Small businesses need shredders. Not only do small business owners and employees have to protect the private information of the business, they also have the trust of their customers to protect them from fraud. Large corporations will often contract out their paper shredding to a third party company. But these professional paper shredding companies can be costly, and small businesses often don’t have the extra money to pay for avoidable expenses. Paper shredders are an infrequent purchase and require minimal costs to maintain.

Just as there are varying sizes and types of small business, there is a wide variety of paper shredders available for small business. There is low-volume, desk-side shredders; and there are large, heavy-volume shredders. Shredders are also classified by security rating that is determined by how minuscule the shredded pieces of paper are. Strip cut paper shredders tend to be a lower security style of shredder since the strips are still fairly recognizable. Cross cut paper shredders, which destroys paper into tiny bits of confetti, can vary from medium security to high security. Another consideration in deciding which paper shredder is best for your small business is the material to be shredded. Along with paper, sometimes small businesses need to shred thin plastic items, such as expired company credit cards or ID badges.

Here are a few recommendations that are the best shredders for small business.

Fellowes W-11C Cross-Cut Paper Shredder - If you’re looking for a good low-volume paper shredder that costs the least amount of money then the W-11C Cross-Cut Paper Shredder by Fellowes is your best choice. This paper shredder retails for under $100 and is designed for light office use. The W-11C Cross-Cut Paper Shredder has a 9 inch shred opening that can handle shredding 11 sheets of paper at a time. This cross-cut paper shredder has a Level 3 security ranking, which means the shred particles are smaller than lower level printers. This will appeal to those who are concerned with protecting their or their clients’ private information.

HSM Compact Multishred Shredder by HSM - The Compact Multishred Shredder by HSM is another low cost shredder that is designed for more frequent use. The Compact Multishred Shredder is a cross-cut shredder that can destroy 8 sheet stacks of paper with each pass. If your concern is security then this is a good choice. It is a Level 3 security shredder that is able to turn paper and also thin plastics into tiny bits. This includes laminated sheets of paper, floppy disks (assuming you’re still using them), credit cards, and ID cards.

Intelli-Shred - IS120 Paper Shredder from Intelli-Zone - If you require a cross cut shredder for your small business that can handle larger loads, and meet your security requirements then consider the Intelli-Shred IS120 Paper Shredder. This work horse of a shredder is designed for continual use. It can handle shredding a stack of paper 12 sheets thick and has blades made of hardened steel so it can handle shredding paper clips and staples without ruining the motor. The IS120 Paper Shredder has a quiet motor so it can be kept at your desk without disturbing other employees. The shred bin can hold up to six gallons of shredded material.

Model 302 Small Department Shredder by Intimus - If it’s a shredder to be used by whole departments, instead of personal office use, then consider the Intimus Model 302 Small Department Shredder. This is a heavy-duty, high-volume paper shredder that is available in either a cross cut or strip cut model, depending on your security needs. The feed throat has a special horizontal design so it reduces flakes and paper dust spilling onto the floor. The horizontal design also has space-saving qualities, enabling it to still be useable when stored under a table or desk. This heavy duty paper shredder can destroy documents and paper that are 19-23 sheets thick. It also runs very quietly. The cross cut model has a level 2 security rating

Each of these quality paper shredders, along with additional models that will meet the shredder needs of your small business can be purchased at ABCOffice.com