Office cubicles make up the backbone of any office space. They are an easy and economical way to give employees their own private space, even if your business favors an open floor plan model. Whether you are buying or leasing your offices, most buildings will come completely free of furniture, so business owners or office managers will need to find cubicles quickly and inexpensively before a new office space may be used. If this is your first time shopping for office cubicle walls, or if you are looking for creative ways to stretch your budget, there are a few ways to outfit your office in a chic and modern way while saving.
An office cubicle can mean different things to different people. Generally, a cubicle can be any type of partition that is erected to cordon off an office or desk. The least expensive option, the desktop cubicle, may be placed on shared desks. These offer the lowest amount of privacy but also tend to be the fastest when it comes to installation. On the other end of the scale are full dividing walls. These are freestanding modular office cubicles, which may include such features as doors and windows. Giving occupants the greatest amount of privacy, they can work well for any employee from managers to human resources professionals. Before you begin shopping for cubicles and accessories, consider which types of dividing walls your business will require. If you wish, feel free to mix and match based on the position of the person who will be occupying the space.
Though cubicles can be purchased through home furniture stores, these retailers typically do not represent the best value for business owners. Instead, begin your search at stores that specialize in selling office equipment for commercial spaces. The selection here will be comprised of modestly priced cubicles that are more utilitarian than those made for use in a home office are. Often, walls will be made of low-grade metal, which is a durable option, or inexpensive fabric stretched across a frame, making hanging important papers or personal effects simple. Both material options may be selected in one of a number of different color schemes. You may opt for matching cubicles throughout the office, or decide to use different colored walls to differentiate between departments.
For the best pricing, be prepared to place an order for all the cubicles that will be required to fill your space at once. Most stores offer bulk discounts to those who are ordering more than one unit at a time. Depending on the supplier that you are using, these discounts may go into effect when ordering three or more, with the prices dropping more as your order grows. Another tip for getting the best deal is to include other office supply needs in your cubicle order. Often, sales staff at large business supply distributors will have some latitude in negotiating prices with new customers. Use this to your advantage in securing the best price possible when outfitting your office.
To realize even more savings, contact distributors who specialize in used office cubicles. Unlike shopping for other types of used merchandise, buying used cubicles does not require placing bids or sacrificing service. Many of the most reputable office furniture companies now buy and sell used office accessories. Often, even used merchandise will be covered by a warranty, ensuring that the product you are ordering will work as it was represented. Buying used may mean that you have fewer options in terms of colors, but most of the larger stores will have a broad selection of used inventory in stock.
Adding other furniture like desks and chairs to your order will not just save you money, it can also save you time. Most sales representatives can point office managers to desks and other office cubicle accessories that will fit well with the models that they are ordering. If you will be using refurbished cubicles, ask about the possibility of ordering refurbished desks as well. This will help you save even more, and will enable you to set up your entire office space at once. For those who choose to buy used, it is generally recommended that you make the extra investment in new chairs. Upholstered chairs will show signs of wear more quickly than other office staples, and the expense of repairing them can add up to more than the cost of a new model.
Finding the perfect office cubicles can set the tone for success in any office. The right choice can help an employer encourage collaboration among team members and increase employee satisfaction in the workplace. Most office suppliers are happy to work with clients to help them create the ideal space to meet their needs. By sharing your goals and budget with your representative, you can create an office that makes you excited to come to work each day.
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