When Is Office Furniture Rental A Good Option For Your Company?

There are many situations where office furniture rental can be invaluable for your company. You may need furniture for a new hire. Another good reason is to rent furniture for temporary or short-term employees. Other situations where renting office furniture may be necessary are for in-house training sessions, special projects, or special events. Your annual furniture budget might be depleted and renting furniture may be your best option until funds are available. In my experience the most common reason for office furniture rental is when you are moving into a new facility or renovating existing space and your permanent furniture won't arrive on time.

If you live near a heavily populated area, office furniture rental companies probably carry almost any type of furniture you need. Most rental companies stock desks with matching credenzas, bookcases, filing cabinets, desk chairs, guest chairs, training tables, conference tables, reception furniture (sofas, end tables, club chairs, etc.), systems furniture (panels, work surfaces, peds, storage products, etc.) computer tables, keyboard trays, folding tables, folding chairs, and stacking chairs. Some rental companies also carry artwork, lighting products, and other miscellaneous items.

Generally this is how office furniture rental works:

• Color and finish choices are basic and limited. This includes fabric colors, trim finished, paint colors, etc.


• Desks and the coordinating furniture pieces will probably be available in no more than two styles (usually traditional and contemporary). And, don't expect more than two veneer or laminate choices.


• Lateral file cabinets are standard rental pieces; usually available in one or two paint colors.


• Rental companies can also supply modular or systems furniture. Again, they will probably carry limited options in panel heights, fabric colors, laminates, etc. The best way to approach this option is to ask what is available for number of people you need to accommodate.

Charges for delivery and installation will probably be an additional charge. At the time you get a pricing quote, it should also include the prices for knockdown and pickup at the end of the rental period. Remember, these are one-time charges and if you want multiple deliveries or pickups additional charges are common.

Rental companies usually have some kind of terms and conditions; make sure you read these. The outcome of furniture damaged during the rental period should be addressed here.

When the furniture arrives at your facility it should be clean and in good condition. If some pieces do not meet these requirements, you must address this immediately with your sales representative. These damages could have occurred during the trucking. However, if you don't note this in writing, you may be penalized later on.

About the Author: Janet Vogel, who is retired from the office furniture industry, is now the owner of a website dedicated to Making Gift Baskets which she created to supplement her retirement income