Let’s face it, the business goes on despite the slowdown. Your office furniture and equipment remains functional as well. These business necessities don’t heed the slow economy. However, your equipment budget does. Many small business owners are finding themselves in need of new office furniture and equipment and without the funds to buy new. The ones who have the budget are hesitant to make the expenditures because no one knows what turn the economy may make next. Fortunately, there’s a solution.
Furnishing A Business the Unconventional Way
As past generations have learned, in an economic downturn, one must get creative. Here are five ways to find furniture and equipment for your business at a fraction of the original price.
1 – Government Surplus
The U.S. Government Surplus Agency or GSA will become your best-kept secret. This is the agency that takes all of the seized property (equipment, vehicles, real estate, etc.), overstock, and leftover items (from an upgrade or renovation of a government office) to sell to the public. The GSA holds auctions similar to eBay. You must register, but anyone can buy from the GSA auctions—from private citizens to corporations.
One thing to remember, however, is that you may have to pick up the larger items after the auction, so try to bid only on local items and read the fine print. The GSA sells everything from large lots of desk chairs to a gross of printers. The auction all start at fraction of the cost. See www.gsa.gov for more information.
2 – Craigslist
We all know that you get just about anything on Craigslist. Very few think to look to the site for business equipment. You must look at the items carefully, but one can find office furnishings here and eclectic pieces that would work well in an office setting.
3 – Wholesale Furniture Dealers
Wholesalers buy equipment and furniture straight from the manufacturer in order to sell to the public. Their prices are much lower on new items because the distributor and retailer are out of the purchase process. However, an inspection of the items is necessary before buying as wholesalers often buy “irregular” items to sell at a discount. Look for wholesalers who sell items leftover from hotel and restaurant renovations. They may call themselves liquidators.
4 – Bankruptcy Auctions
Another option is the bankruptcy auction. Businesses sell of their assets at auction in order to liquidate per court order. This is an opportunity for you to find a bargain. You’ll find most auctions in the legal section of your newspaper.
5 – eBay
Yes, eBay!
It is the best place to find a bargain. Look for wholesale lots, furniture, and equipment that are pickup only. These often sell at lower price and have the least bidders because online buyers rarely want to pickup anything.
As you would any item purchased for the business, check for signs of extreme wear and test the item before you take it to your business. Only eBay offers safeguards against buying items that do not work according to the ad. The others usually have a no return policy.
Your search may take some time, but it will be well worth the savings when you get a replacement desk that cost your pennies on the retail dollar.
