Good office furniture and equipment in Dubai is essential to running a productive and successful business. It’s important to invest in quality, durable products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The best way to ensure you’re purchasing high-quality pieces of furniture is to seek out the services of a furniture and equipment supplier who specialises in corporate projects.

However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to tell which vendor is the right one for you and your business.

To help make your search a little easier, we’ve put together 10 questions you can ask office furniture and equipment suppliers when interviewing candidates from all over Dubai.

1. Can you work with my long-term vision?

As time goes on, your company will begin to evolve in different ways. You might change the layout of your office floor, downscale your space to accommodate more remote working, or move to a completely new workplace.

Whatever the changes, it’s important that the furniture and equipment can adapt to your ever-changing business. Take the time to envision what your company might look like in a few years and speak to your supplier to ensure that they take your present and future business needs into account when suggesting and supplying products.

2. Can you furnish a variety of spaces?

The office consists of more than just the workspace – there’s the reception area, conference room, private offices, breakroom, kitchen and any other speciality areas your business might need. The supplier you choose has to be able to furnish each space with the appropriate products.

Before interviewing any candidates, draw up a list of all the things you’ll need for each space in your office, from file storage and display cases to comfortable couches for clients.

A good supplier will also help you optimise your space planning in each area with suitable furniture and equipment while ensuring your aesthetic and style are kept consistent throughout the office.

3. What is the range of products you stock?

Your office is going to need more than just desks and chairs. You’re going to need a range of furniture and equipment. Be sure that the supplier you choose can provide all the furnishings that you need, as this will save time and be more cost-effective than using multiple suppliers.

Your supplier also needs to be aware that every workplace is different and will, therefore, require different shapes, sizes, styles and types of furniture and equipment – make sure they are capable of providing everything you need before hiring them.

4. Can you work within my budget?

Once you’ve set your budget, show it to the suppliers you’re interviewing and ask them what they’re able to provide without exceeding the allocated amount. The best suppliers will find more cost-effective alternatives to high-end items that still provide the same level of quality and durability as their expensive counterparts.

5. In what timeframe can I expect delivery?

This is one of the most important questions you need to ask potential suppliers, as you’re running a business and can’t afford to waste any precious time. They should provide a timeframe and delivery date that they can follow through on – and from there, you can decide if it works for you.

Remember, selecting and making furniture is a time-consuming process that takes weeks (maybe even months) to complete, so be sure to start the process as far ahead of your deadline as possible.

6. Do you offer used or new furniture?

It can be difficult to tell the difference between used or refurbished and new furniture – other than the price tag, of course. That being said, a supplier might be able to offer you upcycled, recycle or refurbished furniture that looks great and is cheaper, functional, as well as a more sustainable, eco-conscious option.

7. Are your products durable?

The last thing you want is furniture that is difficult to maintain, or that you have to repair or replace shortly after purchasing it. This is easily avoided by ensuring that your supply provides durable products that are long-lasting and easy to maintain.

One easy way to check this is by looking at the specification sheets that detail the durability tests, loading capacity, components and dimensions (particularly the thickness) of the products you are purchasing from a supplier.

8. What’s the quality of your furniture?

Always remember that buying office furniture is an investment – not an expense – which is why you should only purchase quality products. It can be tempting to go for the cheapest or most stylish option, but this doesn’t always mean the product is a good choice.

The aim is to get furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You want ergonomic furniture that is comfortable for clients and reduces strain, aches and other work-related ailments that employees might experience, but you also want it to be easy on the eye and fit into the interior design of the office.

9. Do you offer quality assurance?

Attractive furniture means nothing if it’s not made well. Any furniture supplier worth their salt will place a lot of focus and importance on the quality of their work and products. And it’s important to only use a supplier that can provide you with the assurance that they have quality control processes in place and provide warranties with all purchases.

Avoid any supplier who can’t or refuses to give your any quality assurance on their products, as it will likely cost you in repairs, maintenance and replacements.

Top tip: Some suppliers offer lifelong warranties and others cover no longer than 10 years. The duration and specifications of the warranty will give you a good idea of the quality, durability and life expectancy of the furniture.

10. What are the financing options available?

Most suppliers have financing options available if your budget can’t accommodate purchasing all the office equipment you need at once. Contractors.Direct, for example, has partnered with an award-winning regulated peer to peer lending platform in Dubai to offer our clients the opportunity to pay the cost in 36 monthly instalments.

Alternatively, you can consider renting office furniture and equipment instead of buying. This is a more cost-effective, faster option that allows more flexibility and style changes with your office furniture.

Need help finding a furniture & equipment supplier in Dubai?

You’re equipped with the most important questions you need to ask when looking for an office furniture supplier – now it’s time to get out there and find the best fit for your project.

If you’re not sure where to begin your search – then look no further, because you’re already at the starting line.

Contractors.Direct offers a curated database of thoroughly vetted, quality fit out contractors who can bring your vision to life, on time and on budget. Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to connect you with the right people for the job.