Online shopping has many factors impacting the purchasing decision — availability, customer service, product reviews, pricing, brand reputation, and more. And, of course, price. But in the quest for the lowest price, we risk losing track of other equally important factors that contribute to the overall value. Unfortunately, the value of a commercial furniture retailer is often overlooked during a shopping experience.
Let’s say you need a new sofa in your reception area. You spent weeks scouring the internet and you finally found one you think will work. Out of the three different color options you select the one that’s closest to what you want. You purchase the sofa, it arrives a couple weeks later, and it looks pretty good, especially considering it only cost $600. But after a few months it begins to fail. The seat cushions flatten out, the upholstery frays, the legs come loose, and the arm starts to wobble. One of the problems with buying furniture online is that you assume all the risk. The furniture may look great on your computer screen, but what you don’t know is how the piece will actually perform. This is where the value of a reputable dealer becomes so important. They know what to look for on the front end to save you time and money in the long run.
PLANNING
A good dealer will factor your growth projections into your furniture plan, ensuring that you not only have the right amount of furniture, but also that your technology is laid out to support the growth. Avoid being the company that has to put new employees in the break room. Partner with an office furniture dealer to get it right the first time.
DESIGN
Good commercial furniture dealers typically have design departments, and the designers there are qualified professionals with furniture expertise in addition to space planning and design skills. If there isn’t an interior design firm involved in your project, the dealer’s design department can handle the space planning and design, in addition to the creating the appropriate furniture specifications to meet your budget and express your company’s brand.
CHOICE
You want the best deal – especially when you’re purchasing large items. Finding a reputable office furniture dealer gives you a single source to find the best options and prices available. You can leverage their experience and relationships with manufacturers to find exactly what you’re looking for.
INSTALLATION
An authorized dealer will work within your schedule and manage the logistics of receiving, inspecting, delivering, and putting your new furniture in place. Should something happen to your furniture down the road, they’ll manage the warranty and service process for you, as well.
PROTECTION
When it comes to good office furniture, an authorized dealer is your protection. An authorized dealer ensures you get the manufacturer’s warranty. Depending on the product, these warranties can be very generous. If something happens to your product it will be repaired with no out-of-pocket cost to you, using new manufacturer parts. This alone can save hundreds of dollars over the product’s lifetime. (For example, Loft + Manor furniture is covered by a 10-year warranty, versus many online furniture companies with only 1 year warranties – or some with none at all).
PRICE
A big advantage of working with a dealer is quantity discount. This is the point of negotiation where your dealer’s relationships and yearly order volume come into play – where a contract furniture dealership has a distinct advantage that you can capitalize on.
For the best result, bring in a furniture dealer at the beginning of your design process – even before you have walls. Like everything else, office furniture is more modern and complex than it used to be. Working with a reputable dealer will make your furniture purchase a fun, creative, and stress-free experience.
Need help finding a dealer in your area? We work with dealers all over the US and can recommend a dealer who would be a great fit for you and your project. Check out our Authorized Dealers in the ABOUT section of our website or contact us. We’re here to help!