I’m opening up my first office space. Where can I find cheap office equipment online to support my team in this new space?
IKEA and Poppin
“We utilized IKEA’s delivery service for the bulk of our office furniture and ordered Poppin accessories to brighten up our work areas. The team loves the bright pens, pen cups and notebooks that coordinate with our company’s color.”
BOBBY EMAMIAN, Prolific Interactive
Business Barter Communities
“Sometimes there are some interesting business barter communities available in metropolitan areas. As a business, you might find value earning barter money and then spending it on furniture with another business in the barter community. I’m a part of the BizX community, and I definitely recommend it. “
ANDY KARUZA, Brandbuddee
Costco
“Don’t waste your beg, borrow and steal cards on your office — reserve those for your trials. Instead, use Costco. As a business guy, I know they make money on the membership, not the goods, so tables, chairs and electronics are low cost. A big bonus for most of the startups that are on the move is that the furniture is built to move and last (folding tables with handles never looked so good).”
MATT EHRLICHMAN, Porch
Friends
“When setting up your first office, I always advise starting on the cheap and then figuring out what your real needs are. Ask friends at big companies to keep an eye out for furniture that they’re getting rid of, and see if you can buy it for a discount. Similarly, as startups get bigger, they’re often willing to hand over old furniture in support of a younger business. Ask and they will furnish!”
AARON SCHWARTZ, Modify Watches
Eofficedirect.com
“Eofficedirect.com offers just about anything you can think of to outfit a new office. The available inventory includes communications products, presentation equipment, computer supplies, accessories and more. Orders over $75 ship for free, and the site has a live chat feature in case you have any questions.”
ANDREW SCHRAGE, Money Crashers Personal Finance
“Can’t hurt to ask! We were able to find some surprisingly cheap and high-quality furniture simply by asking around through our social networks if there was anyone looking to offload any furniture. “
DEREK FLANZRAICH, Greatist
Craigslist
“It sounds crazy, but at least if you’re near a big city, keep an eye on Craigslist. I’ve gotten thousands of dollars worth of equipment and furniture for a few hundred bucks just by spotting a few listings by companies going out of business.”
THURSDAY BRAM, Hyper Modern Consulting
Your Realtor’s Clients
“Ask your realtor about any of his larger clients who are in the process of moving. Often, companies like these will gladly give up office equipment that won’t make sense in their new space.”
ROBERT J. MOORE, RJMetrics