How To Choose A School Furniture Supplier -- Spaces4Learning

Purchasing / Procurement

How To Choose A School Furniture Supplier

By Angela Webb
07/01/18

Buying school furniture is no longer as simple as opening a catalog and making a phone call. There are ever-evolving product options, co-ops and contracts to shop through, bids to offer, and an Internet full of suppliers to choose from. This is why it’s worth the time to choose the best supplier for your needs. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

Establish a vision for your space, and make sure your supplier understands it. This will make the process easier for both of you, and you are more likely to be satisfied with the result. Your company should be able to help you plan your space. Can they help you design a layout, choose products that work, and offer CAD drawings to show you what it will look like? It’s also crucial that your supplier be able to offer multiple quotes throughout the process for different tiers of layouts.

For you to make the best choices for your furniture, your supplier will need to have plenty of options—products that meet standards, a wide range of price points, and reliable inventory. Do they offer purchasing programs like co-ops and contracts? This will save you time and money.

Your supplier’s job is not finished when the purchase has been made. The company you choose should see the project through to completion. This includes delivery and installation. Their work is not over until your space is usable.

A good supplier will not just sell you furniture—they will guide you through the entire purchasing process, from research and pricing to delivery and installation. In some ways, choosing a supplier can be the most important part of your purchase; find a good one, and it can feel like they are doing the work for you, culminating in a learning environment you love.

This article originally appeared in the School Planning & Management July/August 2018 issue of Spaces4Learning.

About the Author

Angela Webb is director of Sales at School Outfitters. She can be reached at 866/619-5311 or [email protected].

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.
Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.
Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services.
Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.