At ComputerDesk.com, that network encompasses all of our manufacturers, who constantly seek excellence. One of those manufacturers is Walker Edison, a Salt Lake City, Utah-based company that thrives on innovation. Their team delights in working outside the box and exploring how traditional designs can be recreated for a modern office.
Take a look through some of their recent offerings, and how their out-of-the-box style creates a unique office furniture design!
A style rapidly gaining ground in a variety of offices is the modern farmhouse aesthetic. With rugged structures, industrial flair, and a focus on functionality, these pieces stand out in any setting, be it the professional or home office. This L-shaped desk blends sleek matte white with a natural top for a traditional farmhouse look, finishing the design with exposed, bold hardware. The neat, no-nonsense structure ensures maximum functionality.
Speaking of maximum, this bookcase offers maximum use of even small corners through the slender footprint. Triangular shelves ensure that it can be tucked into any corner, while the stacked, ladder-like structure gives plenty of room for storing and displaying items or books.
Finally, this elegant addition to these new releases stands out through the addition of a sliding barn door on the front. With six shelves, and an array of stunning rustic finishes, it is a perfect addition to any office in need of extra storage.
With refreshing styles and stunning finishes, Walker Edison is leading the industry with modern farmhouse design. Keep a close watch for new items from this manufacturer!
]]>Image from: https://deavita.net/christmas-office-decorating-ideas.html
With just a little effort, any office can brighten with the joy of the season! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas season!
]]>Image from: https://www.thespruce.com/best-office-plants-4169917
Studies have shown that when a person is allowed to rest, even momentarily, from regular office work and switch their focus towards a natural space, be it large or small, productivity and creativity drastically increase in the workplace. Shifting the focus of the brain to an unpredictable, natural space brings different areas of the mind to bear, promoting creative problem solving, loss of tension, and new energy in a project.
Any office can benefit from even the lightest edge of biophilic design. Simple shifts like adding soft, natural colors and textures to the office, including houseplants to group spaces, or even adding an aquarium as a natural space divider can aid in crafting a biophilic office space. Blues, greens, and other natural shades can mimic the feeling of a forest, while creams and golden tones bring to mind open fields. Check out the warm tones of some of our Office Chairs for inspiration and a sleek modern design filled with natural appeal. Increasing natural light is also a large boost in the workplace, according to K2 Space.
Certain types of houseplants work well in offices, especially sun-loving ones. Snake plants, ivy, various succulents, tropicals, ferns, bonsai, and flowering plants such as African violets and orchids can all be good choices to aid in shaping the biophilic office. Tending to these plants gives employees a moment to think separately from the business mindset, falling into a creative flow. The increase in oxygen from plants can also be beneficial to the office. Tall Office Desks with Hutches give plenty of vertical space for sunlight and vining plants to tumble.
Simple, easily maintained aquariums can provide noise dampening, can bring a spot of bright color into the office, and the soft sound of running water offers a gentle white noise in the office. Aquariums in the office have been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, drastically decreasing stress in the workplace. Fanciful finned fish such as fancy goldfish, bettas, guppies, cichlids, or even freshwater shrimp are easy to maintain and act as brilliant jewels among the foliage of a well-planted tank. Credenzas can be easily repurposed to hold an aquarium on the surface, while the base is still open for storage. Smaller tanks can be personalized for individual offices as well, and tuck easily on the rear of a deep Executive Desk.
A true biophilic office integrates nature throughout, offering a union between the natural world and the business sphere. Some offices are designed from the ground up to allow trees to grow freely through open areas, shaping an indoor woodland throughout the building. Others tuck bushes and vines around corners to create natural walls and room dividers without a solid edge. Large windows give the feel of being outdoors, with no obvious break between the indoor and outdoor area. Glass Desks can create an illusion of open space even in a smaller office, keeping the room from feeling enclosed.
By weaving together the natural world with the modern office, biophilic design allows for natural relaxation and peace to fill an office space, shaping it into a place where employees wish to be during the day, a productive and enjoyable area.
]]>When working from a home office, employees often work from a comfortable place, such as the sofa, and are surrounded by the accoutrements that make a house a home. Little touches like flowering houseplants, cozy blankets, a coffee maker close at hand, pillows, these each make the home office a perfect place to work all day. The extended ability to have a comfortable working area prevents the abrupt change back into the daily grind from being daunting to many employees.
So the question becomes: how does a corporate office feel just a bit like home?
