When you start the hunt for an office furniture source, it can be an overwhelming experience. Especially if you don’t like to shop!
Here are some helpful tips to get you off to the right start:
1) Do your homework
A) Find out who sells office furniture is in your area, 3-4 places is usually enough to start with, and will give you a good idea of who’s out there.
B) Is their location convenient for you? This will matter especially if you will be frequenting them a lot for ongoing needs
C) Look online. Do they have a website? Do they have a good product variety? Are their prices reasonable? Are their product offerings and overall corporate image current/keeping up with the times?
2) Ask around
Referrals rock! Getting good references about various office furniture vendors/dealers from friends or associates will help and give you a better feel for who is best to use.
If you like someone’s office(s), ask them where they got their furniture! Ask them not only about price point and overall satisfaction, but if they would go back. And who was their sales person? Were they friendly, assertive at assessing their needs?
3) Visit a few places
Once you have selected a handful of office furniture stores, check them out. How well is their store laid out? Is it consumer friendly? If you feel frustrated when your there, can’t find what you need, or the sales people are not helpful these may be good reasons to walk out. If you are thinking of this source as long term, than choose a place to shop where you want to come back again and again. Relationship is very important! More on that in a moment…
4) Buying online
In recent years, online office furniture stores have become more popular. There is certainly merit to them and generally a good savings too.
Some things to keep in mind though if you are considering that route:
a) Check out their policies (and user’s reviews) for returning items, repair and parts replacement, and what to do in the event of freight damage. If they are not clear cut, you may get a great buy on the front end and a massive headache on the other end. If you are a business owner or manager with limited time, consider whether these extra hassles will affect your business and time management. The customer service is typically better in person and if you have an issue, a person on the phone may not be able to satisfactorily solve your problem as well as being able to go to the place in person and “eyeball” someone.
b) Find out if product(s) you are considering require assembly. A Desk that looks like a steal at $300 may require 2-3 hours of assembly, which may not be such a great deal after all. Especially if you are buying multiples. How much is you and your employee’s time worth?
Also, if whoever is assembling has no experience with building furniture and something is damaged because it is incorrectly assembled many commercial furniture manufactures will not warranty work done by the end user. They will though if a professional installer does.
c) Find out if the prices include freight, and inside delivery or not. Sometimes by the time you add up the freight and assembly charges, you are the same as the local price.
On large ticket items like office furniture, shopping locally is still the overall best route…and it keeps your hard earned dollars in your local economy.
5) Develop relationship & think Long Term
Doing business with a local dealer can be a great partnership that is very beneficial to your business.
In smaller or family owned businesses, you will typically find that they offer a more relaxed shopping environment. They will get to know you and what your company’s needs are and will be handy in helping you find exceptional value and personalized service.
A good salesperson will endeavor to assist you with offering great choices, & help you find the best value while keeping your bottom line in mind. They will remember you and your needs, and be looking long term at how partnering with your business will benefit both of you.
Chain stores or dealers that are commission driven will not normally be able to provide this level of service. Also, typically the more you buy, the more you save. Instead of cherry picking at several places and paying retail, ask about quantity discounts if you buy it all together. Sometime the discount structure is already in place, but sometimes they can do more. Also, ask about office furniture overstocks,special buys and floor model specials. These are also great ways to save and a good sales person will assertively help you make purchases based on the best value for you.
With years in the furniture industry, these are just a few guidelines I can offer geared toward helping you make the “where to buy” decision a little easier.
Until next time, happy office furniture shopping!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Space Planning Your Office
Whether you are building, renovating or expanding your business, planning the layout of your space is a big deal.
Getting the office layout to work for your team while keeping the work flow within the office efficient is a big investment of time and money that will pay off in the long run if done strategically.
After meeting with your architect, the next call is to visit with your office furniture consultant at the dealer of your choice, and also a designer if you plan to use one.
Make an appointment to visit with a furniture consultant who understands your needs and gets a feel for your business. If you feel they don’t understand what you are after or the connection is not there, ask to work with someone else. It is important to have the right help and suggestions all the way through the process and get the end result you want!
Someone who has been in the industry for years will make invaluable suggestions that can save you time and money. Have them visit your space and see what your plans are for the various rooms. They can then further suggest office furniture placement, room usage and how to be most proficient in what you are purchasing and how it will be configured. If you plan to add on later to some larger rooms, you can tell them at that time so that they quote accordingly with plans to expand later. Sometimes there are significant savings/group discounts when ordering all of the furniture at once as opposed to waiting until later especially if you are sure you will be adding on to the same types of workstations in that area. This is especially true with cubicles.
