If you are a startup or an entrepreneur, you probably know how expensive it can be to start a business. You may have already spent thousands on things like marketing materials and website design, but did you consider the cost of your office furniture?
The truth is that many people don’t consider this part of their budget as important until they have to buy some. However, it’s vital that you look at the cost of your office furniture when considering your startup costs. The last thing you want is to blow all your money on something that doesn’t even work for your team.
Luckily, there are plenty of affordable furniture options for Australian startups and entrepreneurs. Read on to learn more.
Determining Budget and Needs
When starting up, you should know what kind of budget you have to work with. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Assessing Financial Constraints
When figuring out which desks are right for you, consider your financial constraints. The best way to do that is by understanding the maximum amount of money you can spend on office furniture.
Once you determine your budget and set a limit on how much you are willing to spend on office desks, it’s time to start looking at options that fit those constraints.
Defining Functional Requirements
What do you need this desk to do? How many people will be sitting at it regularly? Will it have a computer, laptop or monitor on top, or just papers and folders? Do you need room for storage drawers underneath? Ensure that the desk you choose will suit the tasks you need to perform.
Next, consider the features and functionalities required. Does this desk have special features like a built-in electrical outlet and cable management or locking drawers? Do you want a hutch or other cabinet on top of the desk to hold additional items?
Once you define these, you can narrow your options and find the perfect fit for your home office.
Exploring Budget-Friendly Desk Options
Let’s take a look at some of the best budget-friendly desk options available right now in Australia.
Basic Writing Desks
The best thing about basic writing desks is that they are easy to use. You can find them in various sizes and styles, but they all have one thing in common — they are super practical.
Basic writing desks are perfect for small rooms or apartments because they take up very little space and are easy on your wallet. They don’t usually have any bells or whistles, so they won’t cost you a fortune either.
Compact and Space-Saving Desks
A compact desk is an excellent option if you have a small space and needs the most bang for your buck. Compact desks are easy to assemble, feature many purposeful pieces, and come in various designs, colours, and materials.
Secondhand and Refurbished Desks
Many organizations in Australia have older furniture they want to get rid of, so you can take advantage of their goodwill and get some great stuff cheap. When looking for a desk in Australia, try searching online classifieds or Ebay for “used office furniture” or “secondhand office furniture.” You will find plenty of options there.
DIY and Customizable Desks
You want a cheap office desk, but you don’t want a plain old boring one. You want something unique that will stand out in your office space. So how do you find one that’s budget-friendly and still looks great?
The answer is simple — DIY or customize it. If you want a unique desk, there are plenty of ways to make one yourself with some creativity and elbow grease. But if making a custom desk isn’t up your alley, plenty of options available today allow you to customize everything from colour to size and shape.
Examples of DIY projects include building your own standing desk with a few supplies from home and creating your ergonomic office chair with some foam, fabric, and paint. You can also find customizable options for entrepreneurs, like standing tables or adjustable-height desks that look great in any space.
Considering Quality and Durability
When it comes to office desks, quality and durability are key. After all, you will be using your desk for years to come. So, find a sturdy and comfortable desk that will last for as long as possible.
Balancing Affordability and Longevity
The quality and durability of your desk will impact how you work, so you must spend time thinking about these factors in addition to the price.
The tips below can help you identify well-made, budget-friendly desk options:
- Avoid cheap desks with short warranties
- Look for value for money options with long warranties
- Make sure the desk is good quality, well made and stable
- Make sure the desk has enough space to fit your equipment
Materials and Construction
Some materials used in desk construction are more durable than others. Here are the main ones.
Melamine: It’s a very durable material, particularly commercial quality melamine, but it can be damaged easily by scratching or gouging if it’s abused.
Plastic: Plastic is often used for low-cost, mass-produced desks, but it’s actually quite sturdy and durable. They’re usually available in any colour and often easy to clean.
