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A Buyer’s Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Furniture Vendor

by Jaclyn Reid•June 28, 2024•0 Comments

Selecting the perfect furniture for your commercial space, office area or home is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. The furniture you choose must strike a balance between style, comfort, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Given the plethora of commercial furniture vendors in the market, navigating through options can be overwhelming. The key? Making an informed decision by asking the right questions ensures that every aspect of your purchase meets your expectations and needs.

To provide an initial guideline and to support you in this process, we’ve complied list of essential questions to pose to your furniture vendor and fully discuss before finalizing your purchase:

Procurement Process

What is the process for ordering any new, or customized furniture?
Understanding the ordering process ensures accuracy and meets specific requirements.

What is the total cost, including taxes and delivery fees?
Clear pricing breakdown avoids surprises.

Are there any financing options available?
Payment plans and financing options can facilitate purchasing.

What deposit is required to place an order? What are the payment terms and accepted methods of payment?
Inquire about payment timeframes and expectations.

Evaluation and Testing

Can we arrange to try out or test the furniture before making a purchase?
Testing ensures compatibility with our needs and comfort standards.

Do you provide samples of materials or finishes for evaluation?
Samples help assess quality and suitability in our environment.

Is the furniture comfortable? Can I try it out or sit on it? Does it have any additional features, such as storage compartments or adjustable parts?
Comfort and functionality are crucial considerations.

What options do I have for ergonomic options?
Especially important for office furniture, ergonomic features promote health and comfort during use.

Mock-ups and Customization

Can we order a mock-up or prototype of the furniture piece before committing to a larger order?
Mock-ups allow visualization of how the furniture will fit and function in our space.

Can you customize the size or dimensions of the product if needed?
Customizable options cater to unique requirements.

Do you offer layout or space planning services?
Layout services help visualize furniture placement and optimize space utilization.

Do you have a showroom where I can see and try out the furniture?
Visiting a showroom allows assessment of furniture quality and comfort.

Logistics and Delivery

How are logistics managed for receiving and inspecting furniture deliveries?
Clear procedures ensure smooth receipt and inspection of delivered items.

What is the delivery process? How long will it take to receive the furniture after an order is placed?
Understanding delivery timelines helps with planning.

Will you manage the delivery and assembly the furniture, or do I need to do this myself? Are there any additional charges I should be aware of?
Clarify assembly and delivery costs to plan accordingly. Ask for a quote!

Communication and Responsiveness

How responsive are you to inquiries and requests for information during the procurement process?
Quick response times demonstrate the vendor’s commitment to customer service.

What communication methods or systems are you using for project tracking and management?
Streamlined communication using software and systems makes it easier for everyone!

Customer Satisfaction

What measures do you have in place to ensure customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle?
Initiatives indicate dedication to providing a positive experience from inquiry to installation.

Installation Expertise

What experience and knowledge do your installation teams possess?
Trained teams ensure correct and safe installation, minimizing potential issues.

What cross-functional training does your team experience consistently?
Training matters and cross-trained teams deliver overall better service to clients.

Support and After-Sales Service

What support do you offer after delivery, particularly if adjustments are needed?
Post-delivery support ensures satisfaction and resolves any issues promptly.

What after-sales support do you provide? Do you offer maintenance services?
Post-purchase and maintenance services contribute to long-term satisfaction.

Service and Customer Support

How do you handle service requests or issues post-purchase?
Understanding the vendor’s process ensures timely resolution of any post-installation issues.

Can you provide references or case studies of similar projects you’ve completed?
References and case studies demonstrate the vendor’s track record and customer satisfaction levels.

Project Management and Coordination

What is your process for project management and coordination during the installation process?
Clear communication and efficient project management are crucial for smooth installations.

What are your policies regarding delivery delays or changes in project timelines?
Knowing how the vendor addresses unforeseen circumstances helps manage expectations.

Maintenance and Support

Do you offer ongoing maintenance or support services for the furniture after installation?
Maintenance services can prolong the lifespan of your furniture and ensure optimal performance.