As they look over your rooms, discuss with them their suggested location for electrical outlets, phone/computer lines, and ask their help and recommendations with desk placement, so that as furniture if being quoted, these things are taken into consideration.
Most of the time they will want a file emailed to them so that they can drop furniture into the floor plan already drawn out by the architect. You can connect them with your architect for this information so that they can coordinate getting the right format, etc. This will speed up the process of getting layout and quotations back. It will likely also save you money if your architect can provide that information to the dealer so that the rooms don’t have to be re-drawn which will end up being another expense for you unless it is complimentary which is not typical.
These are just a few things to keep in mind as you proceed with your space planning. Use professionals who are easy to deal with and solution oriented so that the process is less stressful and the end result is a perfect fit… just like your office furniture will be with the right help!
Getting the office layout to work for your team while keeping the work flow within the office efficient is a big investment of time and money that will pay off in the long run if done strategically.
After meeting with your architect, the next call is to visit with your office furniture consultant at the dealer of your choice, and also a designer if you plan to use one.
Make an appointment to visit with a furniture consultant who understands your needs and gets a feel for your business. If you feel they don’t understand what you are after or the connection is not there, ask to work with someone else. It is important to have the right help and suggestions all the way through the process and get the end result you want!
Someone who has been in the industry for years will make invaluable suggestions that can save you time and money. Have them visit your space and see what your plans are for the various rooms. They can then further suggest office furniture placement, room usage and how to be most proficient in what you are purchasing and how it will be configured. If you plan to add on later to some larger rooms, you can tell them at that time so that they quote accordingly with plans to expand later. Sometimes there are significant savings/group discounts when ordering all of the furniture at once as opposed to waiting until later especially if you are sure you will be adding on to the same types of workstations in that area. This is especially true with cubicles.
As they look over your rooms, discuss with them their suggested location for electrical outlets, phone/computer lines, and ask their help and recommendations with desk placement, so that as furniture if being quoted, these things are taken into consideration.
Most of the time they will want a file emailed to them so that they can drop furniture into the floor plan already drawn out by the architect. You can connect them with your architect for this information so that they can coordinate getting the right format, etc. This will speed up the process of getting layout and quotations back. It will likely also save you money if your architect can provide that information to the dealer so that the rooms don’t have to be re-drawn which will end up being another expense for you unless it is complimentary which is not typical.
These are just a few things to keep in mind as you proceed with your space planning. Use professionals who are easy to deal with and solution oriented so that the process is less stressful and the end result is a perfect fit… just like your office furniture will be with the right help!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Over 50 Truckloads Of Used Office Furniture In Tulsa Oklahoma
Crown Office Furniture of Tulsa Oklahoma has purchased over 50 truck loads of used office furniture. There has never been a better time to buy your office furniture than right now. Hundreds of Desks, Chairs, Cubicles, Filing Cabinets (all sizes) & other used office furniture items are in stock and ready for immediate delivery in Tulsa and all of Oklahoma. Call one of our non commissioned sales staff for a more details 918.663.6704
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Ergonomic Accessories-The Add-on’s that really add on!
In addition to great office furniture, what else can add to your comfort, & productivity in your workplace?
Getting the right accessories! There are many options like keyboard trays, task lighting, center drawers, laptop drawers that lock, desk mounted stands for 1 or multiple monitors, CPU holders, and more.
Here are just a few of the most popular to consider:
1) Keyboard Trays
Depending on your job type and how many hours you will spend on a computer, you can determine whether you need a basic pullout tray or one that adjusts.
For a home office or job where you are using the computer for only an hour or two at a time, a simple pullout tray with wrist rest should be sufficient.
For a job that revolves around the computer, having an ergonomic tray that locks, lifts, and tilts, you will have more flexibility and less arm & back strain.
Try several styles when shopping to see what fits you the best.
For laptop users, a riser might be your preference. For a more permanent application & added security, locking laptop drawers are also available.
2) CPU Storage
For office furniture that does not already have CPU storage, there are mobile options that can roll under a work surface for easy access, and accessibility for minimal cost. Most are adjustable to accommodate different size equipment.
Also available are CPU Stands that mount to the side of a work desk. These look more like a part of the furniture for a fixed solution. Some can be ordered in different colors to match the décor of the space. With finishes like silver or Black, generally they will look better with more modern furnishings but if they are mounted under a desk even in a more traditional setting, typically they aren’t seen anyway from the approach side.
