For savvy office buyers looking to decorate or redecorate on a budget, one great way to save money is to buy discount office furniture. Often rejected by retailers due to flaws or overstocking, discount office furniture can be a great source of bargain and unexpected value. When buying discount office furniture, use common sense and smart shopping tactics to get the best product for the cost.
One excellent place to look for discount office furniture is overstock warehouses. These discounted retail stores typically work by purchasing excess product from manufacturers or regular retail stores. If a manufacturer overestimates and makes more of a product than it can sell, or a retail store orders more than needed, warehouse stores can pick up the excess for a bargain price, then offer it to the public. This is a good way to get brand new furniture for less than its retail value.
Overstock warehouses can also be a great way to get a lot of furniture at once, as they may have dozens or even hundreds of one overstocked product, such as a lamp or office chair. Remember that many of the warehouses are open to bargaining, so ask for an additional discount if buying in bulk. Not all warehouses are aboveboard, however; be certain to check merchandise carefully to ensure that it is the advertised product and in the advertised condition.
Offices that go out of business or decide to redecorate may liquidate their office supplies. Though used, this type of discount office furniture can be a major bargain, especially if it comes from an affluent firm. Some businesses will advertise their stock for sale through want ads in print and on the Internet. Again, be certain to inspect the furniture to get an idea of just how used it is.
It is important to remember that, when choosing discount office furniture, the cheapest item may not be the best for the business. Office furniture does a lot to reflect the tone and attitude of a business, and can be detrimental to the working environment and send the wrong message to customers if chosen poorly. Have a clear idea of what the style and requirements are before going bargain hunting; don't get distracted by slightly lower prices if the furniture doesn't match the business.
Remember that while there are many good bargains on excellent discount office furniture, lower prices can also reflect poor quality. If already on a budget, an office can end up in real trouble if the discount furniture falls apart within a year. Be sure to look for the best value for the money; quality products at moderate discounts will likely cost less in the long run than terrible products with huge markdowns.
