Buying used office furniture represents a substantial investment for most companies when furnishing a new office, expanding the current space, or replacing old furniture. While it would seem obvious to buy brand-new office furniture, more and more organizations are recognizing that there is great value in buying used office furniture.
The modern market for second-hand office furniture bears little resemblance to the market from years past. Many companies sell off high-quality office furniture when relocating, renovating, merging, downsizing or closing locations, resulting in the sale of commercial furniture at a reduced price.
However, not all pieces of used office furniture are worth your money and some require closer inspection to ensure your company is buying a valuable asset.
In this article, we will tell you exactly what to check before buying used office furniture to ensure the quality of your investment.
What is Used Office Furniture?
Used office furniture' refers to commercial furniture that has been purchased and used before but is still in good enough shape to be utilized again. Pieces of used office furniture usually go through professional cleaning and restoration before being sold.
Unlike cheap residential furniture, commercial office furniture is made to endure daily usage in harsh conditions.
Common types of used office furniture are:
- Used office chairs
- Used office desks
- Used office cubicles
- Office cubicles and workstations
- Conference tables
- Reception furniture
- Filing cabinets
- Bookcases
- Storage cabinets
- Executive office furniture
Most businesses opt for buying used furniture due to the possibility of obtaining premium commercial furniture at much cheaper prices than buying new office furniture.
Why More Businesses Are Buying Used Office Furniture
The need for second-hand office furniture is constantly growing as companies look for sustainable workplace solutions and ways to save money.
Instead of buying new office furniture, companies have a chance to furnish a whole office without additional expenditures and at the same time, contribute to ecological sustainability.
Some of the reasons why used furniture is becoming more popular:
- Significant financial savings
- Quicker acquisition
- Durable furniture
- Lower impact on the environment
- Availability of premium brands
- Flexibility in office expansion
- Great investment
For startups, growing businesses, educational facilities, healthcare organizations, and government offices, used furniture might be an ideal combination of affordable and quality product.
Features of Good Used Office Furniture
Not all used office furniture is made the same way. Knowing what to expect from commercial furniture will help you make the right decision about buying used office furniture.
Commercial Grade
Commercial office furniture is quite different from residential furniture. Manufacturers design commercial products with long life span in mind.
Characteristics to look for in commercial grade furniture are:
- Steel frame
- Reinforced construction
- Heavy-duty hardware
- High-pressure laminate surface
- Commercial grade upholstery
- Durable finish
Well-made office furniture usually operates well even after it becomes second-hand.
Professional Restoration
Many legitimate dealers will professionally restore the furniture before resale.
Professional restoration of the office furniture can include:
- Deep cleaning
- Replacing fabric or upholstery
- Paint or laminate restoration
- Hardware replacement
- Mechanical restoration
- Surface repairs
- Structural checks
Professional restoration helps prolong the life of commercial furniture and improve its appearance.
Ergonomic Design
Regardless of the age, ergonomic design is one of the key characteristics of office furniture.
When looking at used office chairs, pay attention to ergonomic properties like:
- Seat height adjustment
- Lumbar support
- Armrests
- Tilt tension
- Recline lock
- Swivel base
Ergonomic furniture provides employees with comfort, improves productivity, and makes the workplace more comfortable.
Advantages of Buying Used Office Furniture
When choosing to purchase used office furniture, you will not just save money but enjoy other benefits too.
Save Money But Do Not Compromise Quality
Perhaps the main reason for choosing used office furniture is the possibility to buy a premium product at a discounted price.
It might surprise many companies to learn that they could afford high-quality furniture made by well-known brands by buying second-hand furniture.
Access to Premium Brands
Companies have the possibility to buy products from renowned manufacturers that normally exceed the company's budget.
These manufacturers are known for:
- Superior craftsmanship
- Durability
- Ergonomic design
- Timeless appearance
- Commercial grade performance
Investing in quality used furniture often gives more value than buying an inexpensive new one.
Contribute to Sustainability
Choosing used office furniture helps to decrease waste going to the landfill and prolong the lifetime of commercial products.
Ecological benefits include:
- Lower manufacturing demand
- Decreased material consumption
- Lower waste to landfill
- Decreased carbon footprint
- Effective resource utilization
Using furniture reuse practices as part of sustainability initiative is common for many organizations.
Quick Office Setup
Unlike the new furniture that usually takes time to manufacture and deliver, second-hand furniture is ready to ship.
It enables companies to:
- Quickly furnish new office space
- Meet project deadlines
- Facilitate office expansion
-
Prevent operational disruptions
Uses and Applications
Used office furniture is suitable for a wide range of industries.
Corporate Offices
Growing companies can furnish departments with pre-owned workstations and executive furniture.
Startups
Young businesses choose used furniture to maximize their budget.
Educational Institutions
Schools and universities benefit from affordable office furniture for administration purposes.
Healthcare Facilities
Administrative offices use refurbished desks, storage cabinets, and seating.
Government Offices
Public sector offices regularly purchase commercial second-hand furniture to save on procurement.
Nonprofits
Budget-constrained nonprofit organizations often furnish office space with pre-owned furniture.
