You’ve finally got your business premises picked out. It might be a bit of a fixer-upper, but with a fresh coat of paint, some new equipment and a little bit of TLC, it will be up and running. One of the most important parts of setting up your new space? Finding the right contract furniture supplier.
Whether looking for contract office furniture or seating for your new karaoke bar, you need to know what to look for in your provider. This article will shed some light on the key indicators of a top-tier supplier, so you can confidently kit out your business with commercial furniture to accommodate guests, employees and everyone in between.
An extensive range of quality pieces
Quality comes first, with quantity coming a close second. The former is for obvious reasons, while the latter is important when trusting a supplier to help you create a unique sense of place with the business. Brand identity is vital to making a connection with your customers, and the furniture in a setting plays a huge part in building character within a space. More options mean more capacity to be unique.
Similarly, a larger range of bar, cafe or hotel contract furniture (and anything else), will mean more versatility when it comes to making space-specific fittings. This means offering plenty of pieces within various categories, such as:
- Chairs
- Poufs
- Tables & bases
- Benches
- And more
A wider variety of pieces also means a better range of price points, allowing business owners to budget for their choices.
Bespoke capacities
Beyond a strong range, a good supplier should be able to offer bespoke contract furniture solutions. The ability to craft and fit pieces from scratch will allow for even more personality to be infused, ensuring truly original and unique business settings. This also accommodates more functional requirements than might be met by the range.
Industry-specific installations
The hospitality industry requires different seating than a healthcare facility. Commercial outdoor furniture (lounge seats/metal tables) and commercial office furniture (the all-important ergonomic chairs) are completely distinct beasts. The right contract furniture company should have specialised ranges and options for various industry settings. This will ensure that you curate a coherent, comfortable space, whether offering end-of-life care or start-of-the-night entertainment.
A strong history of projects & partnerships
Your contract furniture supplier should have a well-regarded history in every industry that they operate in. There’s only so much that you can extrapolate from pictures in a range or statements from the company – it’s important to look at and understand what the business is capable of doing. Good signs include high-profile clients, large client lists and detailed case studies; essentially any sort of written documentation that shows how work has been done in the past. If it’s a brand name you recognise, it could
Similarly, keep an eye out for positive reviews from clients. Anything straight from the horse’s mouth is particularly significant when it comes to determining who to trust.
Quick lead time options
Getting a business off the ground is often about momentum – not everyone has the time or the money to agonise over every little detail. You might need contract bar furniture installed by the end of the month if you want your new speakeasy to open on time. With this in mind, the best supplier will offer quick lead time options.
Keep all of these elements at the top of your mind when you’re seeking a contract furniture supplier. Quality, quantity, convenience and specificity will be your north star, whatever industry you operate in. Throw in a good reputation? You’re in business.