5 Things to Consider Before Buying Office Furniture Wholesale

Weighing the pros & cons

Smart small business owners are always searching for ways to save money—which makes wholesale furniture vendors especially appealing. Buying office furniture wholesale can offer significant savings when compared to retail pricing, but it’s not the right choice for every business.

While Walmart Business doesn’t offer wholesale purchasing (yet!), we still want to give small business owners the tools and information they need to be successful. With that in mind, here are five important things to know about buying office furniture wholesale.

Wholesale office furniture: 7 things you should know

1. Buying bulk office furniture saves time…

One of the benefits of wholesale furniture stores is that they often allow customers to buy in bulk. If you’re starting from scratch, that significantly speeds up the time it takes to furnish the office.

That said, buying in bulk isn’t always the most beneficial choice. If you’re planning on keeping your workforce small for the foreseeable future, bulk buying might not be the answer. Consider the size of your company and your plans for expansion while weighing your options.

2. …and Money

Beyond the ease with which you can furnish an office, the main appeal of buying in bulk is the cost savings. When you buy more of an item, wholesalers are typically able to offer it at lower prices. Those savings add up when you consider how many desks, chairs, tables and computers you’ll have to buy over the lifetime of your business—not to mention the consolidated shipping costs.

3. Vendor relationships could yield better deals

On the wholesale market, pricing is often more flexible, and vendors are generally willing to work with their customers to provide the best possible service. By staying loyal to a particular wholesale furniture store, you may be able to unlock even more benefits in the future, such as faster shipping or lower prices.

Before committing to any particular vendor, be sure to understand the benefits each company can provide beyond bulk orders and discounts. Solicit recommendations from other leaders in your industry.

4. But beware of minimum orders

Many wholesale furniture vendors require minimum orders—not ideal if you’re a startup with just a handful of employees. Even if you save money on each piece of furniture, you may end up with far more than you need, which is not the best way to optimize your budget.

Always make sure that any order minimums are in line with your needs. If your shopping list isn’t particularly long, you may be better off with a retailer that allows you to handpick exactly what you need and nothing more.

5. Let your business needs guide you

Ultimately, whether or not you benefit from buying office furniture wholesale depends entirely on your business. If you’re just opening your doors but planning on rapid expansion, wholesale makes sense—you can buy staples in bulk and save money while planning for the future. On the other hand, if your furniture needs aren’t extensive, you’ll likely find what you want at the retail level without having to buy more than you need.

And while it’s not a hard and fast rule, retailers often offer a greater variety of options than wholesalers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at wholesale stores, it might be time to find a reliable retail partner.

Choosing office furniture sets is easier with Walmart Business

If you’re not sure that wholesale marketplaces are the best choice for your company, Walmart Business can help. Our budget-friendly office furniture selection includes everything from desks and seating to technology and storage, and we’re always adding more to the lineup. Orders are fulfilled quickly, and there’s even a convenient app to make shopping easier. Get started today by setting up a free Walmart Business account.