If you're running a business with many employees, business office cubicles are a great way to put your workers into a large space, but still allow them to feel as though they have some privacy. Don't let the pricing and costs of office cubicles prevent you from using them. You'll find that office dividers are much more cost effective than individual offices.

Of course, you do need to pay some attention to the pricing and costs of office dividers in order to make sure that you are getting a good deal. Small costs can quickly add up, so make sure you shop around.

Consider the following before you contact office cubicle providers:

1. Start with proper office space planning. This will show you how many cubicles you can fit into your space, which will let you know how many to buy.

2. If possible, purchase more cubicle partitions than you need. This will make it easier to create a uniform look as your company expands.

3. Consider shopping from a local office cubicle provider. You may be able to save on shipping costs if the store is nearby.

Action Steps
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Purchase directly from manufacturers of office cubicles

When you want to purchase new cubicles, it's often best to go directly to the manufacturers. You can save money by cutting out the middleman.

I recommend: Clone Office Cubicles offers a number of types of cubicles, including call center and "green" cubicles. Request a free catalog. In addition to providing cubicles, Maxon Furniture also offers office planning advice, so that you can more easily decide what types of cubicles are right for your office.

Furnish a large space with wholesale cubicle partitions

When you have a large space to fill, wholesale is the way to go. This allows you to make sure that all cubicles have a similar look and feel, creating a cohesive atmosphere in your office.

I recommend: Choose among the typical cubicle layouts shown at Wholesale Cubicles. A representative will then help you get started with your purchase. Wholesale Office Cubicles also offers wholesale prices on cubicles to fit your budget.

Save money with used office cubicles for sale

You can also save money when you look for used office dividers. Remember, though, that a used seller may not have as many cubicles as you need in a particular design. Used stores may work best for small to mid-sized offices.

I recommend: FurnitureFinders.com allows you to search for the furniture you need throughout the states. You can also find great deals at CubicleSales.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you purchase office cubicles, ask if the product comes with a warranty. You may also want to consider purchasing a maintenance plan, as it is often less expensive to repair broken products rather than replace them.

Prices for quality office cubicles can be steep, costing several hundred to several thousand dollars each. However, buying cheaper office dividers and cubicles may cost more over time if they can't stand up to daily use and need to be replaced or repaired. Additionally, buying quality workstations that fit your employees and help them get their work done can boost efficiency.

Consider the following when outfitting your office with cubicles that suit your budget and employees:

1. Get a scale drawing of your office space, or measure it yourself to get an idea of how much room is available for office cubicles.

2. List details of the work your employees need to do at their cubicles. Workstations needed to accommodate sales representatives will be very different from ones chosen for software designers.

3. When choosing cubicle size and wall height, consider whether employees often need to converse with each other to get their jobs done or whether they meet with clients at their cubicles.

4. Make a budget for the purchase, and determine how to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Some companies have more affordable used office cubicles for sale as well as refurbished ones that look new and are well built.

5. Buy from an office cubicle provider who will work with you to design a system that fits your needs and offers a warranty on business office cubicles.

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Get help with office space planning and design

The first thing to consider when installing office cubicles and office dividers at your company is how to make the most of the space you have available. Look into free design services offered by many companies that sell office cubicles.

I recommend: 247 Workspace offers custom cubicles and free layouts that include office-space planning and design. The company has a 12 day, quick-ship program, and you also can request a quote online. Design your own floor plan with SmartDraw software.

Increase versatility with panel-system office dividers

If you expect immediate growth at your office, panel dividers offer an easy way to expand cubicle spaces or add new ones.

I recommend: Free-standing office panels sold by OfficeFurniture.com are easy to set up and have connectors that allow for quick expansion of business office cubicles and meeting areas. Find more panels at Everything Furniture.

Stretch your budget by purchasing refurbished office dividers and cubicles

Used and refurbished cubicles can cost about half as much as new ones. Some used office dividers and refurbished workstations also come with warranties, and you may be able to choose any fabrics that are used for the refurbishment.

I recommend: Check out office cubicle providers that sell remanufactured cubicles like the ones sold by Clone Office Cubicles, which advertises savings of up to 80% and offers free nationwide delivery. Refurbished office cubicles are taken apart and inspected, and missing parts and fabrics are replaced. Systems News lists used office cubicles for sale.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order early to avoid problems from unexpected delays in delivery. It can take up to 6 weeks for office cubicle providers to deliver new or remanufactured workstations. Delivery can be delayed as long as 10 weeks if you place an order during a supplier's busy time.
• •  Be aware that some companies have a minimum order requirement for refurbished office dividers and used cubicles for sale.

