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Whether you have a small or large business, the type of furniture you envision will always exceed your office furniture budget. This is especially true if you dream about your company having the offices seen on one of those design shows. To avoid blowing your business equipment budget, you want to control cost by getting the type of furniture you actually need.
All-Purpose Furniture You Can’t Work Without
The most basic office has a desk and a chair. This sounds odd because you’re probably thinking it’s a no brainer. However, it’s the style and function of each item that you have to consider. For instance, do you want desks constructed of wood or laminate and in a classic, modern or contemporary style? Will the desk have drawers or lateral file drawers, credenzas or shelves?
Chairs can range from inexpensive to expense depending on the features and durability of construction. Some features include lumbar support, adjustments for tilt, oversized seating or arm rests. Your costs also depend on the number of chairs you need. Will every employee have a chair and desk? If you are running multiple shifts in a standard work day, then employees may be sharing work spaces.
Do Your Employees Need Specialty Furniture?
Computer furniture is commonly referred to as specialty furniture because of an employee’s specific job. For instance, a draftsperson may need a larger work surface than a data entry clerk to hold layout drawings, computer, sketches and notes. A data entry clerk may need ergonomically correct computer furniture to reduce injuries like carpet tunnel syndrome.
Show Much Storage Does Your Office Need?
Of course, if you file paper documents, you’ll need file cabinets. The difficult part is knowing the type of cabinets needed. You may want open shelf files if you retrieve documents frequently. Vertical file cabinets are best for filing rarely retrieved documents like invoices. You may want to purchase a lateral file cabinet if you rarely file paper, but frequently retrieve them. If you rarely file and rarely retrieve documents then you want to invest in inexpensive vertical file cabinets.
File cabinets are necessary if your business files documents, but what about other stuff? Well, you need storage cabinets which are generally just enclosed shelving units. They have sides and either one or more doors. Some storage cabinets come with locks. To figure out if you need storage cabinets consider:
• Making a list of things you’ll have to store.
• Write down if the items are large or small.
• Figure out how long you’re going to need to store the items.
• Determine where the storage cabinets will be located in your office.
Are You Designing Special Areas in Your Office
Besides the break room, there are other areas you’ll need to furnish in the office such as a reception area and conference rooms. Meeting and conference rooms often require the following:
• Chairs.
• Tables (at least one).
• Projection screen.
• White board.
The type of furniture you choose depends on your business and its décor. For instance, if you are furnishing a law office, meeting and conference rooms typically have more expensive furniture than other areas.
Unfortunately, reception areas are typically overlooked by businesses. However, it is extremely important because it’s the first impression your clients receive about your business. If you are limited in your budget, remember to include at least:
• Chairs.
• Receptionist workstation.
• Table (for magazines and other literature).
• Coat rack.
Workrooms and break rooms are probably more important to your employees than they are willing to admit. Remember, workrooms are the areas employees do other work they can’t do at their desks like typing, putting together packets or answering phones. So it’s best to think about multi-functioning room instead of one work area. A basic workstation consists of furniture such as:
• Work tables.
• Chairs.
• Floor mats (to reduce fatigue).
• Countertops.
• Shelving units.
Every office, including a small office, should have a break room for employees. It doesn’t have to big a lavish room, but it should include the basics like seating, tables, water cooler, coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator and sink. Remember, the focus should be on giving your employees a place to relax and socialize. So it can be inexpensive.
Staying Within Your Budget
To avoid going over your budget, you definitely have to consider where you buy your business equipment. Some places such as big box stores are expensive but don’t have a large selection. Mail order places are the same. Plus, you have to constantly look through catalogs until you find what you like. There are plenty of places like Equipment Street online. Equipment Street focuses on making the process of procuring business equipment easier by taking out the middlemen. You can look online in the business directory category and find the seller with the business equipment at your specific asking price.
Furnishing your office doesn’t have to take a realty television makeover team. Make a budget. Stick with your budget by finding the exact items you need depending on the business area. Also, look on places Equipment Street to find the exact business equipment you need within your budget.
Author Bio. : Joel B. Writer is a content writer and small business owner. He has experience helping clients secure business equipment via companies like Equipment Street.
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