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

Serviced office suites usually come fully equipped and furnished for quick and easy setup for busy business professionals. Serviced office suite facilities typically provide mail, telephone, internet services and support staff services.

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

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

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

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 suite located in a safe and attractive neighborhood with well-kept grounds and adequate parking.

I recommend: Search for serviced office suites in the United States, England, Germany, Australia, Singapore, China and other international locations at OfficeBroker.com. Find serviced office suites by U.S. state or Canadian province at Star Office Space. Find serviced office suites in more than 75 countries at Instant Offices.

Select a serviced office suite with attractive facilities

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

I recommend: Search Office Space offers flexible office space rentals with quickly accessible pre-wired desk spaces and workstations. Regus provides fully furnished, professionally equipped offices, suites, meeting rooms and videoconferencing studios.

Lease a serviced office suite with professional equipment and support services

Make sure your serviced office suite is equipped with the infrastructure you need for business success. Serviced office suites 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: Intelligent Office offers trained office support teams available for administrative duties on a pay-as-you-go basis. Office Services features a monthly support service package with optional additional services available to meet your specific business needs. Pay only for the actual services you use with serviced office suites through Officescape.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When evaluating a serviced office suite, 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 a serviced office suite near complementary businesses to increase your business contacts and exposure.
• •  Serviced office suite 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.