How to make sure that the furniture procurement process runs smoothly.
Buying new office furniture is one of the most exciting aspects of revitalizing your office space, however the process can be totally frustrating if not handled correctly. But it doesn’t have to be. To help make sure that you don’t get in over your head with the task of furniture procurement, Rightsize compiled a list of mistakes to avoid when buying office furniture.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Office Furniture
Evaluating Only One Vendor: During the furniture procurement process, it helps to compare your options. There are a variety of price points available through different manufacturers, not to mention refurbished and used options. By evaluating a variety of different avenues, you will make a more informed decision for your business — not to mention ending up with furniture that you totally love.
Forgetting to account for timing: When buying office furniture, it’s important to allocate the right lead time in your schedule for delivery and set up. In some cases, this could take a few weeks, so make sure to think ahead. If you’re customizing furniture, it could take even longer. Plan ahead so you don't end up hosting meetings from your conference room floor.
Not working with a design professional: A design professional will have the inside scoop on how to complete a successful project, not to mention how to lay out the furniture in the most effective way. And the best part is that they can help hunt for deals on your behalf to make sure you’re getting the right bang for your buck.
Not planning for the future: Thinking about the future growth of your business is essential when buying furniture. If you know your business is going to expand, then plan ahead. Is your furniture selection going to be available in two years? If not, consider a more flexible, long-term option.
Ignoring Comfort: While contemporary furniture designs can look great in your new digs, they might not make sense from a comfort standpoint. Think about how the function of the furniture will work for your employees long term. Plastic chairs that look cool, might not feel so great after 40 hours at work.
Neglecting Culture: Furniture contributes to the way the space feels and the environment of the workspace. Thinking about culture when making furniture procurement decisions can help set the tone for the workspace and the type of office space you want to create for your employees. Putting even just a little bit of thought into what kind of setting you're trying to create will make a big difference.
Need help? Rightsize Facility Performance has a team of highly skilled design professionals available to help you navigate the world of furniture procurement.
About Us:
Rightsize Facility Performance, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a nationwide office interiors and facilities services firm serving corporate clients in transition. Founded in 2004, Rightsize employs an industry leading “Design/Furnish” approach to ensure seamless workplace transitions and is a single source for interior design, furniture procurement, delivery and installation, asset disposition, facility decommissioning and ancillary project services. Through its Office Furniture Center brand, which includes OfficeFurnitureCenter.com and a 200,000-square-foot showroom, Rightsize also provides a single source for quality workstations, desks, seating, filing, conference and reception furniture.
