Getting the Most Value Out of Your Used Office Furniture Disposal
Every office move, renovation and closure generates no-longer-needed furniture and equipment. Whether you have a few extra chairs, filing cabinets or a warehouse full of old workstations, redistributing them is an important job that facilities and procurement professionals must handle carefully to get the most value out of their budget and timeline.
As you plan your surplus furplab.com disposition, the first thing to do is take inventory. This provides a clear understanding of the total quantity and condition of your furniture, which can help you come up with a cost model for the project that starts off on the right foot.
It’s also essential for calculating the true cost of your furniture disposal, including dismantling, removal and logistics. These are often overlooked as people simply assume that the furniture retains its market value and will sell. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. In fact, a recent study found that over 60% of all office furniture liquidations and landfills fail to earn back their initial costs.
Taking a closer look at your inventory will also reveal which items are truly garbage, such as broken chairs and desks that cannot be reused or refurbished. This is a small percentage of the average inventory, but it’s important to identify these items before working with vendors so they can be properly separated from reusable pieces for proper recycling and landfill disposal.
When buying used office furniture, it’s vital to keep in mind that you’ll only be able to get what is available on the market. This can be a problem if you need to purchase furniture in bulk for your new office space, or if you’re looking for matching pieces like conference tables or desks. When this is the case, you may be able to find some good options at auctions or estate sales, but these will most likely be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Another consideration is that used office furniture typically doesn’t come with extended warranties. This is a big deal because the longer your furniture is in use, the more wear and tear it undergoes. New furniture, on the other hand, usually comes with warranty coverage for a decade or more.
Finally, when it comes to the environment, buying used office furniture can be a huge advantage. The manufacture of new furniture creates a significant amount of air pollution, from the raw materials to the manufacturing and shipping processes. In comparison, reusing and recycling old furniture helps to cut down on this pollution, as well as saving energy and reducing waste.
The bottom line is that the choice between new and used furniture comes down to what is best for your business, your employees and your company’s finances. If you’re looking for a way to furnish your new office without breaking the bank, consider purchasing some high-quality used furniture from a trusted recycled company like RBF.
When paired with smart design, the right workspace can be a tool that drives productivity and helps your company achieve its goals. With this in mind, choosing the best furniture for your workplace can be an exciting, rewarding endeavor.