If you've set up your office using business office cubicles, you probably already have the standard walls, desks, and chairs. However, there are many other supplies for office cubicles that you should consider before your work is complete.

All employees have a variety of things that they need in order to be productive in their jobs. While these tools vary according to their particular role in the company, there's no doubt that having these things in their office cubicles makes things a lot easier.

When you consider supplies for office cubicles:

1. Give everyone a few standard items. You may have saved money by purchasing used office cubicles for sale, but don't skimp on employee necessities. Everyone should have easy access to the things they need for their job.

2. Ask your employees if there are additional items they need. Some employees like to hang important reminders on the walls of the office dividers while others have a different organizing system. Make sure that you purchase the items that each employee needs to perform their best.

3. Save money when you consider office space planning. Some configurations of cubicle partitions allow more interaction among employees, which means they can share goods.

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Purchase file storage for use within employees' office cubicles

Undoubtedly, your employees have important work that they need to organize and store. In most cases, it's easiest if they can do this within their workspace.

I recommend: Some office cubicle providers, such as OfficeFurnitureSavers.com offer file storage systems in addition to cubicles. FilingCabinets.com specializes in filing cabinets and have a number of options that can fit well in your cubicles.

Hang important notes on industrial partition walls

Many employees like to use the walls of their cubicles to keep track of important information. Some like to use it to plan projects and always have the next stage visible. Others, such as customer service or technical support reps, may like to have information ready to tell the customers.

I recommend: Demco is an excellent choice because they offer white boards and magnetic boards in addition to the traditional cork bulletin boards. Employees will also need a number of pushpins in order to use their bulletin boards. You can purchase these wholesale through Craft Hobby Wholesale.

Stock your office cubicles with all of the basics

Employees need certain tools to do their jobs. These may include pens and paper, highlighters or staplers. Get a discount by purchasing these items wholesale.

I recommend: Bulkofficesupply.com offers a number of necessary items such as writing instruments and other general office supplies. Keep everything organized with a desktop organizer from Rapid Supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some times of office dividers have a fabric covering. You may be able to use these types of dividers as a makeshift bulletin board, using pushpins or tape to directly apply papers to the walls. Because of the fabric, there is no damage from doing this.

No matter what type of business you are in, it's important to create a positive work environment for employees. In an office setting, cubicles help you set the tone. When cubicles are carefully chosen, they create an environment that has a positive impact on employee moral and productivity. When selecting office cubicles, try to match employee tasks with office cubicle options. Here are some key words that may be helpful to you as you browse the many office cubicle choices.

Action Steps
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Call center cubicles

Call center cubicles are often arranged in 'pods' or small groups. The pods are connected to one another. They typically do not have a large desk area, as they are specifically designed for phone-related work.

I recommend: For more information on call center cubicles, visit ROF Furniture.

Classic cubicle

A classic cubicle is a basic, one-person work area. It has an ample desktop and is well-suited for most office tasks. Many classic cubicles come with a matching rolling file cabinet.

I recommend: There is a picture of a classic cubicle on the Skutchi Designs Office Furniture website.

Complete cubicle

A complete cubicle encloses a corner workstation, called an L-workstation, to create a self-contained office environment. Cubicles come with shelves and locking file drawers. An adjustable keyboard tray is also part of the package.

I recommend: To see a complete cubicle with an L-workstation go to OfficeFurniture.com.

Freestanding portable partitions

You can create temporary office cubicles with freestanding portable partitions. Portable partition panels can be used separately or locked together. This gives you the flexibility to create any shape cubicle enclosure you need.

I recommend: See freestanding portable partitions at Hertz Furniture Systems.

Reception cubicle

A reception cubicle provides an important first impression of your business. It should have an ample countertop space where visitors can sign in. Some reception cubicles have space to keep pens and pencils, plus trays for paper and other necessities.

I recommend: View a reception cubicle at the Office Depot website.

Bullpen cubicle

A bullpen cubicle is designed for collaboration. A bullpen provides ample workspace as well as privacy for the collaborators. A large bullpen can provide seating for four people.

I recommend: You can see a picture of a large bullpen cubicle at the 247 Workspace website.