7 Questions To Ask When Buying Office Furniture

Unless you’ve been designing professional office spaces for as long as we have (20+ years), you probably have a few questions about finding the right furniture, among many other topics. It can be challenging to know where to start if you’re designing a workspace without expert help. 

To spark some inspiration and help you initiate those design conversations, we’ve prepared a list of 7 questions to ask when buying office furniture, drawn from the thorough quote process we conduct with every Benhar client. While our work extends well beyond this step into top-notch services and unrivaled results, we use a similar approach to get a baseline understanding of your brand’s specific needs before adding any design flourishes. 

Have more questions? Let’s chat.

Buying Tips for Office Furniture

Before you buy office furniture, it’s important to plan out what to ask different vendors to help streamline your purchasing decisions. Your questions will generally fall into a few main categories, like budget, space planning, comfort, and quality. The table below provides a few factors that often shape the discovery process to help ensure that you ask the right questions when you meet with furniture dealers.

7 Questions To Ask When Buying Office Furniture

This list – though far from exhaustive – is intended to help you think more deeply about all the types of questions that will require answers before you can complete your project. You’ll need to answer some yourself and pose other questions to dealers when you request quotes.

As you imagine your final project results in greater detail, jot down some questions to stay organized and ensure you’re ready to embark on your furniture-buying journey. Feel free to add to this list as new ideas emerge, but make sure you include the following basic questions. 

1. How Do I Determine a Budget for Office Furniture?

To set your budget, you need to have a solid understanding of your overall interior design costs. An experienced furniture dealer will provide precise figures to help you prepare your budget accordingly. Plan on allowing between $1,800 and $5,000 for each workstation, up to $25,000 for conference tables, and at least $500 per task chair beforeinstallation costs. Remember to reserve approximately 20% of your total budget for delivery, installation, and final touches. 

2. What Types of Spaces Do I Need To Furnish?

Your furniture needs directly inform your budget, so you’ll need to have a good idea of what types of spaces you want to see in your finished workspace. How many conference areas do you need? Do you need a reception or waiting area? Do you offer a pantry, lounge, or break room(s)?

Take measurements, request floor plans from your landlord, or invite your furniture dealer to survey your office in person. This will assist as you take inventory and help you map out exactly what you need for a successful project.

3. What Other Services Do Dealers Offer?

Compared to Big Box stores or online retailers, furniture dealers go the extra mile. When you meet with a dealer or request a quote, you’ll want to get a clear understanding of their additional menu of services and how much they’ll cost you. If you need minor interior construction or additional painting or carpeting for an office refresh, your furniture dealer will likely be able to help.

Many dealers also offer ancillary services like assembly, simple project management, and liquidation for furniture you no longer need.

4. How Do I Visualize My Furniture Selections?

Furniture dealers often don’t have stock on hand, leaving room to customize and special order your selections. Reviewing catalogs, product photos, and portfolio designs can make abstract ideas feel more tangible, but you may want added visibility for big-ticket items. 

A reputable office furniture dealer will arrange showroom visits, present technical drawings, and explore virtual renderings, so you can make your purchasing decisions with confidence.

5. What Brands Are Best for Ergonomics?

Lean on your furniture dealer for their insider knowledge. If comfort and ergonomics are a priority for you, share that information at the beginning so you can take full advantage of all their product offerings. Brands like Herman Miller and Knoll have long legacies of developing workstations and seating solutions that support daily comfort.

6. What Warranties Are My Purchases Eligible For?

Making an investment in your furniture comes with perks. High-quality manufacturers and dealers will stand by their products, offering guarantees against defects and support for future repairs. Understanding your warranties can save you money and hassle should issues arise. Don’t hesitate to ask your dealer to walk you through all the inclusions –– and exclusions –– of your warranty agreement, so you won’t have to deal with any surprises later.

7. How Much Room Do I Have To Customize My Selections?

One of the biggest perks of ordering office furniture from a dealer is customization, but not all dealers are created equally. Whether you’re working alone with a dealer or through an interior designer, it’s important that your office –– down to the furniture –– is an authentic representation of your vision and goals. You’ll want to zero in on your specific design preferences and make decisions that align with those styles. Collaborate with your design team to learn more about fabric and finishing options that make your furniture uniquely yours. 

Direct Your Burning Questions to the Experts at Benhar Office Interiors

At Benhar Office Interiors, our Design Resource Group and other team members are here to answer all your questions about office furniture, arming you with the most up-to-date information to make your best decisions.