Serviced office space is a smart alternative to traditional office space leases. Serviced office spaces offer great advantages like reduced costs for support staff and all-inclusive monthly lease prices. Serviced office spaces are particularly appealing to start-up companies, entrepreneurs and small business professionals who lack capital for equipment, furniture and staffing.

Serviced office spaces usually come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy small business professionals. Serviced office space facilities provide mail, telephone and internet services and many include shared support staff services.

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

1. Is the serviced office space 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 serviced office space? Is the space fully furnished? Does it project a professional image?

3. What support services are included in the serviced office space? 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 serviced office space

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 a serviced office space located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Look for serviced office spaces in domestic and international locations at OfficeFinder. Find serviced office spaces in major metropolitan areas at OfficeList.com. Search for global serviced office spaces at OfficeBroker.com.

Select a serviced office space with attractive facilities

Your serviced office space 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 serviced office spaces with attractive meeting and conference rooms that will impress current and future clients.

I recommend: Office in Media provides a WiFi-enabled community workspace, a private conference room and a breakroom with interim work areas for meetings on the go. Intelligent Office offers flexible serviced office spaces and conference rooms that can be expanded as your business grows.

Lease a serviced office space with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your serviced office space is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Serviced office spaces 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: Corporate Suites offers personal and customizable greeting, in-house computer and telecom support, copy and fax services, mail distribution, messenger delivery and a 24-hour lobby attendant. Alliance Business Centers offers support services like telephone answering, full receptionist and administrative services. Esuite features a comprehensive menu of support services for their serviced office spaces, ranging from word processing and billing to web page design and desktop publishing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a serviced office space, be sure to talk with your potential office space partners. Find out about their business, working hours, clients and business culture. Consider leasing a serviced office space near complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Serviced office space 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.