How to Rent Office Furniture

1. Make a List of Office Furniture You Need

If money is tight, you will want to make sure that you rent office furniture that you truly need. As you visit stores and shop online, it is human nature to want more. The only way to control this urge and stay focused is make a list of the office furniture you want to rent. Be specific as you can so you can give attention to the choices that will be presented to you without worrying if you remembered everything you need.

• How to Decide What Office Furniture You Need

2. Make a Layout of the Office

Your next consideration is to make sure the office furniture you rent will actually fit in the space you plan to put it. Make a simple diagram of your office and measure the space you have available. For example, if you only have four feet of wall space to fit a desk, make sure you note that on the list you created in the previous step.

• How Much Office Space Do You Need?

3. Find a Company That Will Rent Office Furniture

There are two places you can find companies that rent office furniture: the Internet and the phonebook. I ran the search term "rent office furniture" through Google and it returned page after page of companies that are willing to rent office furniture. Secondly, you can look up "office furniture" in the yellow pages of your local phonebook. Many companies that advertise that they sell office furniture are willing to rent it too. If they do not specifically state that rental is an option, then you should ask.

4. Request a Quote

Before you write a check for your first payment and security deposit, request a written quote. Check to make sure that the quote lists "new" if you are renting new furniture. You may get stuck with used furniture if it is not clearly stated. In addition, ask to see their standard contract for renting office furniture. Look at the terms and conditions and make sure they meet your needs. Also, review the return and damage provisions of the contract. If they are unreasonable, walk away and look for another place that rents office furniture.

5. Negotiate a Rental Price

"Everything in life is negotiable" so goes the old adage, and it couldn't be more true when it come to renting office furniture. Look at the quote as a complete package. The more you rent the more negotiating power you have. Ask the following questions:

• How long is the rental period good for?
• Is there a rent-to-own clause?
• Who pays for delivery?
• Will they deliver inside or only to a loading dock?
• Will they carry it upstairs?
• Is installation and setup included?
• Who pays for return pick up?

Any of these points can be negotiated in your favor.

6. Negotiate a Delivery Date

Make sure that the delivery date is specified with penalties for late delivery and/or you have the right to cancel the contract without penalty. Some places depend upon finding office furniture at the last minute to fill their rental orders. If they have trouble, you may be waiting while they find the requested furniture. Lastly, schedule a date and time that you (or somebody you trust) will be there to receive the furniture.

7. Receive and Inspect the Rented Office Furniture

When the day finally comes that the rented office furniture is delivered, be patient and inspect each piece. Don’t let the delivery person rush you. If there is any damage to the office furniture either refuse delivery of that piece or write a detailed description of the damage on the delivery receipt before you sign it and accept delivery. Remember: you will be responsible for all damage to the furniture.