Outfitting office space can be costly, especially for start-ups and small businesses with a tight budget. Nevertheless, there is one cheap way to get quality second hand office furniture. Purchasing second hand items can be a great way to save space and time while still having practical and chic furnishings. This post will take you through the best places to buy high-quality used office furniture.
1. Specialty Office Furniture Stores
Whole stores exist that sell only used office furniture. Typically, these stores specialise in items like desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and cubicles sourced from offices that have downsized or shut down. One of the positives to shopping at these stores is that they only allow furniture to be inspected and cleaned, so you can be confident it will likely meet your higher standards than when purchased with no guarantee.
Speciality stores frequently have staff members who are great at helping you pick out pieces for your office space. They can guide you in coordinating different pieces and ensure that the furniture complements your area and business requirements.
2. Online Marketplaces
Thanks to the internet, you can buy second hand office furniture faster than ever. These are great places to find good second hand office furniture. These platforms will allow you to spend significant time browsing many things at a fair price.
The product listings must be looked at carefully when buying from online marketplaces. Search for listings with detailed descriptions and clear images of the furniture’s condition. You should also check the seller’s ratings to smooth the process. It never hurts to make an offer, as most sellers negotiate pricing.
3. Office Furniture Liquidators
Companies specialising in office furniture liquidation purchase a large volume of furniture from companies closing or undergoing renovation. These shoplifted goods are later sold at a reduced rate. Since liquidators usually get warehouses full of desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and other office furniture, you can pick those up in bulk if need be.
Purchasing from a liquidator can equate your whole office with uniform furniture. Because they buy furniture from suppliers, you can frequently locate coordinating units, so you should look into getting various types of chairs for your office setting.
4. Government Auctions and Surplus Sales
Another great place to look for second hand office furniture is through government auctions and surplus sales. Some state, city, and federal government agencies hold regular auctions for surplus items, including office furniture. These are online and offline auctions with various high-quality goods for bidding.
Government auction furniture is sometimes offered in lots, so you might need to buy several pieces simultaneously. Equipping an entire office may be helpful, but small orders are less convenient. You may have to do a bit of legwork and even visit the furniture in person before you bid so that you know what everything entails.
5. Office Furniture Wholesalers
There are plenty of different versions out there. Some wholesalers only sell used office furniture, but others do both. Some wholesalers effectively recycle old furniture to offer trade-ins and buybacks of older items at a reduced price. If you shop with wholesalers, you can find similar high-quality second hand office furniture at a fraction of the cost but still in great shape.
They tend to have showrooms where one can physically see the furniture before purchase. This allows you to assess the item’s condition and how it will appear in your office or space. Many wholesalers also provide delivery and installation solutions, saving you time.
6. Charity Shops and Non-Profit Organisations
Among the top on this list are charity shops and non-profit organisations, but this source must be noted. Indeed, these organisations regularly accept donations of quality office furniture and sell them to support their charitable works. That way, you are organising your home and supporting a good cause, as buying from these sources costs less than buying similar furniture, rivalling the price level of stuff from any superstore.
Remember, charity shops are pretty random, so you should look every couple of days for hidden treasures. You can also often bargain with the staff for a reasonable price for a meagre amount.
7. Office Relocation Companies
Look for specialised office moving and relocation companies with access to second-hand office furniture. When a company moves, it often leaves part of its furniture, which no longer needs to be moved by one moving company, which resells it. They can offer individual pieces or entire office suites, depending on your need.
Another way to make this easier is to ask the relocation company about furniture installation and setup services so you can have a plan for furnishing the new office.
Conclusion
Furnishing your office with good-quality second-hand furniture is a great way to save money and still create an elegant but efficient workspace. You can shop at specialty stores, online marketplaces, or attend government auctions. Just be sure not to go overboard when looking for furniture; you will likely discover what you need.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