The solution can be as simple as investing in a few comfortable chairs! The button-tufted and cushioned chairs available here are extra plush, giving that perfect snuggly armchair flair. Tuck a few pillows into benches or sofas in public spaces, and put a deep pile wool rug underfoot for that extra bit of cozy comfort. Check out the handmade rugs available for some beautiful designs!
For a more in-depth remodeling, soft colors and green spaces (more on both of these topics coming soon!) mixed with open desks that give a solid side for security, like the one below, can create an open-floor design that does not sacrifice privacy.
Check out the above desk here!
Even simpler desks can frame a private area through the addition of bookcases, privacy screens, an aquarium, or a green wall.
Speaking of which, adding live plants, a vivarium, or an aquarium to a workspace creates interest, a way for employees to take a short break, and aids in promoting a calming atmosphere. Called Biophilic Design, this trend is pointed out by Furngully, Haiken, and Posturite as a simple mood and atmosphere booster. The addition of soft blues and greens provided by these plants and aquariums also shapes a soothing counterpoint to the bustle of an office, and provides a natural sound dampener for employees.
Finally, to add just a last bit of warmth to the office, consider adding a small coffee area, where employees can brew a cup of coffee and sit for a small meeting. This area could be easily structured onto a credenza or even a small desk! Take a glance at our selection of Credenzas and Small Desks for ideas! The finishing touch to this design is to have small, collaborative meeting areas nearby where employees can brainstorm and work in small groups, allowing for speedy discussions without the need for a formal conference area. Some of these smaller meeting tables may even fit the bill!
Whatever the original design of a corporate office, it is fairly easy to integrate small touches of home, the warmth and cozy feel that so many employees have enjoyed over the past two years, into the business setting with great success.
As time goes on, we will all find how the workplace of the future has drastically changed, and how we must change with it, moving from crisp, formal spaces to warm, inviting nooks.
References:
https://www.interiorzine.com/2021/05/13/interior-design-trends-2022-2023/
https://www.posturite.co.uk/blog/upcoming-office-design-trends-for-2022-and-beyond
https://www.haiken.com/insights/4-office-furniture-and-design-trends-for-2022
https://jane-athome.com/2022-decor-trends/
https://jayscotts.com/blog/commercial-interior-design-trends/
https://wbwood.com/top-10-interior-office-design-trends-in-2022/
https://www.furngully.com/blog/corporate-office-design-trends-you-need-to-know-for-2022
https://www.parterreflooring.com/latest-office-design-trends/
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We tell you this for two reasons:
1. Please be aware that when ordering furniture right now, it is likely there is a wait for your product to ship out, even if it is in stock. This is due to two main reasons: first, the warehouses are limited on how many staff they can have working due to Covid-19 limitations or company policy during this time. Second, there have been so many orders (thousands per week in the case of several of our warehouses) that they simply cannot get all the orders picked and shipped quickly. So even if an item is available, it might take 2 to 3 weeks for your order to work its way to the front of the line and ship out.
2. Please know that an item may come back into stock one day and then go out of stock the next. That's how fast these items are selling. Particularly small desks are selling out so fast that it is impossible for the factories of the manufacturers to keep up with the demand. One of our products come into stock the other day with over 400 units. Every single unit sold out within 2 days.
These facts ought to just remind us all that this is a crazy time, and the best way to get through it is to be patient and understanding. We are trying to remain understanding of our manufacturers and warehouses as they work through the orders, and try to keep up with demand. And we ask our customers to be patient with us and all of them as well, and know that we will do everything in our power to serve you well - and as quickly as possible. But it is just a time when everyone is limited in what they can get done.
We are thankful for any chance to serve you, and please email us with any specific questions and we'd be honored to help. Blessings to you for health and hope during this time.
Kevin, Manager
]]>WeWork has certainly seen success in some markets, as the co-working company leases space in cities and then charges workers a fee to use that space. As more and more workers either work remotely or are contractors working for multiple companies, a space to work that is quiet, professional, and has all the tools needed can be very important.
However, one of the primary challenges WeWork faces is that their target customer can literally work anywhere, in a business world that is increasingly independent of tools such as printers, fax machines, and the like. Many of their target workers work from their home, and all they need is a computer desk and a file cabinet to get their work done and stay organized. They can use apps like Scannable, instead of needing a fax machine.
If they need to meet with a client, WeWork does offer many flexible places to do so, with couches, booths for privacy, and even private rooms for an extra fee. This element is one of the best selling points for potential customers of WeWork, as finding a place to meet that is neutral, professional, and not too noisy can be a challenge for those who work from home.
