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Getting the right hotel furniture means more than finding the cheapest options available. Buyers must consider use and reliability as well. This means researching possible choices from different vendors, comparing costs and considering durability under expected use conditions. Failing to take any of these factors into account can waste time, money and energy. In today's tough economic times no business can afford such things. Putting in the requisite up front research optimizes cost and choice decisions for long-term positive return on investment. Rushing through this process is not advisable. Properly working furniture is often overlooked as it becomes part of the background setting. Improperly working furniture, however, creates a lasting negative memory of the hotel experience and provides the most effective advertising for competitors.

There is no need to operate in a vacuum. Buyers are encouraged to visit existing hotel settings to get ideas for what works and what doesn't. Every hotel sends both overt and covert messages to anyone setting foot on the property. The furniture might represent a specific theme or perhaps set a particular mood. Some hotels cater to the leisure crowd, while others wish to set a professional mood with office furniture found in common areas and within individual rooms. A few hotels even successfully merge both settings into one environment. It is important to think about how the furniture will represent the hotel's image and function. Visitors pick up on subtle undertones represented within the furniture setting. Think about the intended audience prior to making any purchasing decisions.

Hotel furniture distributors are generally available in local areas and online. Creating long-term relationships with a specific vendor may provide price benefits and special discounts. Vendors love repeat business. One technique that can help determine quality vendors from impersonal providers is reading customer reviews or talking with customers directly. Are there specific reasons customers keep going back to one vendor? Are there any reasons customers avoid a specific vendor? Consider these questions and find satisfactory answers before settling on a specific vendor. A reputable distributor will work to build a relationship of trust, not put heavy sales pressure on the buyer. Walk away from aggressive sales practices. This indicates lack of real concern for the customer.

How will the furniture be used? A vendor who provides quality indoor beds, chairs or tables for example may not offer a quality line of outdoor furniture for patios or poolside areas. Each area of the hotel needs appropriate furniture. The environmental conditions will dictate how the furniture is used by hotel guests and how long one can reasonably expect the furniture to last under specific usage conditions. Again, review of both furniture brands and available vendors is necessary. This requires a time investment to find the best options at the best price. The best options or prices may not be the cheapest available. Buyers get what they pay for in furniture just as in anything else. Take the proper amount of time to ensure getting the right product. Price is always a concern of course, but it should not be the only concern. Remember that furniture represents the hotel, just like an employee working to provide excellent customer service.

Cost effective solutions for getting the best hotel furniture mean considering a multitude of factors. A stable profit stream and customer satisfaction will ensure both new and repeat business at any hotel. Buying furniture is a cost of doing business. It cannot be avoided. Get it right by shopping around for vendors most suited to specific needs.

Look for vendors who are concerned and experienced with commercial furniture needs and always do necessary research up front. Avoid common mistakes of expediency and realize that furniture is a long-term investment.




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