Buying second hand office furniture has its benefits. Not only is used office furniture cheaper, but the market is so vast that anyone can find an item that fits their needs entirely without compromising.
However, the process of buying used office furniture has its pitfalls, especially if you are a first-time buyer. The choice may get pretty overwhelming, and the prices seem so attractive that at some point, you may lose the grip and waste money on pieces you don`t really need.
In this article, we shall provide a simple used office furniture buyer`s guide that will help you make informed decisions and stay away from sketchy deals and impulse buys.
#1 – Never buy recalled office furniture!
Generally, selling recalled items is illegal. However, the seller may have no idea that a particular model of an office chair has been recalled.
At the same time, the recalled furniture may have flaws and defects that are simply dangerous for your health and cause injuries and other threats.
That is why it is so important to do your homework before closing your deal and check whether a particular model has been recalled for safety concerns or any other reason.
By buying used office furniture, you can afford items from famous brands. Therefore, your research won`t be too complicated in our information age.
#2 – Make sure that all the parts are present and original
Modern office chairs and desks may be pretty complicated and have unique designs and advanced construction solutions, especially if we are talking about ergonomic models aimed to provide our full support and comfort during the workday.
It is very important to ensure that all the parts of your second-hand ergonomic chair are present and work as they are supposed to. Not only will it ensure your safety and comfort while you are using the chair, but it will also preserve the item`s value if you decide to re-sell it one day.
Study every item carefully and make sure that all the handles, levers, bolts, and wheels are intact. If something is missing, address the seller immediately before you have closed the deal.
It is also important to know whether all the parts of your used office furniture are original. Some quality furniture brands offer extended or even lifetime warranties on their items. However, you won`t be able to enjoy this benefit if some parts of your second hand office furniture have been removed or replaced for some reason.
#3 – Don`t fall for overpriced items.
Saving money is one of the main reasons people prefer buying second hand office furniture. But at the same time, everyone knows that it is a chance to get an originally expensive item with a significant discount.
If this is exactly what you are looking for, make sure to study the market thoroughly before you close the deal. In the second-hand office, furniture market dealers tend to “charge for the name” the same as anywhere else, especially if they realize that you are a first-time buyer.
So, if you found a second-hand Herman Miller chair you have always dreamt of, don`t take out your wallet immediately. Check out the item`s original price and reviews about it. If it is a popular model, other used office furniture sellers probably have it as well. Shop around and see whether you are getting a good deal.
#4 – Consider maintenance and additional costs.
Many people buy used furniture for restoration projects and therefore don`t really care how usable the item is at the moment of purchase. However, it is hardly the case with second-hand office furniture.
Buying for a workplace, you need items in the best condition, safe and comfortable for the person who is going to use it. That is why it is important to check every piece of used office furniture for any damage and flaws. Some of them may be purely cosmetic, like a small stain or a mismatching screw. They can be cleared out in a matter of several minutes.
Others are more serious, like cracks, broken legs, or missing parts that will have to be replaced or restored and therefore cause you some additional spending.
The after-purchase maintenance is also important. Think how much time, energy, and money you will have to invest into every item to keep it in a working and marketable condition.
Understanding your perspectives with every piece of second-hand office furniture will help you make informed decisions and be prepared for additional costs.
#5 – Buy only what you need.
Last but not least of our golden rules is staying focused and buying only the used office furniture that you need right now.
The vast choice of high-quality items at attractive prices can make anyone lose grip and start making ill-considered purchases. Eventually, you may miss your main goal and end up spending much more than you have planned or clutter your office with unnecessary items.
Make a list, specify what features you are looking for in your second-hand office furniture, and measure the office thoroughly to make sure that each piece fits the space and your budget perfectly.
Buying second hand office furniture has lots of benefits. However, just like with any purchase, it is essential to stay focused, know exactly what you are paying for, and study the market thoroughly to ensure you get a good deal every time.