3) Printer Storage
These options will be similar to the CPU options. Mobile options allow it to be shared. Especially if printer is wireless, this is a handy solution.
1) Lighting
Task lighting can help reduce eye strain. It illuminates the area evenly to give overall light and ambience.
Lamps or LED lights are also a great option and can add some design element to the space.
These are just a few of many ergonomic products that are available to keep you and your staff working smarter, not harder.
Getting the right accessories! There are many options like keyboard trays, task lighting, center drawers, laptop drawers that lock, desk mounted stands for 1 or multiple monitors, CPU holders, and more.
Here are just a few of the most popular to consider:
1) Keyboard Trays
Depending on your job type and how many hours you will spend on a computer, you can determine whether you need a basic pullout tray or one that adjusts.
For a home office or job where you are using the computer for only an hour or two at a time, a simple pullout tray with wrist rest should be sufficient.
For a job that revolves around the computer, having an ergonomic tray that locks, lifts, and tilts, you will have more flexibility and less arm & back strain.
Try several styles when shopping to see what fits you the best.
For laptop users, a riser might be your preference. For a more permanent application & added security, locking laptop drawers are also available.
2) CPU Storage
For office furniture that does not already have CPU storage, there are mobile options that can roll under a work surface for easy access, and accessibility for minimal cost. Most are adjustable to accommodate different size equipment.
Also available are CPU Stands that mount to the side of a work desk. These look more like a part of the furniture for a fixed solution. Some can be ordered in different colors to match the décor of the space. With finishes like silver or Black, generally they will look better with more modern furnishings but if they are mounted under a desk even in a more traditional setting, typically they aren’t seen anyway from the approach side.
3) Printer Storage
These options will be similar to the CPU options. Mobile options allow it to be shared. Especially if printer is wireless, this is a handy solution.
1) Lighting
Task lighting can help reduce eye strain. It illuminates the area evenly to give overall light and ambience.
Lamps or LED lights are also a great option and can add some design element to the space.
These are just a few of many ergonomic products that are available to keep you and your staff working smarter, not harder.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Buying A Chair 101
Buying a good chair is like buying a good mattress. It is very important what you sit in, especially if it is for a 40 hour work week, and even more essential if you work longer.
Here are a couple questions that will help you to determine how to buy 1 chair or multiple chairs:
1) What are your work habits?
If you are using multiple work surfaces, adjusting to different heights or spend hours at a time seated, you will need a few different levers to allow you the flexibility for your chair to work as hard as you do and to accommodate your needs. Also adjustable arms reduce the risk of carpal tunnel and back strain.
If you are at the desk just a couple hours a day, you may just need a simple height adjustment and/or tilt tension lever. You may be able to find more options in the budget arena for this application.
If you are tall, you might like to have a seat depth adjustment. This lever will allow you to sit farther back in the chair to reduce leg strain. Also, if the back adjusts up and down, you can ensure that it will hit the lumbar area of your back just right to give you the support you need.
2) Who is using the chair?
If the chair will have several users, is in use 24 hours a day or is for a Big & Tall user, spend the extra & get one that is rated accordingly. The up charge for the better ratings will pay off in the long run with the better warranty you will get and the higher quality materials & controls.
For Big & Tall users, the chair will have a more ample cushioned seating area and a better mechanism and base to ensure that it accommodates the user comfortably. Most are rated for up to 450 lbs but it’s a good idea to check the weight capacity and also to confirm what warranty is available. There are manufactures that offer chairs in multiple sizes of seat and back combination's so that a Big & Tall chair will blend in the other chairs needed and not stick out like a sore thumb. If you have ever shopped for these, you will know why that is important!
3) Where are you using the chair?
A chair used in a home office or for occasional use will not need to be the same quality as something for the commercial environment. There are some good options for home office that are well priced. However, you will find that you typically have better selections for your wood/fabrics/leather options if you stay in the commercial seating options.
Chairs for a conference room may not need to have as many controls as a chair for a primary user in an office for 8 hours at a time. However if the meetings are long, getting cushier seats and a mechanism that allows the user to lean back can make the hours at a meeting more comfortable.
So, wrapping it up, it’s important to get the right seating for the application you need. Getting a good warranty will help you enjoy your seating for years to come. Talking with an experienced salesperson can help steer you in the right direction and help you narrow the choices.
Bottom line: You really do get what you pay for. And sometimes for just a little more!