In the end, co-working does not seem to be a fad; people have been working in public places for years prior to WeWork coming on the scene. For many, working in a public place like a Starbucks, where others are around, is preferable to working even in the quieter confines of their own home. Working by yourself in a quiet place can become mentally challenging and lonesome.
If WeWork is able to keep their prices low enough, it seems likely they will attract enough customers to stay alive and continue growing.
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Just enter EMAIL15 as your discount code at checkout!
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Here are three of the trends the article mentions:
This one might seem obvious, but we have customers call all the time and ask about whether they can get wire management grommets put in a desk or a conference table. We try to explain that more and more manufacturers are skipping this option, since more and more workers are going wireless. Sure, as of now most monitors and computers still need wires, but the day is not far away when the majority of our electronic gadgets are wireless. If you can find ways to adopt this trend sooner (perhaps by going with wireless mouses, laptops, etc., you'll be more ready for what the future holds.
This is sad for those who work as receptionists and have that skill set, but more and more companies are saving on their bottom line by using sign-in kiosks, virtual phone assistants, and other technology to cut down on the need to pay office personnel. Since efficiency will become more and more important as the economy changes, this is something to keep in mind or plan for if it makes sense for your small business. But don't worry - we are going to keep answering the phone ourselves around here!
This one has needed to be a trend for centuries. We are not convinced the majority of businesses will take it seriously, but we certainly will. Employees who feel they have the space to be healthy, through time off, exercise, vacation, and the like, end up being better workers when they are working. Employees who feel trapped and unable to have flexibility in their work schedules are often less productive because they are distracted and less passionate about their work. In other words, if we value the human beings who make our businesses go enough to make sure they are healthy and whole people (instead of simply cogs in a machine), we will see the benefits from that come back to the business in important ways (but it's still about valuing people!).
We hope these have been helpful to think through, and we'll keep our eye out for more trends we can write about in the future. In the meantime, if you need furniture to help make your office look better or function better, please check out our desks and storage items and conference tables and chairs and decor - we would love to serve you!
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We can attest to the fact that sitting at even the nicest desk all day can get monotonous, and having drinks or snacks handy to keep you going is a huge boost. While we sit and add products, or help customers with orders, having water and coffee (and snacks!) handy really helps us continue to give our best throughout the day.
One other thing we try to do is switch off between our primary desk and our standing desk, to give our bodies a chance to stand for a while and get the blood pumping. Perhaps you could have coffee at one desk and water at the other desk. Or in the case of snacks, you could have nuts at one desk and a dark chocolate bar at the standing desk (as a bit of a reward for standing).
Whatever helps you keep going - and helps you stay both healthy and productive - is a great thing.
We hope you are able to find the furniture you need, the drinks and snacks you need, and the balance you need to be the best worker possible.
]]>Here is an elegant teak & iron storage credenza from New Pacific:
Here is a gorgeous extendable conference table from Star:
And here is a stunning, unique computer desk from Orient Express:
We invite you to check out these new products, and please take 10% off anything from these manufacturers through the end of the year! Just enter discount code NEW-PROD-10 for your 10% off!
]]>Don’t mistake this small desk’s size for its functionality. This type of concise and compact desk will fit anywhere you need and its mobility will be a feature that you will not know how you lived without. A desk on wheels will be the next big thing in the office! No longer will you have to go through the trouble of carrying all your stuff to another co-worker’s cubicle to collaborate with them, now simply wheel your workstation there and have everything you need right at your fingertips. Without a mobile workstation it is nearly impossible to move your stuff around the office easily and quickly; this is your only option.
In today’s world it is impossible to complete a workday without a computer, and with that: printers, scanners, and fax machines are also essentials. Mobile workstations can put all of these elements into one organized desk. Anthony Villareal, reporter for PCTechNotes (full text here), explains that these workstations optimize your space by providing racks, shelves, and storage space to support the desk essentials. With this type of set up, space is maximized and organization is inevitable; thus increasing productivity and effective work. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are beginning to implements mobile workstations to increase efficiency when dealing with patients.
Now I know what you’re thinking: your computer is going to die. However, Christine Wheeler, reporter for the Mobile Workplace Power Blog (full text here), states that the day of extension cords are done. Some of these mobile workstations have integrated power supplies to fuel your computer all day long. Not only do they power your devices, but also with new technologies, the facility’s software can be joined with the workstation to create specialized stations, such as a printing station or shipping and receiving station.
Mobile workstations are the answer to producing a work environment that facilitates collaboration. The ability to have everything in one place and to move around the office with ease allows co-workers to work together in the office. This is the time to convert to this style of office furniture, you won’t regret it!
