.
Watch the full episode now, and make sure to leave any questions or comments you have about the episode.