If you are new to buying office furniture, you would do well to learn the major parties in the transaction before you buy. This document is a Who's Who guide to the people you might end up talking to during the process of buying office furniture.

Furniture Designers and Spaceplanners

Architects & Designers: If you are moving into a new space or remodeling an existing space you are probably working with an architect. They should plan the space with a general idea of office furniture layout. Often they will have interior designers on staff to insure the integration of building and interior design.
Interior Designers: An interior designer will design the entire interior of your office, from the walls and carpet to signs and office furniture. Though they often don't do detailed spaceplanning of cubicle workstations they will certainly create the general layout of the office and can recommend color palettes tying together cubicle furniture fabrics and worksurfaces with wall and carpet colors. Sometimes they will serve as a dealer for your office furniture as well.
Space Planners: Using specialized Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs, space planners will show you how to best lay out your cubicle workstation for superior function, ergonomics, efficiency, and economy. Often your dealer will do space planning but if not some systems furniture manufacturers, like Maxon Furniture, have a nationwide network to serve your needs and offer additional expertise on the details of their products.

Office Furniture Dealers

Furniture only: These dealers sell only office furniture, generally concentrating on either new or used/refurbished systems furniture. Expertise levels vary, with some dealers specializing in cubicle systems and others focusing on desks and chairs.
Supply dealers: Many dealers sell office supplies in addition to cubicle systems. Staff "furniture specialists" will often be in charge of handling office furniture sales, providing services like measuring your space and ergonomic training, as well as handling follow-up.
Catalog and Online Dealers: Office furniture is also sold online or via catalogs for those who have a limited amount of time to search or live in outlying areas. Some of these dealers offer custom office furniture layouts, so be sure to ask. If you are in a hurry, some of the catalog dealers warehouse basic cubicle systems, files, chairs and desks in your area and can deliver the next day.

Office Furniture Installers

Some installers work for office furniture dealers or moving companies, while others are independent. Installers are responsible for receiving, unpacking, installing, adjusting, and getting your cubicle systems ready for occupation. Typically your office furniture dealer will provide or contact with an installer to handle your project.

At Maxon, we are experts in all phases of assisting you with buying office furniture. Ready to get started? Click to find a Maxon dealer in your area today.

Choosing an Office Furniture Dealer