]]>When completing the re-design process it is important to balance open work spaces with private work spaces. Without this balance, productivity can be seriously impacted. Barbara T. Armstrong, contributor for Forbes (full text here), explains that with an open work-space there are many conversations going taking place which can create distractions and take over a person’s working memory. In this type of environment, there are many factors that can hinder productivity; therefore private spaces should be provided to counter the open work spaces. These work areas should be available for people to go to when they need to focus and do not need to collaborate with their co-workers. But with too many private work spaces, collaboration is hindered. Having both options and choice is crucial to having effective operations.
Combining open work spaces and private work spaces isn’t the only way to motivate your employees to work hard, below are 5 tips on how Aaron Aders promotes collaboration in his office.
Rule #1: Collaborative Workspaces
Collaboration is a major part of business operations and studies suggest that working together increases creativity. Along with using programs such as Dropbox and Google which promote teamwork over the internet, there are ways to have this teamwork and creativity in an office setting. First, Aders suggests that to encourage group work and diverse thinking, all cubicles get replaced with large tables so people can work together. Along with this, large white boards should be readily accesible for employees to write down their ideas and visually work with others to solve a problem. Providing the space for collaborative work is essential, without it employees would have to uncomfortably crowd in a cubicle if they wanted to work together, which can severely halt the creative process.
Rule #2: Promote Playfulness
To create a team environment, create multipurpose stations that attract many of your employees from different departments of the company. For example, have a break lounge that contains a refrigerator and microwave and a larger (conference sized) table. With this setup, co-workers can mingle and form relationships that foster creativity and a team environment.
Rule #3: Bring Nature Indoors
Have you ever noticed how alert and awake you feel when you are surrounded by fresh air, sunlight, and fresh plants? Why not bring these elements to the office? Studies suggest that efficiency increases by 12% when plants are present because of heightened awareness and productivity. Not only does it make the office more visually appealing but makes the workers happier. So introduce the outdoors to the indoors: Add a green wall, plant a few flowers, and pull back the curtains. It will make the workplace a fun place to be!
Rule #4: Privacy
Where being able to collaborate and express ideas openly with coworkers is important, having spaces for more private conversations is as equally important. These spaces should be readily available for employees and less formal than a conference room. Companies such as Google have begun to implement this style of room in their offices for meetings and more serious conversations.
Rule #5: Culture
Creating a positive environment that encourages employees to work hard is crucial for any business. To achieve this sense of a company culture, employees’ successes should be showcased. Having a team atmosphere instills confidence and encouragement within the workers which improves many facets of business operations.
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We just went to another furniture convention called NeoCon to check out some potential new manufacturers to do business with and add to our site. One thing stood out, and that is the transition away from typical office furniture (wooden with drawers) toward clean, modern designs. Within this shift was the surprising fact that 75% of the potential new manufacturers we spoke with were featuring sit-stand desks in their booths! They came in various designs and looks, but this is a shift that is only gaining steam. People want the opportunity to stand up and work for a while to help with blood flow and comfort and health, and these desks enable that. So our plan is to add many new sit-stand desks to the site over the next couple months. Be on the lookout! If you want to see what we have listed now, here are our standing desks.
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For the first month on our site (until the end of October), we are offering a 10% discount off of any Monarch desk! Enter the coupon code MONARCH to get your 10% off…
We have also added WhiteLine Modern, which offers many high end modern desks, mostly either small “fit anywhere” desks or large executive desks. They are all of a premium quality and offer a great look.
We will also be offering 10% off any WhiteLine purchase. Enter WHITELINE as your coupon code to get the 10% off, only through the end of October.
]]>We are passionate about helping you find what you need and getting you high quality products at great prices, so let us know if we can help you out in any way!
]]>We have been saying for a while, after the great success of our treadmill desk, that someone needed to create a bike desk. I even wanted to design one (but no way do I have the time!). Anyway, someone finally came up with the bike desk, and it's not just an entry level option. They have created an incredibly high quality option, including:
-an extra padded seat with 19 different height positions
-an automatically height adjustable desk that will fit users of any height between 4'10" and 6'8"
-a helpful central console where you can adjust your resistance and see your calories burned, etc.
-a Bluetooth enabled system that automatically downloads your workout information to the associated app, so you can track your progress over time
-a wire management area for your cords to keep them out of the way
And much more!
Check out and buy this desk here!