Here are a couple questions that will help you to determine how to buy 1 chair or multiple chairs:
1) What are your work habits?
If you are using multiple work surfaces, adjusting to different heights or spend hours at a time seated, you will need a few different levers to allow you the flexibility for your chair to work as hard as you do and to accommodate your needs. Also adjustable arms reduce the risk of carpal tunnel and back strain.
If you are at the desk just a couple hours a day, you may just need a simple height adjustment and/or tilt tension lever. You may be able to find more options in the budget arena for this application.
If you are tall, you might like to have a seat depth adjustment. This lever will allow you to sit farther back in the chair to reduce leg strain. Also, if the back adjusts up and down, you can ensure that it will hit the lumbar area of your back just right to give you the support you need.
2) Who is using the chair?
If the chair will have several users, is in use 24 hours a day or is for a Big & Tall user, spend the extra & get one that is rated accordingly. The up charge for the better ratings will pay off in the long run with the better warranty you will get and the higher quality materials & controls.
For Big & Tall users, the chair will have a more ample cushioned seating area and a better mechanism and base to ensure that it accommodates the user comfortably. Most are rated for up to 450 lbs but it’s a good idea to check the weight capacity and also to confirm what warranty is available. There are manufactures that offer chairs in multiple sizes of seat and back combination's so that a Big & Tall chair will blend in the other chairs needed and not stick out like a sore thumb. If you have ever shopped for these, you will know why that is important!
3) Where are you using the chair?
A chair used in a home office or for occasional use will not need to be the same quality as something for the commercial environment. There are some good options for home office that are well priced. However, you will find that you typically have better selections for your wood/fabrics/leather options if you stay in the commercial seating options.
Chairs for a conference room may not need to have as many controls as a chair for a primary user in an office for 8 hours at a time. However if the meetings are long, getting cushier seats and a mechanism that allows the user to lean back can make the hours at a meeting more comfortable.
So, wrapping it up, it’s important to get the right seating for the application you need. Getting a good warranty will help you enjoy your seating for years to come. Talking with an experienced salesperson can help steer you in the right direction and help you narrow the choices.
Bottom line: You really do get what you pay for. And sometimes for just a little more!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Challenging Year Creates Buyers Market For Office Furniture
The economic downturn of the past year has created a real opportunity for buyers of office furniture. The layoffs and unfortunate business closings have dramatically increased the amount of high quality used office furniture on the market.
At savings of 50% to 80% off new prices, your dollars can go further than ever. This also helps the start-up businesses that are seizing the opportunity of entering the marketplace with fewer competitors. At a time when capital is tight, meaningful savings on office furniture can really help your budget.
Where can I find these great deals?
#1 Check local office furniture dealers for used inventories. Knowing your needs before calling or stopping by a showroom will help you communicate your needs. This will also help the sales person show you the best inventories for your project. By visiting a few places, you will get a "feel" for the market and it will help you understand what things are selling for instead of getting "sticker shock".
#2 Check with local charities...many of the shrinking businesses of the past year that were unable to sell their furniture might have donated it for a tax purposes. Many times charities are not familiar with how to price this furniture and you can find some really good deals if you are willing to do some digging around.
#3 Ask friends! This might sound funny but you might be surprised at how many people know of businesses that are downsizing. Many of these businesses are selling furniture directly to their employees or other business at liquidation prices.
#4 Last but not least, look online...check sites like craigslist, ebay & local online classifieds. Many times you will find great deals on small lots of furniture. This can be a real resource if you only need one or two office furniture setups. If you are looking for multiple matching setups or cubicles, your local office furniture dealer might be a better place to look.
At savings of 50% to 80% off new prices, your dollars can go further than ever. This also helps the start-up businesses that are seizing the opportunity of entering the marketplace with fewer competitors. At a time when capital is tight, meaningful savings on office furniture can really help your budget.
Where can I find these great deals?
#1 Check local office furniture dealers for used inventories. Knowing your needs before calling or stopping by a showroom will help you communicate your needs. This will also help the sales person show you the best inventories for your project. By visiting a few places, you will get a "feel" for the market and it will help you understand what things are selling for instead of getting "sticker shock".
#2 Check with local charities...many of the shrinking businesses of the past year that were unable to sell their furniture might have donated it for a tax purposes. Many times charities are not familiar with how to price this furniture and you can find some really good deals if you are willing to do some digging around.
#3 Ask friends! This might sound funny but you might be surprised at how many people know of businesses that are downsizing. Many of these businesses are selling furniture directly to their employees or other business at liquidation prices.