Sustainability Practices

How do you handle sustainability practices, particularly concerning furniture disposal and recycling?
Commitment to sustainability aligns with our environmental values and corporate responsibility.

Additional Services

What other additional services does your company provide?
A comprehensive service company offers much more than furniture procurement and installation.

Flexibility and Options

Are there options for leasing or renting furniture for temporary needs?
Flexibility in rental options accommodates short-term requirements effectively.

Warranty and Returns

What warranty options are available, and what do they cover?
Clear warranty terms protect investments and provide assurance of quality.

What is your policy if I’m not fully satisfied with the purchase?
A flexible policy offers peace of mind to clients.

Conclusion

Asking these questions gives you valuable insights into the vendor and their products, empowering you to make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse. Remember, your furniture investment impacts productivity and well-being.

Choose wisely!

About CSS Office Solutions

At CSS, we’re your commercial furniture white-glove concierge!

Specializing in corporate services, office moves, installations, and facilities management and support for 40+ years, we partner with over 20+ manufacturers to offer a wide range of furniture solutions—both new and new-to-you.

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures a seamless transition for all your furniture space needs.

Let us help you create the perfect space and environment for your team or business!

Insights from Our Clients: Feedback Matters!

by Jaclyn Reid•January 8, 2024•1 Comments

The Crucial Role of Customer Feedback in Shaping the Future of CSS Office Solutions

At CSS Office Solutions, we recognize the profound impact of customer feedback on our growth and service offering refinement. We gather client feedback consistently, so we stay on top of priorities for our clients to ensure we’re delivering exactly what they need for office services!

Our recent client survey, conducted in the summer of 2023, has not only unveiled fascinating statistics but has reinforced the importance of actively seeking and leveraging customer insights to enhance our offerings and ensure a superior client experience.

Our company values are integrity, craftmanship, collaboration, and support. Reviewing and actioning on the feedback in the client surveys assists our company in foundational approaches to reflect our corporate values = creating the most beneficial company offerings available in our industry.

If it’s important to our clients, then it needs to be on our radar of importance too!

In this blog, we’re sharing a couple of the results from our survey, so if you’re a lover of data the time to get excited is now!

A Window into Communication Preferences:

In a digital age dominated by various communication channels, understanding our clients’ preferences is key. According to our survey, a whopping 53% of respondents indicated that email is their preferred method of communication. This insight guides us to prioritize effective and timely communication through email channels. Additionally, the 20% preference for in-person communication reaffirms the value of personal connections in our client relationships. It’s not just about what we communicate but also how we communicate that matters most.

Unveiling Hidden Gems: The Move Management Revelation:

One of the most enlightening revelations from our survey was the discovery that more than half of our clients (53%) were unaware of CSS’s full-service Move Management offering. This emphasizes the need for better communication about the comprehensive suite of services we provide. As we aim to bridge this awareness gap, we’re excited to share that CSS offers Move Management without any additional cost when engaged for office moves and furniture service needs. We are very much about exceeding expectations through proactive communication and our learnings will help support how we can do better in this area.

Service Utilization Insights:

The survey brought to light numerous areas in which our clients recognize our exceptional performance! These strengths encompass adept communication, swift response times, and profound industry expertise. Additionally, the professionalism of our team and the caliber of their work received high praise, underscoring their steadfast dedication to delivering excellence. Pat on the back for CSS!!!

Beyond communication preferences and highlighting our areas of excellence, the survey delved into the utilization of our diverse service offerings. As CSS has over 10+ revenue streams, which breaks down into multiple facets of offerings related to offices, furniture, moving, and products, it is important to know what services are being used the most, or not as often. The data revealed that 20% of clients leverage our moving services, while 15% of respondents are engaging CSS for their internal service work. Plus, 2% utilize our specialized locksmith services, highlighting the varied needs of our clientele! These stats just graze the surface of detail, so when broken down into categories, it is amazing to see the diversified needs of our clients, but also great knowing that CSS has the expertise to service and provide it all! Understanding the service utilization patterns allows us to tailor our offerings and prioritize resources where they are most beneficial to our clients.