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How does this cool desk go from some warehouse somewhere to your workplace, or your home office? Good question--I'm glad you, um, asked. :)
Here's how it works:
1. We receive your order over our secure order processing system and immediately place the order with the appropriate warehouse. The vast majority of our orders ship from warehouses of the manufacturers of the items. We sell so many hundreds of desks that we couldn't possibly warehouse them adequately, so we ship them out from one of around 100 warehouses we have access to and frequently ship from.
2. Once the warehouse confirms an item is in stock and available to ship, they charge us for the item. We have already bought the item at that point. Usually the warehouse will still let us back out of the purchase if it hasn't shipped yet, but they will almost certainly charge us some sort of cancellation fee if we do back out on your behalf.
3. We then must wait on the warehouse to "pull" the item. This means they literally put it into their "to-do" list for the workers in their warehouse. Those workers "pull" many items every day from the stores in their warehouse and prepare them for shipment. If that "to-do" list is long, it might be a couple days before your item is pulled and prepared for shipment. If it is a light day or week, they might have your item pulled in an hour or two. Once the item has been pulled and prepared for shipment (typically this means it is put on a wooden pallet, shrink wrapped, and tied down tightly so it will not move in transit), we are then notified by the warehouse that it is ready to ship.
4. We then get to work on the next phase, which is procuring freight. You see, a desk like the one above cannot just ship with FedEx or UPS. We can't just schedule a pickup and be done with it. We have to work with LTL (less-than-truckload) companies, since most of our desks are too large or heavy to ship with small parcel companies. Anything over 150 pounds or larger than certain dimensions cannot go with FedEx or UPS and must ship with an LTL company. So we call a myriad of LTL companies to get freight quotes on your shipment, go with the one that is best overall (not necessarily always the cheapest), and get it scheduled. Usually we can get those out the next day.
5. The next day your desk, which by now is all packed and is waiting on the loading dock of the warehouse, is picked up by the LTL company and loaded onto their truck along with many other shipments going to various places. Typically pickups occur in the mid-to-late afternoon. Your tracking number typically then posts by that evening, and we send it to you the next day.
6. Then your shipment is "in transit." At some point in the next few days while your shipment is on the way, the LTL carrier will give you a call to schedule a delivery day & time with you. What you should know about this time frame is that this carrier might be delivering 20 or 30 other shipments that are either on the way or sort of on the way. It is not a straight line from the warehouse to your home or office.
7. Then delivery occurs, with the services you have requested. As we've explained in this article, standard LTL shipping does not include inside delivery--that is an additional service that must be added on.
Hopefully after this process you are EXTREMELY pleased with your desk and it lasts you for years to come! But, as you can see, it is a complex process. We have been a bit spoiled by the crazy logistical skills of companies like Amazon and FedEx, who are able to get an item to you the day after you order it like it's nothing. That is literally impossible when you are dealing with items like large office desks. As you can see above, they must be pulled, prepared for shipment, picked up by an LTL company after freight is lined up, and shipped to you. I often tell customers to expect about a week time frame from order to delivery, and that is pretty remarkable speed when you think about all that goes into this process. I hope this information has been helpful!
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This is how I picture Amazon. There, so my cards are on the table. They are a giant. No, in today's marketplace they may be THE giant. And they are getting bigger all the time. And just like the picture, as they grow bigger they seem to be less able to understand us quaint little people, the average everyday consumers who make their giant engines hum.
I have used Amazon many times, and have only had a few very bad experiences. Most of the time I receive what I ordered in a pretty timely manner. However, in all of my dealings with Amazon I have never ONCE had a personal interaction in the buying process. This is troubling for a couple reasons. For one, I have often wanted to ask questions about a product I was buying, but have in the end foregone that desire because I know it is virtually impossible to get a hold of an actual human being there. And when I have a couple times, they are not from around here, if you know what I mean. And they never seem to understand what I am saying. I think it's important when buying things to be able to ask lots of questions if I want to, and have quick and easy answers. Secondly, this is troubling because when I give my business to a company I want to do it not only because they offer a good price and are extremely streamlined, but also because through giving a company my business I am helping people--business owners, employees, etc. I am not really interested in helping a giant corporation. The more I buy from Amazon without human interaction, the more I feel I am feeding this move toward grocery store lines with self-checkout. Yes, they can be very easy and I am sure they save grocery stores money. But I really don't want to lose all human interaction in my purchasing!