#4 Last but not least, look online...check sites like craigslist, ebay & local online classifieds. Many times you will find great deals on small lots of furniture. This can be a real resource if you only need one or two office furniture setups. If you are looking for multiple matching setups or cubicles, your local office furniture dealer might be a better place to look.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
How a little color can change your office environment
What a boring world it would be with out color!
Using a great color pallet can enhance the creativity of your workforce, and give new life to your business transactions.
Especially in marketing, design & media firms or technology driven businesses, a punch of color in the right places can reinforce your companies appeal as a place that is energetic & fresh.
Here are some ways to use color in specific areas-
Reception Area:
You can pick one or two accent walls for a pop of color and then go neutral on the rest. Consider a standard wood finish like Black or Light Cherry for the receptionist desk & end/coffee tables and then add your zing of color to the seating & artwork.
Another way to do effective branding is by coordinating with a prominently displayed company logo. You can tie the colors of the logo into an accent wall & then bring it out with some accessories. One client recently used their company’s yellow & black corporate colors to their advantage in their reception area with a black & glass desk and yellow lounge seating with coordinating black accent tables.
For a fresh look, another client, who was a media firm used white modern lounge furniture with silver accents to add pop to their aqua accent walls. Add a few throw pillows & some modern art and you have a pulled together look that is unique and interesting.
Conference Room:
Consider selecting neutral walls, and then going with dark wood for the conference table & buffet or bookcases. Add a fun print on the chairs. Tie in the colors of the chairs with accessories on the bookcases and an arrangement of vases or flowers on the table.
Or how about doing the room in a color, and add a 2nd coordinating color on the chairs for extra pep?
Offices:
Many workstations have a wide variety of finish options. What about ordering the desks in a color, and then going neutral in Black or Tan for the seating and Black & White prints for the walls?
Or if you prefer to keep the furniture a standard finish such as an Espresso (which is really hot right now), then add a punch of color with lime green or another color on the chairs & a patterned green tack board, and then frame art that ties in a few accent colors such as orange or aqua?
For traditional furnishings, try pairing chairs that have a streamlined design with old world styles for a look that is old meets new. Update the boring burgundy with tans and chocolates, and then add a rich red or deep purple for depth.
Who says your office has to be boring? Take a look at some office furniture design concepts to get ideas on how to improve your space. It will not only brighten the mood around your company, but it will show good design & great taste as well.
Using a great color pallet can enhance the creativity of your workforce, and give new life to your business transactions.
Especially in marketing, design & media firms or technology driven businesses, a punch of color in the right places can reinforce your companies appeal as a place that is energetic & fresh.
Here are some ways to use color in specific areas-
Reception Area:
You can pick one or two accent walls for a pop of color and then go neutral on the rest. Consider a standard wood finish like Black or Light Cherry for the receptionist desk & end/coffee tables and then add your zing of color to the seating & artwork.
Another way to do effective branding is by coordinating with a prominently displayed company logo. You can tie the colors of the logo into an accent wall & then bring it out with some accessories. One client recently used their company’s yellow & black corporate colors to their advantage in their reception area with a black & glass desk and yellow lounge seating with coordinating black accent tables.
For a fresh look, another client, who was a media firm used white modern lounge furniture with silver accents to add pop to their aqua accent walls. Add a few throw pillows & some modern art and you have a pulled together look that is unique and interesting.
Conference Room:
Consider selecting neutral walls, and then going with dark wood for the conference table & buffet or bookcases. Add a fun print on the chairs. Tie in the colors of the chairs with accessories on the bookcases and an arrangement of vases or flowers on the table.
Or how about doing the room in a color, and add a 2nd coordinating color on the chairs for extra pep?
Offices:
Many workstations have a wide variety of finish options. What about ordering the desks in a color, and then going neutral in Black or Tan for the seating and Black & White prints for the walls?
Or if you prefer to keep the furniture a standard finish such as an Espresso (which is really hot right now), then add a punch of color with lime green or another color on the chairs & a patterned green tack board, and then frame art that ties in a few accent colors such as orange or aqua?
For traditional furnishings, try pairing chairs that have a streamlined design with old world styles for a look that is old meets new. Update the boring burgundy with tans and chocolates, and then add a rich red or deep purple for depth.
Who says your office has to be boring? Take a look at some office furniture design concepts to get ideas on how to improve your space. It will not only brighten the mood around your company, but it will show good design & great taste as well.
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