What to Look for When Buying Used Office Chairs
Office chairs are the most commonly used type of furniture in any office space.
Before buying, check the following:
Condition of the Seat Cushion
It should be in good shape and provide sufficient comfort without excessive sagging.
Condition of the Fabric or Upholstery
Look for:
- Tear or damage
- Stain
- Excessive wear
- Loose seams
Many refurbished chairs receive new upholstery prior to being sold.
Adjustment Mechanisms
Check if all mechanisms operate properly.
Adjustments to check:
- Height adjustment
- Recline
- Armrests
- Lumbar support
- Swivel function
Base and Casters
Check the condition of the chair base and wheel movement.
What to Check When Buying Used Office Desks
As the office desk gets a lot of daily usage, careful examination is necessary.
You should check the following:
- Construction stability
- Smooth working surface
- Minimum scratches
- Working drawers
- Secure hardware
- Level legs
- Durable laminate surface
Some small cosmetic damages are acceptable, but structural damages should not be present.
How to Evaluate Used Office Cubicles and Workstations
Office cubicles and workstations are still very popular, as they maximise the office space and give employees a personal working area.
During cubicle evaluation, pay attention to the following:
- Condition of panels
- Connector hardware
- Electrical components
- Cable management system
- Worksurface
- Storage units
- Partition
A well-maintained cubicle system can serve business for many years.
Why Choose Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Second Hand)?
Choosing pre-owned office furniture goes beyond finding the most affordable prices. You must select the products that are going to meet your demands in terms of reliability while being a representative element for your business. And here is where the expertise of a trustworthy supplier comes into play.
Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Second Hand) is a company specializing in high-quality used and refurbished office furniture to suit your business needs and budget.
Wide Range of Commercial Office Furniture
Different businesses have various requirements, and thus CFR Second Hand offers an extensive range of commercial office furniture.
Products include:
- Used office chairs
- Used office desks
- Used office cubicles
- Office cubicles and workstations
- Executive office furniture
- Conference tables
- Reception furniture
- Filing cabinets
- Storage solutions
- Collaborative furniture
- Breakroom furniture
So businesses can furnish any particular office or even an entire workplace using the same professional design.
Professional Inspection of Furniture
Each piece of furniture should provide reliable performance for business purposes. For this reason, a good used office furniture supplier inspects all pieces of inventory prior to the sale.
Usually, the inspections include the following aspects:
- Structural stability
- Surface condition
- Functionality of hardware
- Drawers' performance
- Upholstery condition
- Performance of mechanical adjusting devices
- Visual appearance of the furniture
- In such a way, customers can get guaranteed reliable furniture.
Affordable Solutions Without Compromising Quality
Probably the greatest advantage of purchasing with CFR Second Hand is the possibility to buy good-quality commercial furniture at a significantly reduced price compared to a new one.
Thus, you do not need to sacrifice quality of furniture to stay within budget and can choose commercial furniture designed to meet tough conditions of the office environment.
Used vs. Refurbished Office Furniture
Quite often people use these notions interchangeably, but actually they are not necessarily the same.
Knowing the difference between them is quite helpful when choosing the right furniture.
Used Office Furniture
Used office furniture is usually offered as a product in almost the same condition as it was before except for some cleaning and inspections.
They may include:
- Cosmetic damages
- Minor damages
- Original finishing
- Functional hardware
As far as they are minor defects, most businesses find them acceptable taking into consideration the great price reduction.
Refurbished Office Furniture
Refurbished office furniture undergoes a restoration process aimed at improving the condition and performance of the furniture.
Depending on type, restoration includes the following procedures:
- Professional cleaning
- Finishing of the surface
- Application of new laminate
- Putting new upholstery
- Hardware replacement
- Mechanical repair
- Touching up the paint
- Replacements of some components
Refurbished furniture looks almost like new but costs less compared to new one.
Inspection List Prior to Buying Used Office Furniture
Inspection of furniture prior to the purchase will help you avoid unpleasant and costly situations in the future.
Office Chairs
When inspecting used office chairs, pay attention to the following aspects:
- Smooth height adjustment
- Functional reclining device
- Stable five-point base
- Comfortable cushion
- Functionality of casters
- Stable armrests
- Adjustable lumbar support
It is better to sit on a chair to be sure about its functionality.
Office Desks
Look for the following characteristics of desks:
- Stable construction
- Flat surfaces
- Minimal surface damages
- Functionality of drawers
- Smooth glides of drawers
- Stable legs
- Presence of cable management system
A few blemishes on the surface are normal, but any structural damages are undesirable.
Office Cubicles and Workstations
There is a necessity to conduct thorough inspection of cubicle systems, since they consist of several parts connected together.
Pay attention to the following aspects:
- Condition of fabric panels
- Stability of frames
- Condition of connecting hardware
- Electrical raceways
- Adjustable leveling feet
- Attachment of worksurfaces
- Storage components
Complete cubicles should include all necessary hardware to facilitate installation.
Common Mistakes That Should Be Avoided While Purchasing Used Office Furniture
Even if purchasing second-hand office furniture is a smart investment, there are some mistakes that should be avoided by buyers.
