Used Office Furniture Benefits

When it comes to budget-friendly office updates, used office furniture is a fantastic option. It is not just a less expensive choice, but it is also one of the most eco-friendly office solutions available. If you care about sustainable office design, choosing to buy used furniture makes sense, because it makes the most of furniture that would otherwise be wasted. It is estimated that, in the United States, we throw away nearly nine million tons of usable office equipment each year, and 34 percent of that equipment is furniture. By purchasing used office furniture, you are preventing waste and reducing your carbon footprint by side-stepping the pollution and use of resources involved in creating new furniture. Perhaps the best part is that you can find used office furniture that is in like-new condition, having been put back on the market when a business relocated or made renovations. It is important, however, to choose carefully when you are shopping for used office furniture. An inexpensive piece of furniture is only a bargain if it is in good condition and will last for a long time. Never commit to purchasing used office furniture before inspecting it thoroughly and asking some pertinent questions.

Questions to Ask to Ensure Smart Furniture Investments

What kind of questions should you be asking? It is wise to ask the staff at the furniture store several questions about the furniture, as well as the store’s policies. However, there are also some questions you should ask yourself, before and during the furniture shopping process. Use the lists below as a jumping off point, and brainstorm some questions on your own, so that you can be as thorough as possible and gather all the information you need to make a good decision.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Exactly what does our office need? It is important to go in with a plan, rather than just picking up furniture on a whim. Think about the intended function and purpose, and what will work best for your office. What kind of desks do you need? Will you need conference tables? What kind of storage solutions are the right ones for your office? Carefully measure your workspace and decide what size furniture will best fit in your space. Be sure to note the position of doorways, windows, and electrical outlets, to ensure that the furniture will fit the space without overcrowding it. Make a list of what you will need right now, and what can wait for later.
• What is the budget? Used office furniture is affordable, but it is still an investment. Consider your available funds and decide how much you are willing to spend on the different pieces you need. Do some research to determine the appropriate cost and set reasonable limits for what you intend to invest. It can be helpful to leave a little bit of wiggle room but try to stick to the budget you set.
• Am I knowledgeable enough to inspect furniture? If you are not sure of your ability to distinguish between high- and low-quality furniture, bring along someone else who has more experience. Cheaply made furniture will not have the longevity of high-quality pieces, which is why you should always inspect used furniture in person. Look for signs of wear and inspect the hinges, casters, and upholstery. For furniture that is adjustable, make sure the key mechanisms work properly. Look for furniture that is durable and sturdy, made from materials like solid wood and metal. You will want your furniture to withstand daily use while remaining in good condition, so choosing well-built furniture in good shape is a must. Even if you think you know what you are doing, it can be helpful to have more than one person involved in this process, because a second set of eyes may notice something you missed.
• Which furniture will go well with our existing décor? Determine the style of furniture that will best align with your company’s brand identity and aesthetic. The style, color, and design should complement the rest of the office, and should create a welcoming and professional environment. Is your office a modern, minimalist space, or is it more traditional? Does your brand have a quirky, eclectic personality, or do you want to exude elegance? Think carefully about the image you want to present before you choose your furniture.
• Is this furniture comfortable and ergonomic? Your staff needs furniture that will enable them to be productive and remain healthy and happy. Having furniture that is comfortable goes a long way in boosting morale. Further, choosing ergonomic furniture will help your employees avoid issues like eye strain, back and neck pain, and other musculoskeletal problems that can result from spending too much time sitting.
• Does it matter that we may not be able to find replacement pieces? The inventory of a used furniture dealer changes often, and there is no guarantee that the furniture you find today will be there tomorrow. This means two things. First, if you like the furniture you are seeing, it is best to go ahead and buy it before someone else does. Second, if you buy something with the intention of completing a set later, that may not be an option. Consider carefully how you plan to accommodate the growth of your business, and whether the pieces you are looking at will be easy to find again. You may decide that it will be simple to find complementary items, or you may decide to redecorate completely when your business reaches a certain stage. Just make sure this is something you have carefully considered before buying something unique that you won’t be able to match later. If you are concerned that you may have to expand your furniture frequently, look for modular and flexible furniture options that are versatile enough to meet your needs.
• Am I comfortable with this furniture dealer? Before deciding on a source for your furniture, make sure you have done your homework regarding the dealer. Check the customer reviews and testimonials, and don’t be afraid to ask about negative reviews, if they exist. Look at the store’s website and social media and talk to people in your industry about their experiences, if possible. When reading customer reviews, pay special attention to what they say about the furniture’s durability, the willingness of the store to stand behind the products, and the customer service experience. Find out as much as you can about the store’s reputation before you commit to purchasing your furniture there. Visit the Better Business Bureau’s website, to find out if there are any red flags that would discourage you from shopping at that store.

Questions to Ask at the Furniture Store

• Where do you source your furniture? The provenance of the furniture can give you insight into its history. If it came from a professional office setting, it is likely to be well-maintained and in good condition. Ask where it has been stored. Sometimes, furniture that has been improperly stored can have damage that is not visible, particularly if it has been in a damp space.
• Do you have matching sets of office furniture? Often, when a business renovates the office, all the furniture is sold at the same time. It is likely, then, that the furniture store will have complete sets that you can buy all at once, to create a cohesive office design without breaking the bank.
• Is delivery and setup included? Ask whether the furniture will be delivered, so that you can determine whether or not you need to make delivery arrangements on your own. Weigh the cost of the delivery and installation to decide how you want to handle it. Another question to ask is whether the furniture will be delivered fully assembled or whether assembly will need to be done on site, at your office. The furniture store may offer assembly and installation services, which can save you from the hassle of assembling it yourself.
• Does your furniture come with a warranty? If a warranty exists, it may be limited. Be certain that you understand the terms and conditions before you buy the furniture, and that you are comfortable with them. Talk to the furniture store staff about the return policy and ask questions about any policy that you do not fully understand.
• Can you give us instructions on caring for our furniture? Knowing how to properly clean and maintain your office furniture is crucial, because keeping it in good condition will help prolong its lifespan. Your furniture store may have expert knowledge on this topic and be able to advise you on how to care for your furniture.

Find High Quality Used Office Furniture at Office Furniture Expo

When you are looking for used furniture that will help you save money and make your office a functional, sustainable space, you will find what you need at Office Furniture Expo. Serving the Metro Atlanta area and beyond, we offer chairs, tables, desks, bookcases, panel systems, accessories, and anything else you require. If you are unsure about what you will need, or you have questions, our helpful sales professionals are happy to assist you in finding exactly the right pieces. For superior office furniture and excellent customer service, as well as delivery, setup, and repairs, call 770-455-0440 or contact us through our website.