Will buying from elsewhere at times mean I pay more? Sure. Does it mean I might not get my item as quickly? Probably. But when possible, I am choosing to buy from people, either people I can see in a store or people I can call and talk to with an online store. Of course I have my motives for this, and my number one motive must be pretty obvious. My livelihood, literally the food on my family's table, comes from this business (ComputerDesk.com). So I realize that if other people also choose "not to Amazon", it will help me directly! It will help my family directly! For purposes of full disclosure, that is the driving force behind this article. But if you take that away, I feel that running this business has just changed my mindset going forward: even after this business is gone, I am going to strive to buy from small business owners, because I'd just rather help people than giant corporations. I'd rather go to a small coffee shop in my town called Birdie's than to Starbucks, because I want to help small business people. I'd rather go to a stand alone family-owned restaurant in my town called Papa Joe's than to Panera. And I'd rather buy office furniture from a company like ours than from Amazon. I hope you agree!
]]>When we first launched this website, we listed shipping costs for one simple reason: on every desk we procured for our customers we incurred a cost for the item and a cost for shipping, so on every transaction we charged our customers a fee for the item and a fee for shipping. After a while though, we realized that people were really upset that they were being charged $100 for shipping on some items. (Ironically, we often are charged up to $500 in shipping heavy items, and were often undercharging customers to keep from scaring them off with shipping charges).
Finally it hit us that we should simply offer free shipping on all products like Amazon and so many other sites were doing. We could then just charge one flat fee, with all charges incorporated, and there would be no extra or surprise costs during checkout. That has made a big difference for our customers. It wasn't so much that they didn't want to pay the shipping costs, but rather that they did not want any extra or surprise costs! So they really appreciate the all-inclusive cost up front, with no extras during checkout. I understand, because that's how I feel when I'm buying.
However, I just want to remind everyone of one simple truth: there is no such thing as free shipping. When a freight company ships an item across the state or across the country for you, they charge you. Every time. Whether you're a cute little kid, a sweet old grandma, a small business like us, or a giant behemoth like Amazon. Everyone gets charged. The giant behemoth might get charged less for shipping because they ship so much, and we might get charged less than you because we ship more than you, but we all still pay. So when you receive free shipping, just realize it means your shipping costs have been incorporated into your other charges.
We try to offer our customers the absolute best prices we can based on how much the product costs, how much we anticipate shipping to be, and what our costs are to run the business.
]]>We're here to help! We have years of experience in this particular industry, and we know which manufacturers are good to deal with, which offer great customer service, and, most importantly, who produces a high quality product that will last for years to come. Without further ado, here is our list of the top 3 manufacturers of wood desks (remember, there are higher end manufacturers, but this list includes only those we deem "affordable"):
1. Bestar - Bestar gets our top spot for several reasons. First, they are dependable: they offer consistent and responsive customer service, they keep their desks in stock, and they manufacture their own products. The fact that they manufacture it themselves means they can control the quality very well and that they can keep things in stock--no waiting for items to ship over from Asia. This is a HUGE positive. Second, when you order a Bestar desk you know what you are going to get. It is a high quality piece of furniture that is well made and will last. To prove it, Bestar offers a 10 year warranty on every desk they make, and they do the "extras", like putting quality edging on every desk and coating every surface with melamine to protect against burning and scratching. Third, they are desk specialists. Many manufacturers cast a wide net and manufacture many products, but that sometimes makes them specialists in none of those products. Bestar only makes office furniture, so they know what they are doing. As the Managing Partner of this company, I bought a Bestar desk a couple years ago for my primary desk, and I have been very pleased with the quality.
2. Ergo Office - Ergo Office gets second place because they offer a wide variety of products in a wide array of price ranges, and they specialize in unique, modern, attractive units. They also offer great quality, and of the many Ergo Office desks we have sold, we have never had any complaint about the quality. They offer very nice designs and very nice quality. They are a bit less affordable than Bestar, and they do not manufacture their desks in the states so at times there are waits on their units while they are shipped from overseas. But if you want a high quality piece and are willing to wait a bit if yours is not available, Ergo Office desks are a great way to go.
3. Ameriwood - Ameriwood desks might not be as high in the quality department as the others above them in this list, but they are certainly tops in affordability. They do an excellent job of keeping costs down and offer a very nice product our customers have been very pleased with for a very affordable price. If you need a nice wood desk that will go easy on your bank account, Ameriwood is a great option. They also offer good customer service and when things occasionally get damaged they are helpful in taking care of those issues.
We could give you a list of companies to avoid, but that would be a bad idea here! :) If you have questions, you can always contact us and ask. We can be reached at 888-335-4609 or at info@computerdesk.com. We exist to serve people, and though this business provides my living personally, I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel like I could help people out and serve them in some way that made an impact. So it's a joy to take your e-mails or calls and try to help out.
