Office centers are a smart alternative to traditional commercial space leases or purchases. An office center offers great advantages like reduced all-inclusive monthly lease prices, flexible working environments and access to support staff. An office center is particularly appealing to start-up companies, entrepreneurs and small business professionals who lack capital for real estate purchases, equipment and furniture.

Office centers often come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy business professionals. Office center facilities typically provide mail, telephone and internet services and some even offer shared support staff services.

To find the best deal on office centers, take the time to compare facilities. Pay close attention to the following:

1. Is the office center in a location convenient for you, your staff and your clients? Is the office easy to find and accessible by major roads and highways?

2. What kind of facilities and amenities are offered with the office center? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the office center? Does the office space include telephones, voice mail and internet connection? Do you have access to clerical support?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose a conveniently located office center

Location is important, especially if you plan to meet current and prospective clients at your office. If you are an expanding business, be sure to consider the office location from an employee's commuting perspective. Look for an office center located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Search for office centers in major U.S. and international markets at OfficeFinder. Look for office centers in the United States, United Kingdom or worldwide at OfficeBroker.com. Bevmax Office Centers offers six conveniently located office center facilities in New York City.

Select an office center with attractive facilities

Your office center should project an image of success. Evaluate the quality of the furniture, appearance of the office and lobby areas and overall cleanliness of the building. Seek office centers with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Regus offers professionally furnished offices, meeting rooms, conference rooms and videoconferencing studios in their office centers. Search Office Space features office centers with fully furnished office spaces, meeting rooms conference facilities with 24-hour access and security. Each office space at The Office Centers provides a shared lobby, receptionists, copy and mail room, conference rooms, day offices and interview rooms.

Lease an office center with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your office center is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Office centers should include standard business equipment like telephones, fax machines, copiers and high-speed internet access. Look for value-added services like receptionists, clerical support, mail services, personalized telephone answering services and videoconferencing capabilities.

I recommend: BusinesSuites offers convenient pay-as-you-go support services, so business professionals pay only for the specific administrative services they need. The Business Center at Corporate Office Centers provides business services to meet your business needs, like mail handling, integrated voicemail, network capabilities, high-speed internet, photocopying services and access to a skilled administrative support team.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating an office center, be sure to talk with your potential office space partners and building tenants. Find out about their business, working hours, clients and business culture. Consider leasing office space in an office center with complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Office center leases are typically six to 12 months, with some facilities offering three-month lease options. Be sure a lawyer who specializes in office and sub-leases reviews your lease contract before you sign any paperwork.