Buying antique and secondhand office furniture can be a challenging task, but if you use the most reliable stores and handle the hunt with the appropriate attitude, you can save a lot of money and time while also adding unique pieces to your office.
A nice looking office doesn’t have to cost a lot of money when renovating on a limited budget. There are some beautiful pieces just waiting to be found. High-end stores can provide custom furniture, but it is not worth half of your salary.
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind if you’re looking for more affordable second-hand office furniture. So, let’s have a look at them!
1. Always try before you buy
Before making a purchase of used furniture, it is important to “sample” the piece of furniture first. Try sitting in seats and leaning on tables, as well as opening drawers and cupboards. If something has been broken, you should check to see if it’s still in good enough shape to use at office. It doesn’t matter how bad the damage is, as long as you can repair it and you’re willing to pay a fair price for it.
2. Trust your senses
If a piece of furniture has been in somebody else office before, it may smell like that person. Consider this when you’re shopping for furniture. Some smells, like smoke smells, may not go away with air. Don’t be distracted by the excellent offer and lose sight of the fact that this is about to become a regular part of your life.
3. Search for Labels
For many people, buying used furniture is a cost-cutting strategy that allows them to have something they otherwise couldn’t afford.
Before you purchase secondhand furniture for your office, look for a label or tag on it to ensure that you are receiving good value for your money. If you know who made the furniture, you can get a better sense of how good or bad it is. Because of this, it’s usually a smart idea to look for a manufacturer’s label before purchasing old furniture.
4. Thoroughly examine
Inspect secondhand office furniture carefully before purchasing. Buying secondhand furniture doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality. Once you’ve chosen something, be sure to check it thoroughly for any clear signs of damage. Make sure to look for bedbugs and termites since they always leave a mess.
Good furniture should survive for decades, and the detail on its framework is an excellent indicator of quality. There are several reasons why you should avoid buying secondhand furniture online, such as the difficulty of returning a piece which has been used.
5. Explore Your Options
If you’re looking to buy secondhand furniture for your workplace, you should do your homework before purchasing a product. If you are on the hunt for discounts, check out local thrift stores and real-estate auction houses. When going to another country, foreigners often sell their furniture at a very low price because they can’t take it with them.
6. Make Sure That You Need It
If you’re planning to purchase a furniture, make certain that you know where you’ll put it in your office. So you don’t end yourself purchasing anything just because it’s cheaper. There seems to be always a good item out there. Keep in mind that you’re not just purchasing it because it functions, so a little bit of patience and time can go a long way.
7. Ask Questions
Questions like: Why are you selling, how long have you had it, is there a defect in the item, are you moving, etc. should always be asked. These questions give you a lot of background information that can help you make a decision. Make an effort to learn as much as possible about the original product’s manufacturer, including the name and address. Sometimes the price of antique furniture ends up being more than that of current furniture.