]]>But here's the thing: you don't have to be afraid of it. If your desk shows up damaged, we'll take care of you. If a part or parts are damaged, we'll replace them quickly so everything is good to go. If the whole unit is damaged we'll get a new one out to you. You might have to wait a few days while the replacement desk or parts get to you, and we do regret that inconvenience. But we will take care of you and make sure everything is perfect.
What can you do if you received a damaged desk? First, if it is clear that the box has been beat up or you can see damage when the desk arrives, you can refuse the delivery. Simply don't sign for it, and tell them you refuse the delivery due to damage. This takes care of a lot of damage issues, because you never took possession of the desk and then had to wait for parts or a new unit. It helps speed things up. Second, if you have received it, save everything--the box, the packing materials, and all parts (including the damaged ones). This will help if a claim must be made. Finally, take pictures of the damage--from close up, far away, etc. This documentation will really help us to show the carrier what was damaged and get them to cooperate quickly in replacing the damaged parts.
At times replacing damaged parts can be a long process, especially if the above steps are not followed, but remember this: if you order from us at ComputerDesk.com, we will serve you as well as you can be served and will get you what you need as quickly as possible. We are passionate about customer service and hope we are able to meet your needs...
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Definitions:
Small parcel shipment - this is what you would call a typical FedEx or UPS shipment, where they come and drop a small-ish item at your door. For a shipment to quality for a small parcel shipment, it must under a certain size (smaller in dimension than a pallet typically, which is 48" X 40", and weighing less than 150 pounds total). If a shipment does not weigh under 150 pounds, it simply cannot ship small parcel
LTL shipment - on the other hand, any shipment weighing over 150 pounds must be shipped LTL (less-than-truckload). Even with the initials spelled out, this is still confusing for many. Think in terms of the large trucks you see hauling things on the highway. When manufacturers are shipping cartons of computer desks, for example, including hundreds and hundreds of boxes, they might require four truckloads to send these to their warehouse from the dock where they landed (most are manufactured overseas). However, a shipment that must go on such a large truck but is smaller than an entire truckload would be described as "less-than-truckload" (LTL). So any shipment that cannot go with small parcel, either because it is too large or too heavy, must go LTL. LTL shipments are usually secured on pallets (wooden crates) and are shipped along with other heavy shipments that are less than a full truckload.
Business delivery - this is where shipments are delivered to places of business, and what characterizes such deliveries is that they have a loading dock. A loading dock is a garage of sorts that trucks can back up directly to, and the back of the truck lines up with the garage exit (it is about 5 feet off the ground). This enables the warehouse to unload the truck directly without lifting any pallets down. Typically a machine like a forklift drives directly into the back of the truck and removes the pallets.
Residential delivery - this is where a package is delivered to a home, where no loading dock is present. The pallet must then be lifted off the truck or lowered down with something called a lift gate (extra service). This is unusual for LTL shipments.
What you should understand about LTL shipments is that they are being handled by companies who specialize in shipping huge quantities across the country. I would say 90% of LTL shipments are delivered to businesses with loading docks, where forklifts pull the pallets off the truck and place them directly into the warehouse of the recipient. Individual customers are rarely encountered in LTL shipments. So the drivers are not really trained in customer service typically, because they are usually just dealing with a warehouse manager, not a customer. They are also not used to handling your shipment like a small parcel carrier would, so they typically wouldn't consider carrying the box(es) up to your door and ringing your doorbell. This is just not a regular part of LTL shipments, so usually this will not be a part of the service you receive. They are used to dropping the pallets at the warehouse, and for residential deliveries the most they typically do is provide the extra service of a lift gate that lifts your pallet down to the ground so you don't have to get it off the truck yourself. This is considered a premium service (and we pay extra for it for our customers with residential deliveries).
It is tricky. We usually don't want our customers to receive shipments in this way, as we want them to receive the best service imaginable from start to finish on their order. Yet often the only way to get a desk that is heavy to our customer is through LTL shipping. We often try to provide premium LTL service, which is where LTL deliveries are brought across your threshold and the packing materials removed. But often we simply cannot offer this service to our customers at the prices we are offering on the site. We must charge extra for this service, so most customers would prefer to pay less and have to carry their package into their home.
