Getting Sticker Shock

Getting sticker shock while shopping is not uncommon, especially in modern times.  Pricing keeps going up and we often have a budget in mind, and we usually find ways to exceed it far more quickly than we expect.  This is more noticeable when making large purchases such as office furniture.  Unlike groceries and clothing, we do not make significant purchases often and things change drastically over a long period of time.  Furthermore, we want to make sure we are buying quality products and in today’s economy being cheap can come with a cost.

Price vs Quality

Finding the right desk, chair, and table can be challenging.  It is easy to find something affordable online, but low-priced items are typically poorly made.  In contrast, high end items are often overpriced, and the cost does not always make sense.  Finding the best choice between the two can be a real challenge. We want to pay for function and longevity.  We also do not want to overpay for style and design. How do we know if something is more expensive for a reason or if a cheap seller and manufacturer are trying to take us for everything we have?  How do we know if a more expensive product is actually worth the extra cost?

Material

The first step in assessing a product is understanding how it is made.  There are many different qualities of laminates, upholstery, steel, particle boards, and wood.  Desktops are made with different densities and board thickness.  Dense particle boards can last for years while low density ones can break with a modest impact.  Additionally, some chairs are upholstered with high quality fabrics and leather that will last for decades if properly cared for.  When cheap imitations fall apart quickly and can end up ripping or flaking after a shorter period. Finally, there are tons of different qualities of steel.  Some hold an immense amount of weight and pressure, while others can be bent with our hands. Not all cheaper upholsters will fall apart and not all particle boards are weak.  The best way to understand how well a product is made is to read the posted online facts, ask questions, read reviews, and do some research.

Certifications

Another way to understand if a product is worth the cost is to see if it has any acclimates or certifications.  There are many third-party companies whose purpose is to assess and rate products. Additionally, many wood or laminate products have density ratings and have guaranteed thickness.  While many seating upholstery options have grades and will specify its material content.  This information is often not displayed on webpages but is usually available.  Knowing what you are getting helps you make an informed decision when it comes to making a purchase.

How to Decide

There are several factors to consider before making an informed decision.  Budget and price, the quality and lifetime expectations, what it is made of, and what it will be used for, are all important.  There are several ways to get good answers.  The first is the most time consuming.  Do some research.  Spend some intentional time reading reviews, looking up the manufacturer, its warranty and reputation, and reach out to sellers to get details about how the products are made.  The second way is simply looking at what you already have or asking those who you know have made good purchasing decisions.  A happy consumer will always be willing to talk about their things.  Finally, you can consult or hire an expert.  Plenty of people make a living providing solutions to the needs of large buyers.  Feel free to reach out to us for any of your office furniture needs at sales@furniturewholers.com.