Thinking through your budget for a major purchase is rarely as simple as asking, “How much can I afford to spend?” When it comes to furniture purchases, companies must find a balance between budget constraints and the need for durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture. This means considering factors beyond sticker price to ensure you make a wise investment.
Although it may be more expensive up front, purchasing quality contract furniture often proves more cost-effective in the long run compared to seemingly more budget-friendly options.
Considering the total cost of ownership
Thinking beyond a product’s sticker price involves considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). This can include:
- The purchase price
- Maintenance costs
- Disposal costs
- Any other hidden costs associated with a product
In other words, TCO accounts for all the costs of a product across its entire lifecycle.
Furniture that seems cheaper may have a higher TCO if it requires more maintenance or needs to be replaced after just a few years of use.
The true cost of low-quality furniture
Low-quality furniture may come with an attractive price tag, but you have to consider if the initial savings are worth the long-term cost. Consider these ways “lower-cost” options can cost you in the long run:
- Shorter lifespan: Low-quality materials and construction typically cause furniture to degrade more quickly. That means you should expect to replace cheaper furniture more frequently.
- Maintenance and repairs: You may not always have to replace damaged furniture, but even in these instances, you take on the costs of materials and labor to repair furniture or replace individual components.
- Degraded functionality: As furniture breaks down, it may no longer deliver its intended functionality and comfort. Trying to maximize the furniture’s usable lifespan by keeping it in commission when it’s not in great shape may leave the furniture’s users dissatisfied and with a poor impression of your brand.
As a writer for The Washington Post points out, “Cheap manufacturing practices have conditioned consumers to expect that furniture should be inexpensive and fall apart in a few years.” This mentality can put individual consumers and companies into an endless cycle of replacing poor-quality furniture. Even when your furniture is still functional, it’s likely falling short of the impression you want to make on employees, patients, guests, students, or customers. In short, the adage, “You get what you pay for,” tends to ring true when it comes to furniture.
Benefits of investing in quality contract furniture
We’ve seen the financial downsides of opting for cheap furniture. So what are the upsides of choosing quality contract furniture? Let’s look at some of the ways you can expect a positive return on your investment:
- Durability and longevity: Higher-quality furniture is designed to withstand heavy use in commercial environments, so you can expect your furniture to maintain its functionality and aesthetic for many years. Plus, higher quality furniture typically lends itself better to repairs (versus necessitating a total replacement) if damage ever occurs, so you may be able to extend furniture’s lifespan even further.
- Cost-efficiency: A long-term perspective on your budget will reveal cost savings when you choose furniture built to last. Imagine if you divided the cost of your furniture over each year of its usable lifespan. You could pay less every year than you would for cheaper furniture that breaks down quickly.
- Sustainability: Choosing durable furniture contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing the need for frequent replacements and all the waste that goes along with them. Furniture that lasts is inherently more sustainable than cheap furniture destined for a landfill just a few years after purchase.
- Warranty and support: Quality furniture should come from a quality company. That means you can benefit from the promise of warranties and ongoing support when you need it to maximize your furniture’s performance and lifespan.
It’s also worth noting that there can be less obvious but still significant benefits to your company’s profitability when you choose quality contract-grade furniture. The positive impression you make on users can help you improve employee satisfaction and retention at your office or justify a higher daily rate at your hotel.
For example, Foliot Furniture worked with Carleton University to install high-quality furniture that would attract new students, improve student retention, and support more efficient cleaning processes for staff.
How to choose quality contract furniture
If you want to make a wise investment in quality furniture, the question remains: Where will you purchase it? Consider these factors as you seek out the right manufacturer:
- Vendor reputation: Prioritize vendors known for their quality products and customer service. Reviews and case studies can be great resources to guide your search.
- Commitment to quality design, construction, and materials: Understand that quality can involve innovative design, careful construction techniques, and durable materials. Look for a company that keeps their production in-house so they can maintain quality control.
- Quality guarantees: You can also look for certifications, guarantees, and warranties that offer peace of mind that furnishings will meet compliance with industry standards and last.
Make a purchasing decision you’ll be proud of years from now
Investing in quality contract furniture offers long-term benefits that can pay off considerably for both you and users.
Ready to find furniture that will impress users and benefit your company for years to come? Explore Foliot’s range of quality, domestically produced, contract-grade furniture collections, and contact our team to set up a consultation!
