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Toni Klym McLellan

Guide to Buying the Right Office Furniture

Quality needn't cost when outfitting your office

By Toni Klym McLellan, Freelance Writer & Editor, Toni Writes

Functional. Affordable. Attractive. These qualities belong on a list of "must-haves" when furnishing offices of any size. Whether it's a home office or a suite of cubicles you need to outfit, the solution lies in determining your needs and seeking out where to fulfill them. Some preliminary questions you should ask include:
  1. How much furniture do I need?
  2. Do customers or clients visit my office?
  3. Should I buy new or used?
  4. What's my budget?
  5. What's my timeline?

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


Big or small?

Where you shop depends upon your needs. A sole proprietor and a national sales team will have different budgets and office layouts. Know how to shop small, big, or in between.
I recommend: If buying in bulk, online office marketplace Buyerzone.com offers a worksheet allowing buyers to receive quotes from several vendors for everything from cubicles to office chairs. Cubicles.com offers new and used cubicles and chairs. For smaller office needs, don't overlook discount retailers such as Target or IKEA for affordable furniture. (Check out IKEA's handy online office planner).

New or used?

While it takes more digging, it's possible to find great bargains at auctions when large companies go out of business or upgrade. Eco-minded companies might want to purchase office furniture made from recycled materials as part of their media image. Used or refurbished office furniture is often indistinguishable from new other than by price.
I recommend: Browseauction site ebay and search for items near your ZIP code marked as "local pickup only." Office furniture reseller ReSources.com has regional listings of recycled office furniture dealers. FurnitureFinders.com offers both new and used items through resellers nationwide.

Online or off?

You may prefer to shop locally to test out chairs and desks in person and save dough on shipping. Or the ease of clicking and awaiting delivery might hold more appeal. Either way, myriad options exist for appointing your workspace.
I recommend: To shop online, check out BuyOfficeFurniture.com, OfficeFurniture.com, or EverythingOfficeFurniture.com. Shop online or off at major office supply retailers such as Office Depot, Office Max, or Staples. Googling "Office Furniture" and your ZIP code will net local listings of retailers.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Be sure to take shared spaces into account when ordering furniture and desks to guarantee elbow room aplenty.
  • Take advantage of payment plans offered by many retailers - and pay off the items before interest payments kick in.
  • Consider portability - if you're not sure whether you're going to expand or relocate your office, don't buy anything too bulky or built in.
  • How much is your time worth? Many companies will assemble office furniture for a fee - well worth it for complex pieces like computer armoires or hefty entertainment centers.
  • If in doubt, go with practical and comfortable before pretty, especially if you're on a budget.
  • Don't be blinded by name brands - discount retailers often make products that outperform trendier, pricier offerings.

The official source of Buying the Right Office Furniture is
the Office Furniture page at Business.com

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Related Resources

Recommended Solution Providers

Office Depot: Office Furniture
Office furniture supplier offering a selection of desks, work stations, file cabinets, lamps, and storage units.

Office Max: Office Furniture
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Cherry Tree Design: Style & Design
Offers hardwood lamps, screens, mirrors, and doors featuring quality and timeless design.

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Best Sites to Learn More

About: Office Design and Leasing
Office design guide, including tips for selecting furniture.

BuyerZone: Office Equipment
Marketplace containing chairs, desks, conference tables, file cabinets, and safes.

Inc: Office Furniture Concepts
Collection of articles regarding the selection of office furniture.

Best Blogs and Forums

Customer Evangeslist: Business Information
Discussion about business operations including office design, marketing, and customer service.



FEATURED LISTINGS
CORT, a leader in Office & Home Furniture Rental
Learn how CORT can help you with all of your furniture rental needs by signing up for our monthly newsletter now!
CORT.com
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Customizable Office Cubicles. Wide Selection. Installed on Time & Under Budget. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Serving Only IA, IL, IN, OH, MI, MN, MO & WI.
SequenceOffice.com
OfficeFurniture.com®: Official Site
Free delivery, low prices on a huge selection. Excellent service and 9 year guarantee.
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Office Furniture Sale - Cubicles, Desks & Chairs
One-stop shopping for office furniture - cubicles, chairs, reception desks, conference tables, Free design. Easy financing. Call now for free quote.
www.247workspace.com
Office Furniture
Free quotes on multiple Office Furniture & Cubicles dealers. Compare prices and save time and money!
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Office Equipment Leasing & Financing Quotes - AllOptions.com
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 By LaRita Heet, Freelance Writer, Journalist, IBT Designer, LMH Communications
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Finding the right desktop and home computer furniture means more than picking out your favorite colors and styles. If you and your employees are not comfortable at their computers, then you, as the business owner, may soon be dealing with extra break times, work-related injuries and increased absenteeism. This doesn't mean going for the Rolls Royce of workplace furniture. Instead, employ the top three steps in your purchase ... Read more

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