2torial #0425:
Learn2 Choose Office Furniture

More than just decor

Home may be where the heart is, but the office is where the money comes from. Given this, it's important to create a comfortable, functional, even creative atmosphere for yourself and your employees.

No problem, you say. Since this is only a small business--maybe even a home-based business--you're just going to gather all those abandoned, unused pieces of furniture from your Aunt Zelda's attic. After all, who can afford all that fancy modular stuff?

Well, you can. And even if you can't afford it just yet, it's still worthwhile to research furniture for the sake of your business's future. But before you pull out your wallet and visit the nearest furniture store, let us show you how to save time, money, and misery along the way.

While reading this 2torial and pondering the whole concept of business furniture, keep your mind as open as an empty office. Imagine the possibilities for now and for the future, just as you've been dreaming of the new opportunities your business will bring.

Bear in mind that even if you don't end up buying all the furniture you want at this moment, there may be opportunities to expand your office in the future. That's why it's important to take the time and make the effort right now to consider your options. Once your business is off the ground, you may not find those few precious moments to spare.

Assess your business

Before you start rummaging through your garage or pricing desks at an office supply store, sit down (on the floor, if necessary) and ask yourself some questions about your business. Here are some that can give you a clear sense of your business's purpose, its image, and your in-office needs:

• What am I trying to accomplish through my business, and how many hours will I spend in my office to do so? If you're in a service profession where minimal time is spent in your office, then you obviously don't need to invest too heavily in furniture. On the other hand, if you're an architect who'll work at least eight hours a day in your home office, you'll want to ensure that your work space is as comfy as a pair of bunny slippers.

• Who else will be spending time in my office? If you're going solo, then you only have one person to please--yourself--so if that purple chair strikes your fancy, go for it. However, if others will be spending time in your office as well, you should at least attempt to please the masses. After all, happy employees will help make your business more profitable.

• How important is image to my business and office? An office will often be judged by its decor. First, anticipate how many and what types of people will be visiting your office (clients, vendors, job candidates, your young niece, your pet poodle, etc.). Once you've done this, ask yourself how important the image you exude through your office furniture and decor is. Perhaps you're starting a law firm bent on not seeming stuffy, or maybe you're opening a graphic design firm trying to appeal to younger clients.

• What pieces of furniture do I absolutely need to operate my business? This is the time to figure out whether you really need that ping pong table. Spend a few minutes jotting down the basic pieces of furniture you'll need regularly to carry out your job duties. How many desks, chairs, file cabinets, and the like? Don't forget communal pieces like conference tables, reception chairs, and kitchen or break room furniture.

• Will my business expand in the future? Your plans for business expansion are key in making wise furniture decisions. If you expect your business to expand, you'll want to purchase furniture sets that you can add to or replicate easily.

Once you've assessed your business, you should have a good sense of how much furniture you need as well as how important its look and feel are. Now take a look at your office floor plan to get an idea of any space limitations you may have. Measure work stations carefully to make sure what you choose will fit.

Consider what you already own

Now that you know what you need, it's time to take a look at what you have. There's no reason to start from scratch unless absolutely necessary.

If you're presently working from home and moving into a larger office, you may already have one desk set, and simply wish to purchase additional ones. Or, maybe you have a few bookshelves that your kids never took to college. If they fit your office image, use them!

This is also a good time to realistically estimate how much money you can spend on furniture. If you're on a tight budget, as most small business owners are in the beginning stages, it's generally not considered wise to spend a great deal of money on high end furniture, unless image is key to determining your business's success.

Choose a vendor and make the purchase

Once you have a clear sense of what you want, it's time to go shopping. As with any major purchase, it's a good idea to shop around before making a final decision. Compare prices and products to find a good deal. Who says you can only do that for your dining room set?

Furniture dealers. Get at least one estimate from a local furniture dealer. (They're usually listed in the phone book.) Not only can they help you with assessing your needs, but they can also offer different solutions. Furniture dealers can help you decide whether to rent or buy furniture, show you furniture lines that can be easily expanded in the future, and refer you to stores where you'll get the best deals.

Office supply stores. You're almost sure to get a good deal at office supply stores that carry furniture. Realize, however, that you may not have as much of a selection. But if you're working by yourself out of a home or small office, they might be all you need.

Catalog and online stores. Definitely peruse these options as well, but make sure furniture that looks good is also functional before purchasing. In addition, make sure the items you select are under warranty and sold satisfaction guaranteed--and verify that they'll pick up the tab on any return shipping that may be necessary.

Once you've chosen a vendor, make the purchase and set up your office! Remember that getting and updating furniture can be an ongoing process, so keep a furniture file somewhere in that shiny new file cabinet. Then, when it comes time to expand or change your business, you can sit back in your comfy executive chair, sift through your options, and follow the steps of this 2torial once more.

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