Every business periodically makes large purchases, be it a company car, a new piece of heavy machinery, office furniture or a basic copy machine. Because it is especially difficult for a small firm to take on the strain of immediate payment or the long-term commitment of financing caused by these purchases, it makes sense to look beyond buying new. Purchasing items secondhand or selecting the option of a lease can be economical and sensible alternatives. Industry-specific equipment is often of comparable quality whether used or new. However, find out why the seller no longer wants it, and thereby avoid purchasing someone else's problem.
Office furniture can be extremely costly when new, and a bad investment if quality is poor.
The authenticity and condition of furniture should be carefully examined before buying. Computers that have not failed during the warranty period are not likely to fail afterwards. Companies may sell a system simply because they have outgrown it, or want to upgrade their equipment. Dependable, standard-use items such as store fixtures are less likely to break or become unusable. Classifieds in trade magazines or newspapers are sometimes extremely useful.