Focusing Only on Price
Sometimes the cheapest piece of furniture is not the best value in terms of price to benefit ratio.
The factors that should be taken into account while making choice are:
- General condition
- Expected lifespan
- Brand reputation
- Availability of warranty
- Quality of refurbishment
Sometimes paying a little bit extra money is worth several additional years of service life.
Ignoring Ergonomics
People spend lots of time working with furniture.
Selection of office chairs and desks based only on appearance may cause some discomfort and reduce productivity.
That is why ergonomics is important.
Buying Without Measuring
Probably the most common mistake is buying furniture without measuring office space beforehand.
Before buying:
- Measure the dimensions of doorways
- Width of hallways
- Width of elevators
- Spacing between workstations
- Plan the traffic flow
Such measures will help to avoid installation problems in the future.
Overlooking Future Growth
Do not think just about current employees' numbers.
Try to choose the furniture which will help you to expand without complete redesign of the office.
Modular workstations are a good solution in such cases.
Tips for Choosing the Best Used Office Furniture
It becomes much easier to find quality furniture if you use a certain method.
Here are some recommendations for you:
- Purchase furniture from reputable commercial furniture suppliers.
- Prefer commercial grade brands.
- Inspect the furniture carefully before purchase.
- Test all adjustable features.
- Make sure that the replacement parts are available.
- Take refurbished furniture if you plan to install it in a high visibility area.
- Match the furniture styles in your office.
- Ask about warranty/guarantee.
Taking into account these tips, you will increase the life of your furniture.
Popular Types of Used Office Furniture
There is a great variety of commercial furniture that can be found in second-hand market.
Here is the list of some popular types of used furniture:
Used Office Chairs
Can be used for:
- Individual workstations
- Conference rooms
- Reception areas
- Executive offices
Used Office Desks
They can vary in style and include:
- Executive desks
- L-shaped desks
- U-shaped desks
- Height-adjustable desks
- Benching systems
Used Office Cubicles
There is popularity of cubicle systems since they can divide office space in an efficient way, providing privacy and organizing.
Office Cubicles and Workstations
Nowadays workstation systems can include:
- Shared desks
- Storage pedestals
- Privacy panels
- Cable management
- Collaborative layout
Such systems can adapt to changing needs and provide more efficient usage of office space.
How to Maintain Your Used Office Furniture
Maintenance of the furniture will help you to prolong its life and keep its appearance.
Here are the simplest practices that you can implement:
- Regular dusting of surfaces
- Cleaning of upholstery according to recommendations of manufacturer
- Periodic tightening of loose hardware
- Periodical lubrication of drawer slides
- Replacement of worn-out chair casters
- Protection of laminate surfaces from moisture
- Performing minor repairs
These simple practices will help you keep your furniture looking professional for a long time.
Why Used Office Furniture is a Smart Business Decision
For many organizations purchasing used furniture is not just an attempt to save money but a good strategy of business development.
Benefits for business include:
- Reduced capital expenses
- Good return on investment
- Quicker office setting up
- Possibility to get premium commercial brands
- Reduced depreciation
- Eco-friendly purchasing
These benefits help organizations to focus on development rather than on furniture.
Contact Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Second Hand) at (973) 442-1577 to learn more about our inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is used office furniture?
Used office furniture is a pre-owned commercial furniture that is able to function.
2. Is it worth buying used office furniture?
Yes, usually high-quality commercial furniture can remain durable for many years.
3. What is refurbished office furniture?
Refurbished office furniture is a piece of furniture which underwent professional restoration process to improve its appearance and functionality.
4. How do I inspect used office chair?
You should check cushion, adjusting mechanisms, armrests, casters, lumbar support and general stability.
5. What should I look for in used office desk?
Inspect work surface, drawers operation, structural stability, hardware and condition of the laminate.
6. Is it a good investment to buy used office cubicles?
Yes, they are durable and affordable solution for your workspace.
7. How long can commercial office furniture last?
Commercial grade furniture can last many years depending on conditions.
8. Is it better to choose refurbished furniture or used one?
Both of them provide good value, but refurbished furniture can look better and be restored.
9. Can I furnish my entire office with second-hand furniture?
Yes, many companies successfully furnish entire office using second-hand furniture.
10. Is used office furniture produced by reputable brands?
Yes, usually second-hand inventory contains furniture by top commercial manufacturers known for quality.
11. Is purchasing used office furniture eco-friendly?
Yes, it helps to decrease landfill waste and is a good practice of sustainable business.
12. What industries can benefit from used office furniture?
Corporate offices, startups, schools, healthcare facilities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and other businesses.
13. Can used office furniture be delivered and installed?
Many commercial furniture providers offer delivery, installation and workspace planning services.
14. What is the greatest advantage of purchasing used office furniture?
An opportunity to buy premium commercial furniture at a greatly reduced price.
15. Where can I buy quality used office furniture?
Contact Commercial Furniture Resource (CFR Second Hand) at (973) 442-1577 to explore our used and refurbished office furniture.