Buying a new set of office furniture online is a major investment in your business. Of course, it comes with its excitement and challenges. From researching the style, brand, and deciding whether to buy online or not, it’s not an easy task.
However, if you decide to buy online, you have to be strategic about it. Otherwise, you may end up buying workspace furniture that’s doesn’t befit your work environment. Whether you are just starting a new office or giving your existing office a makeover, here are mistakes you must avoid when buying office furniture online;
#1. Failure to Plan
You always have several options when shopping online. And without a shopping plan, you may be tempted to buy something you didn’t plan for.
Office furniture is a major business asset, and you can’t buy them on impulse. Always discuss with your team (if you have any) and decide the size, style, color, and shape of the furniture that’s perfect for your office.
Again, try to research about the brand of office furniture you are buying before you order for it. Search online to see what other customers are saying about the brand. But if you fail to plan, you won’t be able to get a great deal when buying your office furniture.
Read Also: Tips For Maintaining Your Office Furniture
#2. Buying Without Budget
One of the biggest mistakes people make when shopping online is to buy without a budget. Try to avoid it at all cost. In case you forget, it’s very easy to spend money online. And if you are buying without a budget, you may end up buying more furniture than you planned for.
Buying office furniture online without a budget comes with several negative outcomes. You may end up spending money you would have used for other operational aspects of your business. And when this happens, your business will have fewer savings, prone to debt, and more financially stressed.
You see, the decision you make to buy office furniture without a budget could ruin your business. So, always have a budget before you shop for furniture online.
#3. Not Testing Before Buying
One of the reasons why people love buying things online is the convenience and comfort that comes with it. From the comfort of your bed, you can order for anything online, including office furniture.
However, workspace furniture is not like every other product you shop online. It’s advisable to always test them to confirm their quality and know if they will look great in your workspace.
It doesn’t matter if the furniture set you are buying is beautiful or attractive. Always request for test before you make the final purchase. Don’t forget, office furniture is a major asset to your business.
#4. Failure to Plan for Shipping Times
One of the challenges people face when they shop for products online is shipping. Of course, shipping and delivery estimates are relatively accurate sometimes. But disappointment happens.
Sometimes, some unforeseen issues may delay delivery. However, if you don’t have a back-up delivery plan, you may end up getting your office furniture late.
My boss had a similar experience several years ago. He was giving our office a makeover and ordered a new set of office furniture online. He paid for them, and the day we were expecting the new furniture, my boss brought in some guys to remove the old ones.
Guess what happened? The vehicle bringing the furniture broke down, so there was a delay in the delivery. We worked for two days without furniture in our office. It was a terrible experience.
So, try to always have a back-up shipping plan to swiftly handle unforeseen delays in the shipment of your workspace furniture.
Check Out: How Essentials Are Office Partitions For Your Office
#5. Buying Office Furniture Online That Isn’t BIFMA Certified
Buying office furniture is capital intensive, and it is not something you would love to do all the time. So, it’s important to always consider office furniture that is durable and safe to use for its intended purpose.
Ensure that the furniture brand you are getting is BIFMA certified. BIFMA is an acronym for Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers’s Association.
The body regulates the standards within the office furniture industry. They ensure that office furniture is of commercial grade and can withstand over 8 hours of use every day.
However, the standards aren’t enforceable; they are voluntary. But in your interest, try to get office furniture that is BIFMA certified when shopping online.
#6. Choosing Price Over Quality
With several unfamiliar brands of office furniture offering you mouthwatering deal online, you may be tempted to compromise quality. And you must avoid this mistake when buying workspace furniture online; otherwise, it may come back to bite you.
Many business owners have bought bad and flimsy office furniture in the past because they sacrificed quality on the altar of low price. Trust me, choosing low price over quality will cost you more money in the long run.
#7. Buying Office Furniture Online Without Warranty, Return or Support Plan
Whenever you are shopping for furniture online for your office, always consider the product with a warranty, return, or support plan.
If you order for office furniture with a warranty online, you will enjoy a reduction in the total cost of ownership. Most times, manufacturers remove or reduce the cost of maintaining the office furniture for a while.
However, the cost of maintenance and repairs relating to the normal wearing and tearing of the office furniture isn’t part of the warranty.
#8. Choosing Beauty over Comfort
Sometimes, people are carried away by the beauty and attractiveness of office furniture they see online. And they may end up buying the beautiful furniture without checking if they have ergonomic.
The piece of furniture may look cool and irresistible, but remember that you and your employees will be spending 40 hours a week or more in the furniture. Prioritize you and your employees’ comfort over beauty.
These are the 8 mistakes you should avoid when buying office furniture online. Take note of them, and you will get great value for your money the next time you get office furniture online.