Wood: Wood is an excellent choice for an affordable desk because it’s strong and beautiful. This material comes in a wide range of styles, from modern to antique, so you can find something that works with your decorating scheme.
Metal: Metal is another great choice for an affordable desk because it’s sturdy and durable, particularly when it’s been powder coated. Plus, it has a sleek look that will give your office a sophisticated look.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Ergonomics and comfort are two essential factors when buying an office desk. If you will be sitting in that chair for hours, ensure the office desk is the right fit for your body.
Importance of Ergonomics
When buying new furniture for your office, you should always ensure it is ergonomic. This means it has been designed to support your body in the most comfortable position possible while working at your desk. For example, you should look for a chair with adjustable height and ergonomic tilt settings so that you can adjust it to fit your body perfectly. Also, consider whether or not the desk will help prevent wrist strain by offering wrist rests or other features that prevent excessive bending or twisting of your hands while typing on the keyboard.
Adjustability and Customization
In the office furniture world, it’s essential to consider a few things. Firstly, you want to ensure your desk is adjustable somehow. This can be achieved using a height-adjustable base or adding an adjustable keyboard tray.
Secondly, consider what kind of customization is available for your desk. You may have employees who require specialized ergonomic adjustments (e.g., tiltable keyboards or wrist rests, for example), or you may be looking for desks that accommodate wheelchairs. If this is an issue for you, you should look at desks that offer this type of customization as part of their standard features.
Researching and Comparing Options
It can be a little overwhelming when looking for new office desks. There are so many options, and you might be stuck on which one to choose. Before you start making your search, take some time to research the different options available.
Online Furniture Retailers
In Australia, several online retailers sell office desks at affordable prices. These sites have an extensive range of options for office desks, and many include free delivery.
To compare the prices and specifications of these products, you should identify reputable online retailers. Here are some tips on how to do that.
- Check the website’s About Us page to learn more about the company and its history
- Look at the site’s return policy and warranty information before purchasing
- Read customer reviews to see if other customers have had good experiences with the retailer
Local Office Furniture Stores
If you want an in-person shopping experience, local office furniture stores are your best bet. You can get in-person advice from the salespeople who work there, and they can help you find exactly what you need without having to wait for shipping or dealing with return policies.
Local brick-and-mortar stores come with several benefits, including:
- You can see the product in person before purchasing it
- Local stores often have more options than online retail stores (even if they don’t have as many brands)
- Local stores often offer delivery services for free or for a small fee
- Local stores often allow returns with no questions asked if you are unhappy with your purchase.
Maximizing Value for Money
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get quality office furniture. With a bit of planning and research, you can buy everything you need at an affordable price.
Considering Long-Term Investment
When shopping for office furniture, it can be tempting to just look at the price tag and start loading up your cart. But if you are considering a long-term investment, ensure your desk is not only affordable but also durable and cost-effective.
To do this, assess the overall value and cost-effectiveness of the desk. If you plan to use it for years or even decades, balance upfront costs with the durability and longevity of the chosen desk. This way, when you are ready to upgrade later, your previous purchase won’t feel like a waste of money. It will have been an investment in your company’s future.
Warranty and Return Policies
When buying a desk, it’s essential to understand the warranty and return policies that come with your purchase. This way, you can rest assured that your investment will protect your investment in case of any issues.
Warranties can range from one year to ten years, and occasionally longer, so you want to research the options available and find what works best for your needs. Also, consider customer service and satisfaction when buying a new desk. Find a company with excellent customer service reviews so that if something goes wrong with your desk, you can be confident that someone can help you quickly.
Conclusion
As a start-up or small business, you have many options for affordable office desks. The trick is to assess your budget and needs, then find the best desk within your means, keeping in mind quality, ergonomics, and comfort. Australia is home to a lot of furniture options for startups and entrepreneurs that won’t put a dent in your budget but will still get the job done.
The key is knowing what you need, what you want, and what’s within your budget so you can get exactly what fits into your space, while still giving you everything you need to be productive at work every day.