Right now we are working with a few LTL companies who specialize in furniture delivery, so they can offer us competitive rates with other LTL companies and still bring the shipment across the threshold so you don't have to carry it in from your curb (or up flights of stairs). We know this is frustrating, so we are avoiding this whenever possible. If you are ever set to receive a shipment with standard LTL shipping, we will let you know. I hope this helps your understanding of these issues that can be a bit confusing!
]]>1. Don't buy a desk that is overly small.
Buying a very compact desk can serve your needs well, especially in small offices, but what happens when you get a larger office? And what happens when your work load increases and you need more space? Further, often "small" in the office furniture industry is code for "poorly made." Here is a picture of a desk I found on Amazon that is a perfect example.
This may look like a great option, but it's not. You will not have enough desk top space, nor will this stand up to daily use. Avoid very small units like this.
2. Don't buy a desk with too many drawers and compartments.
Having too many drawers and compartments is asking for a desk to break down and fall apart. Desks like the one below often invite you to have to replace your unit within a year or two, because one of the drawers or compartments is sure to break or become non-functional.
Instead, buy a desk that is "cleaner", more modern, more "airy." This will often mean less compartments and drawers, so you'll have to find another way to store your files or office items (perhaps through a side lateral file or bookcase). But a desk like this one will stand up to daily use much better.
3. Buy a desk that is maybe a little "more modern" than even your style currently is.
As you know, style changes. So don't buy an office desk that is maybe a little more "old school" than you like, because in 5 years it will be "ancient school." Buy an edgy, modern piece that maybe looks a little cooler than you. This will ensure that it is cool for years to come. I would recommend going with tempered glass tops or lacquer tops, as these are about as edgy as desks come right now. These will be "in" for several years. When dealing in business environments where you might be meeting with clients or customers, it can definitely speak volumes to have a sleek, modern desk where you sit when they meet with you. Having a large, old-style wooden desk can speak to them that you are "stuck in the past." So push yourself, and go modern. You can do so without breaking the bank.
Here are two options you can find on ComputerDesk.com:
]]>We have been keeping our eyes out for sit-stand desks that might work for our customers, and we have just released our first two. They are both very nice units by a premium manufacturer, Ergo Office. One is smaller and is mobile, able to moved around to different rooms easily. It would be great for a doctor or other professional who travels from room to room to meet with clients or patients. This is a very attractive, well-built piece that is also affordable. You can check it out or buy it here, and here are a couple pictures of it:
The second we have up so far is a higher end unit, with a motorized height adjustment that silently raises the desk or lowers it with ease. It can be positioned anywhere from 25" in height to 52" in height! Its desk top is solid wood and the frame is very sturdy, with levelers on the legs to ensure an even, stable desk top regardless of where your desk is placed! This is a NICE unit and I highly recommend it! You can check out this desk and buy it on our site. Here is a picture of it.
I think the sit-stand trend is here to stay, and I think many manufacturers will jump on this bandwagon, because this is a trend that enables people to work while having better posture, and it enables them to mix up the position in which they work. These are things that office workers have been seeking for a long time! Some are even trying to get a work out in while they work, as seen in this treadmill desk. While I think that's a little overboard for most, the ability to sit or stand and change your position at a whim is something that many will find attractive.
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As you can see, what stands out about these desks is that they are clean, simple designs. While the desk on the left has more detail and more functionality (the CPU stand, the monitor stand, the keyboard tray, the shelving), both offer clean lines, open concept designs, and simplistic, modern looks. This is what is most popular in the computer desk industry right now. There is still a great demand for wooden executive desks, desks with hutches, u-shaped desks, solid wood desks, and all the standard stylings that have been popular for years. People are used to their desks being wooden, and they are used to have storage within their desks, and that is not going anywhere any time soon.
But there is a growing demand for a desk not to serve every purpose but to serve the primary purpose of providing a flat area to get work done. Going simple has the benefit of adding a clean, elegant piece to your home or office and avoiding the look of a busy, cluttered, bulky work space. Even if you keep a large desk with drawers clean, it is always going to look more bulky and "busy" than a desk with a simple design like these.
One of the other factors pushing people toward this simple style is the boom of the laptop computer. Even in the corporate world more and more executives are going to laptops and completely away from the desk top computer. People often need less storage compartments for their CPUs, or designated space for their monitors and keyboards, because they are simply working on their laptops at their desks and using the rest of the desk for work space.
If you are looking for a desk, consider going simple. It will add a more sleek look to your space, with a piece that is about more than functionality. You can get all the functionality you need from stylish desks like these, and if you need more storage, it is always possible to add on bookcases or filing cabinets to stay organized.
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