When it comes to outfitting your office space, the allure of brand-new furniture may seem irresistible. However, savvy businesses are increasingly turning to used office furniture as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
Not only can you get more for your money, but you can also make a positive environmental impact by reducing waste. If you’re in the market for used office furniture in the UK, here are 10 top tips to take into account before making your purchase.
1. Set a budget
Opting for used office furniture over brand new is a discerning way to save money. However, it’s still vital to establish a clear budget before you start browsing. Knowing your spending limits will help you narrow down your options and ensure you get the best value for your money.
2. Assess your needs
Once you have a budget, work out your office’s specific requirements. What type of furniture do you need — desks, chairs, storage units, or all of the above? Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new office space and need to kit it out with booths and breakout areas.
Either way, draw up a list of your essential items to guide your search and keep it focused.
3. Inspect items for quality
The nature of used office furniture means that there may be some signs of wear and tear. While some cosmetic scratches and dents may be acceptable, it’s essential to check there’s no structural damage.
Depending on the items you choose, you may also need to check they meet fire safety regulations.
At Silverman’s, we take great care to ensure all of the items in our office furniture showroom are in excellent condition so you can feel confident knowing you’re making a great investment.
4. Consider comfort and ergonomics
Your employees’ comfort and well-being should be a priority so it’s wise to test chairs and workstations for ergonomics and adjustability to ensure a healthy and productive work environment.
Make sure you take specific health requirements into consideration, too.
5. Think about your office layout
Think about how the used furniture will fit into your office space. Ensure that it complements your office layout and aesthetics, and enhances functionality.
6. Take measurements
One of the most important parts of making sure your office furniture will complement your space is to ensure it physically fits. Take measurements of your office space and check the dimensions of the used office furniture you’re interested in.
7. Consider customisation
To bring a personalised element, see if any of the used furniture you see has the potential for customisation. You may be able to refurbish or reupholster used furniture pieces to give them a fresh, modern look. You could even incorporate your branding and design preferences.
8. Enquire about warranties
While used furniture may not come with the same warranties as new items, it’s a good idea to ask the vendor about any available guarantees or return policies to ensure peace of mind.
9. Choose a supplier with a strong reputation
When buying used office furniture, reputation matters — you want to ensure the furniture the company has chosen is of high quality and is in good condition. Before making any purchases, research and choose a trusted office furniture supplier with a track record of providing excellent products and fantastic customer service.
10. Visit a showroom to see the furniture in person
One of the best ways to assess the quality and suitability of used office furniture is to visit a showroom. Our office furniture showroom in Cambridge offers a vast selection of new and pre-owned office furniture. By visiting in person, you can check that our items match your needs fully.
Make the right choice with Silverman’s Office Furniture
Choosing used office furniture not only reduces your environmental impact but also opens up the opportunity to find some unique pieces at a great price. At Silverman’s, we offer an extensive collection of high-quality used furniture, including meeting room tables, soft seating, and more.
We’re committed to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions, making us the perfect partner for your office furniture needs.
Visit our Cambridge showroom or get in touch if you have any queries.