Buying office furniture can be a big investment for your company. The value and importance of the products you purchase will extend far beyond their aesthetics. Furniture has the ability to influence health, productivity, profits and the overall happiness of your employees as well as your guests. There are a few things to consider when its time for your company to redo the office, so you can avoid making these common mistakes in buying office furniture:
Mistake #1:
Buying without a Plan
Many times, people don’t think through the process of buying office furniture as thoroughly as they should. Like any big investment, buying impulsively could lead to you regretting your decision for years to come. Consider how the item will be used and how often will it be used? Is it a guest chair to be sat in occasionally or is it a task chair that should be adjustable for comfort and long-term use? Also, take a look at the furniture you currently have. Find out from employees what has been causing issues with their old set up, and what they could benefit from in the new. Lastly, look long term. Don’t get caught up in design trends that will leave your office looking outdated much sooner than you hoped.
Mistake #2
Neglecting the Value of Pre-owned
It’s easy to be drawn to the lowest prices for a purchase of this magnitude, but it’s also fair to say we want to get the most value out of our purchase as well. It’s possible to have both. If you’re hoping to stay within a budget without sacrificing the quality of your office while doing so, look into pre-owned options. Too often does the word “used” tend to scare people away, but refurbished office furniture will look-like new at great savings to you. Consider how buying pre-owned can benefit your furniture investment.
Mistake #3
Not Considering Employee Comfort
If you didn’t already know, when it comes to office furniture, comfort translates to productivity. If your employees aren’t comfortable, they aren’t focused and everyone suffers. Ergonomic features such as contoured seats, adjustable arms and backs, armrests, and backrest support can help eliminate work-related injuries and unhappy employees. Ergonomic chairs aren’t a trend; they are critical to the health of your employees, so make sure not to overlook their benefits.
Mistake #4
Choosing the Wrong Fabric
In addition to the features on your furniture being a top priority, the fabric should be considered too. Different fabrics have different qualities that make them ideal for different environments. Not only is this important when buying new, but also when refurbishing pre-owned furniture. Mesh fabrics are great for task chairs because it allows airflow to the skin, which helps keep employees comfortable for long days. Vinyl is easily wipe-able and may be best for rooms where spills or stains are more prevalent. Certain fabrics can also withstand powerful cleaning solutions if necessary. Leather has always been a great choice for conference rooms and guest areas where chairs aren’t sat in for long periods of time, so look is as important as feel.
Mistake #5
Getting a Product That’s Not Fit for the Task
All employees are different; different builds, body types, and preferences. Consider your employees as individuals with different needs and factor in what will help them work best. Whether it’s a larger employee who needs a chair capable of holding more weight or a department who needs collaborative workstations to communicate efficiently, make sure to focus on these significant details.
Mistake #6
Not Evaluating The Actual Cost of Ownership
The price on the tag is just the first thing to consider. Don’t forget the other aspects of the purchase that will require fees as well. Freight charges, taxes, or services such as assembly and installation all factor into the overall process. Will you require inside delivery or do you have an inside team that can take care of it for you? Compare which companies can provide you the services you need for a reasonable price. And don’t forget about the removal of your old furniture, which can be part of the purchasing process as well, which brings us to our next mistake.
Mistake #7
Not Maximizing the Value of your Old Furniture
As your new purchases arrives, it doesn’t have to mean your old furniture is no longer of value to you. Maximize the worth of your old furniture by selling it back to a pre-owned office furniture dealer. A dealer could handle the liquidation of your furniture with little hassle to you. Get the most out of your old furniture while increasing your company’s LEED points by recycling. It’s a win win.
Mistake #8
Not Asking the Dealer to Keep Your Standards on File
Establishing the spec of items like task chairs or desks will allow you to simplify these item names for your own records. When you communicate with your dealer, they’ll know every little detail (color, style, make, etc.) about the item you purchased in the past, so you won’t have to. This will enable you to easily match all future furniture purchases while saving you a lot of time in the process.