It costs around $4,200 per employee to outfit a startup business. This includes desk, chair, electrical and so on. But whether you are a startup, moving locations, upsizing or renovating, buying used office furniture can save you a good chunk of money.
Read on for practical tips to help you buy used furniture with confidence.
Why Buy Used Furniture?
There are many benefits to buying used office furniture. Not only is it less expensive, but it is also better for the environment. Often, used furniture is being sold because a company is moving locations, having renovations or no longer needs those particular items. Many times, those used office chairs, office desks, and used file cabinets are like new.
Yet, you don’t want to spend money on items that will wear out or break after just a few months. You want to invest in used furniture that is reliable. So make sure what you’re buying is made of quality materials.
Decide What You Need Now and Later
Some furniture pieces you need right now for your office. Other items won’t be vital at this time. Make a list of what furniture you need now and what can wait. You may find that items you thought you needed, you don’t anymore down the road. Or you may change your mind about the right item for a particular spot in the office. It’s always a good idea to give yourself time to mull it over before committing on items.
Make a Budget and Stick to It
Even though used furniture is less expensive than buying it brand new, it can still be a large expense. Especially if you are outfitting an entire office. To avoid buyer’s remorse, have a used furniture budget and stay within it. Even if you find a deal that seems too good to be true.
Having a firm budget will help you focus on the necessities and keep you out of financial trouble.
Find out Where Used Furniture is From
When you are shopping for used furniture from reputable sellers, you can usually count on them to enforce strict quality controls to ensure the furniture is in good working order. Yet, for your own peace of mind, it’s a good idea to always ask questions. Find out how old the used file cabinets or used office chairs are.
Ask where it was used and how it was stored. This will help you understand how much wear and tear the used furniture has been exposed to.
Look for Good Quality
When you are shopping for used furniture, quality is key. A sturdy, name-brand piece of furniture will give you a lot more use than a cheaply made item that won’t last long. It’s always a good idea to inspect used furniture in person. That way you can look at hinges and casters and see how smoothly they roll.
You can check out the padding in used office chairs and make sure the gas pumps work properly.
Final Words on Used Office Furniture
Used office furniture can be a great asset to your office. We hope these tips help you understand how to shop for used furniture in a thoughtful and wise manner.
Next, check out these 5 best office tools that boost productivity.