Buying
used furniture can be a inexpensive solution for small businesses,
start-up companies, or organizations that are experiencing rapid growth.
These Frequently Asked Questions can help you make the right decisions
before deciding to purchase used furniture:
Q: When
I buy used furniture, what am I buying?
Used Furniture generally refers to furniture that has been previously
owned. There are 3 main categories of used furniture: As-Is, Refurbished,
and Remanufactured. Each of these imply differences in terms of
quality, warranty and value.
- As-Is refers to furniture that is re-sold in the same
condition as it was purchased from the original seller. No improvements,
or very minor improvements have been made to the furniture. As-Is
used furniture is the least expensive option for purchasing used
furniture.
- Refurbished furniture has been aesthetically improved
by the re-seller from its original purchase condition. Refurbished
furniture offers a mid-price range for used furniture, and moves
closer in price to equivalent new furniture costs.
- Remanufactured furniture has been re-built by the seller
from its original condition. Component parts may have been replaced
or rebuilt. Remanufactured furniture is the most expensive used
furniture option, and is often equal in price to equivalent new
furniture.
Q: Will
I be able to buy the sizes I need ... when I need them?
Because used furniture has been re-purchased from a previous customer,
it is typically available in that original size and configuration.
This may or not represent what you need, when you need it. As a result,
there are often hidden costs in trying to make their parts and pieces
fit your specifications. And availability is not assured for those
inevitable add-ons in the sizes and finishes you may require.
Q: What
is the warranty on used furniture and who stands behind it?
When it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Instances of
organizations buying name brands like Herman Miller and Steelcase
at 70%- to 80%-off list prices are misleading. Although a name-brand
product is offered as "Completely Re-Manufactured," it is still
considered as used furniture - and with used furniture, factory
warranties don't apply. Thus, when purchasing used furniture - verify
with if the warranty still applies and with whom.
Q: Will
the electrical system be safe and will it solve my needs?
If the seller is presenting the product as re-manufactured, confirm
that all electrical products are U.L. listed and of current 4-circuit
technology. Used furniture in many cases will contain used electrical
components. Make sure there has not been too much wear and tear.
Has the wiring ever been overloaded? Overheated? Is the ground wiring
and insulation still in tact? If you are purchasing new electricals
with used furniture, verify whether or not it comes with a new warranty.
This may be difficult to verify. Most importantly, review your intention
to purchase used furniture with your insurance company.
Q: Why
does Exsel recommend As-Is furniture?
It is our experience that As-Is furniture offers the best
value in used office furniture. With Remanufactured and Refurbished
furniture, the "hidden costs" associated with the purchase can often
drive the final price higher than simply purchasing new furniture.
At Exsel we believe that As-Is furniture offers an excellent low
cost alternative for the following buyers:
- Small businesses (15 or fewer employees) or home offices
- Buyers who expect to use the product for a maximum of 2 to 3
years
- Companies for whom price is the primary concern
- Product warranty is not a concern
- Matching current furniture with future furniture is not required
- A uniform and consistent look is not a factor
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