Selling and Buying Used Office Furniture

How to Sell Used Office Furniture

A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Selling used office furniture doesn’t have to be complicated — but doing it right can mean the difference between success and frustration. Whether you’re closing an office, upgrading, or just clearing out space, this guide will walk you through how to get the most out of your listing on Plasko.com.

1. Understand What Sells (and What Doesn’t)

Office furniture in good condition often holds resale value — especially when buyers are other businesses. Items that sell well include:

Desks and benching systems
Conference tables
Filing cabinets and storage
Ergonomic task chairs (e.g., Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth)

Pro Tip: Items with missing parts, damage, or outdated design may still be of interest — but be honest about the condition.

2. Prepare Your Items

Before you list:

Wipe down all surfaces
Remove any branding or personal notes
Reassemble parts if possible
Group items into logical sets (e.g. “3 matching L-desks”)

High-quality listings with grouped, consistent items tend to perform better.

3. Take Good Photos

Photos are crucial. Include:

Wide shot of the full item
Close-ups of condition (scratches, wear, power modules)
Brand labels or model info (if visible)
One photo with multiple items (for scale/context)

Lighting tip: Use natural light or bright office lights. Avoid dim, shadowy images.

4. Write a Clear, Honest Description

Your description helps buyers decide quickly — and serious listings get more attention. Be specific and avoid fluff.

Include:

Type of item (e.g., “L-shaped desk,” “53” tall cubicles,” “mesh task chair”)
Dimensions (especially important for desks, and large tables)
Condition (“Like new,” “minor scuffs,” “used daily, still functional”)
Quantity available
Location (city/state, and whether it’s in an office, warehouse, or storage unit)
Availability date (when it’s ready for pickup or shipping)
Any extra details (e.g., built-in power, fabric color, included accessories)

💡 Tip: Not sure what to say? Use the AI Description Assistant built into the listing form. Just click the “Check My Listing” button and paste in what you’ve written. The tool will suggest ways to improve clarity, add missing details, and make your post more effective.

5. Decide on the Price

You have three main pricing strategies:

Set Price (e.g., $150 per chair)
Best Offer (buyers can negotiate)
Free — Buyer Handles Removal

Note: Removal and transport costs can be high. If your listing is “free,” be clear if buyers must disassemble and remove it themselves.

6. List on Plasko.com

Go to Plasko.com and click “Post a Listing.”
Complete the simple form with:

Contact information
Item details
Photos (main image + optional gallery)
Location and metro area
Preferred contact method

Once submitted, you’ll get a confirmation email with a preview/edit link. Listings are reviewed for quality and typically go live within 24 hours.

7. Respond Promptly to Buyers

Interested buyers will use the contact info you provide — or message you via the temporary email alias we set up to protect your privacy.

Be responsive and transparent. Answer questions clearly and schedule pickup or shipping promptly.

8. Plan for Logistics

Be prepared for:

Disassembly — Will you or the buyer handle it?
Pickup coordination — Is the building accessible? Are elevators/freight docks available?
Storage — If furniture is already in a warehouse or off-site, share those details.

If you need help, you can link buyers to service providers for removal, installation, or transport.

9. Mark Your Listing as Sold (or Extend It)

Each listing lasts 30 days. You’ll get an alert before expiration.
You can:

Mark as Sold
Edit or delete your post at any time using the preview link

How to Buy Used Office Furniture the Smart Way

The ultimate guide to getting quality office furniture at a fraction of the cost.

1. Know What You Need Before You Shop

Before browsing listings, outline your basic needs:

What type of furniture? (Desks, chairs, conference tables, filing cabinets, etc.)
How many items do you need?
Do they need to match?
Will it fit your current space?

Make a quick floor plan or inventory of your space. It’s easy to get distracted by good deals that don’t actually fit your office or needs.

2. Understand the Most Common Office Furniture Types

Here’s what you’ll see most often on used furniture marketplaces:

Desks – Straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, sit/stand (manual or electric)
Chairs – Task chairs, conference chairs, guest seating
Filing Cabinets & Storage – Lateral files, pedestals, bookcases, lockers
Conference Tables – Wood, laminate, glass, and more in various lengths
Reception Furniture – Sofas, guest chairs, reception desks
Breakroom Items – Tables, barstools, even refrigerators and microwaves

Each category has different value points. For example, high-end ergonomic task chairs can retail for $800+ but be found used in excellent shape for under $200.

3. Inspect the Listing Carefully

Whether you’re browsing on Plasko.com or elsewhere, evaluate listings with a sharp eye:

Type of furniture clearly described
Condition — Look for details: “excellent,” “good with minor wear,” “scuffed but functional,” etc.
Dimensions — Especially important for desks, tables, and cabinets
Brand names — Steelcase, Herman Miller, Haworth, etc. can signal quality
Quantity available — Do you need 3 chairs or 30?
Photos — Good listings have multiple, clear photos showing condition
Pickup or delivery options — Check if you’ll need to transport it yourself
Location — Is it at a commercial office, warehouse, or storage unit?

Section 4: Space Plan Your Office if Necessary

Before making a purchase — especially for larger desks, conference tables, or multiple items — take time to space plan your office.

This can help you:

Confirm the furniture will fit properly in your space
Ensure you maintain ADA-compliant walkways and exits
Avoid costly surprises with building codes or fire safety regulations
Optimize your layout for comfort and productivity

If you’re unsure, consider getting a simple drawing or layout plan done in advance. Many service providers can assist with this, or sellers may be able to help if you provide dimensions.

Planning ahead ensures your used furniture purchase is a smart fit — not just a cheap one.

5. Ask Smart Questions

If the listing looks promising but lacks key info, message the seller. Useful questions include:

Are there any defects not shown in the photos?
Can you confirm the size/condition/brand?
Is the item still assembled?
Is help available for loading?
Do you offer delivery or know someone who can?

Clear answers show that the seller is professional and honest.

6: Know the Logistics Before You Buy

Used office furniture is often large, heavy, and awkward to move. Planning ahead for logistics is just as important as the furniture itself.

Consider:

Will you need a truck or van for transport?
Can you lift and carry the items safely?
Does the furniture fit through hallways, doorways, elevators?
Will anything need to be disassembled or reassembled?
Are there building rules or insurance requirements at the pickup or delivery location?

💡 Recommendation:
We strongly suggest working with a professional office furniture service provider to handle removal, transport, and installation. These teams are insured, experienced, and equipped to avoid damage — protecting your investment and your space.

Some sellers may have providers they recommend, or you can search for local office movers and installers in your area.

7. Know What a Good Deal Looks Like

Here are some typical used price ranges (for high-quality items):

Item Type	Typical Used Price	New Retail Price
Steelcase Chair	$125–$250	$800+
L-Shaped Desk	$150–$400	$1,000+
Lateral File Cabinet	$75–$200	$400–$900
Conference Table (8′)	$300–$800	$1,200+

Used prices vary based on condition, location, and urgency to sell. If a deal seems too good to be true, ask more questions — but great deals do happen often

8. Pay Safely and Get a Receipt

Tips for protecting yourself:

Use traceable payment methods (PayPal, credit card, etc.)
Get a simple receipt (especially for larger purchases)
Inspect the item before handing over payment, when possible
Avoid wiring money or paying in full before seeing the item

For larger businesses, make sure the purchase aligns with accounting or tax needs.

Final Thought: Used Doesn’t Mean Low-Quality

The right used office furniture can make your space look polished and professional — without draining your budget. With a bit of research, smart questions, and a reliable marketplace like Plasko.com, you can find excellent furniture at a fraction of the cost of buying new.