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With a big purchase always comes the consideration of cost, compared with the value of the service or product. Cost and value are completely different things, however. Spending a little bit more money up front to ensure equipment lasts makes financial sense and allows the biggest return on investment.

Selecting the right call center furniture is no different. According to this Interior Concepts report, there are many factors to consider to guarantee the biggest bang for your buck. And, because individuals working in a call center environment spend a lot of time in their cubicle, these spaces take a lot of abuse.

Simply examining cost without taking into consideration the furniture’s design – including how ergonomic it is and just how well it fits the space – as well as its sturdiness and sustainability over time is a big mistake.

A well-designed piece that allows easy access to cords and cabling can reduce the time it takes to get the center or a team up and running. Easy access will result in an installation cost savings of up to 40 percent, and a good design will also make system upgrades much easier in the future.

Removable panels also make sense. That way, if something is damaged, just that one piece needs to be replaced and not the entire system. This will result in significant cost savings and allow for easy repairs.

With the economy still in a volatile state, it often makes sense to decision makers to purchase used call center furniture. But, buyers should be wary of a company’s throw-aways. If the design isn’t suitable for your space, it may be a bad investment, even if the price tag (News - Alert) is low. Any initial savings could quickly be eaten up by worker’s comp claims for ergonomic issues or extra rent paid for a piece that takes up unnecessary floor space.

If the decision is made to purchase new, inquire about a virtual walk-through before purchase. This will help eliminate any surprises and ensure that the call center furniture will meet the design and space specifications needed. Make sure the manufacturer keeps an electronic copy of all specifications so that future additions or changes will be a breeze.

Look for a company that stands behind its collection of call center furniture, a company that offers a lifetime warranty on its products is vouching for its quality. Offering a lifetime warranty can also add to the sustainability or longevity of a piece, resulting in the use of fewer natural resources, fewer VOCs and allows for a cleaner work environment with less allergies and sickness.

In short, a lot more is at stake than just the price tag when considering the purchase of call center furniture. Issues with employee productivity and comfort will cost more in the long-run than any savings achieved from purchasing a bargain. And, overall value as determined by such factors as durability is not to be overlooked. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.