Client Satisfaction by the Numbers:

Numbers speak volumes, and our survey reinforced that our commitment to excellence is reflected in the satisfaction of our clients. An impressive 85.19% of clients expressed the highest level of satisfaction with the performance of CSS Office Solutions. This strong satisfaction level is a testament to the dedication of our team and the effectiveness of our service delivery.

Our team is what supports our uniqueness – we value our team members so they in turn have the utmost care while servicing our clients.

The Catalyst for Positive Change:

Customer feedback serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change. It provides a roadmap for refining our processes, adapting to evolving needs, and ensuring that every interaction with CSS exceeds expectations. The insights gathered not only validate our successes but also spotlight areas for improvement, propelling us toward continuous innovation.

A Commitment to Evolution:

Our commitment to active listening and incorporating customer feedback is not just a one-time initiative; it’s a cornerstone of our ongoing strategy. We value the trust our clients place in us, and their feedback guides our evolution, ensuring that CSS Office Solutions remains a leading force in the office furniture service industry.

The Journey Ahead:

As we continue this journey of growth and continued improvement, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates on how we’re implementing your valuable feedback. Your satisfaction will always remain at the core of everything we do!

Connect with Us:

Are you curious to learn more about what our clients had to say, or are you interested in sharing your insights with us?

Reach out anytime! We’re always eager to engage in conversations about our client experiences and explore the endless possibilities that arise from a client-centric mindset.

At CSS Office Solutions, your voice matters, and together, we’ll shape a future of unparalleled service excellence in office furniture!

Understanding Your Office Moving Company’s Insurance Coverage: Why It Matters!

by Jaclyn Reid•August 3, 2023•4 Comments

Moving offices can be a complex and stressful process, requiring meticulous planning and attention to detail. One critical aspect that often gets overlooked is the insurance coverage offered by your chosen office moving company. Before entrusting your valuable items to an office furniture moving or service vendor, it’s essential to understand their insurance policies to ensure you are adequately protected in case of any unforeseen mishaps. Mishaps happens and sometimes accidents during an office move are unavoidable, and knowing what can be done in the event of a mishap is an item that should be on your pre-move checklist!

In this article, we will delve into the importance of discussing coverage options with your office move provider prior to hiring the company and highlight the key factors to consider when evaluating insurance coverage for your office move.

Insurance is in place for a variety of reasons, but most importantly its in place to ensure you, the customer and as well the vendor, are protected! This is why before any move project or furniture install is started, the client will likely request a certificate of insurance from the vendor. As a client, if you’re reviewing the COI, it is important to keep in mind that this document only confirms the type and amount of coverage. Read the fine print of the vendors’ damage/repair/replacement policy, and ask the important questions: what steps are taken and what coverage do you offer should an incident occur while my office items are being moved?

Reading the Fine Print:

When it comes to the safety and protection of your office items during a move, it’s crucial to go beyond the surface-level requirements and scrutinize the fine print, or reading between the lines, of your office moving company’s insurance coverage. While a certificate of insurance may demonstrate that the necessary general liability coverage is in place, it’s essential to understand what actual coverage is extended to you as a client in the event of damage or loss.

Replacement or repair costs are an important factor when analyzing the insurance coverage offerings and will vary from company to company.

Below is a general summary of two main types of typical coverage offered for items that may be damaged or need repair due to a mishap during relocation or moving.

Per Pound Coverage:

The minimum required replacement or repair based upon legal requirements in Canada is a dollar value based upon weight. This is more commonly used and found amongst residential movers as opposed to corporate moving companies. This coverage typically offers reimbursement for damaged or lost items based on a specific amount per pound. The reimbursement rate can range anywhere from $0.60 to $2.00 per pound. However, it’s essential to consider whether this valuation accurately reflects the true value of your office items.

An example to use as a reference point could be a piece of art. Think: how much does art usually weigh, framed or unframed? Does the offer of a per pound replacement based on the weight match the full-replacement-value of that piece of art if you had to replace the piece? A framed piece may only weight a few pounds, but even at fifty (50) pounds, the range of value you’re receiving as a customer would be: $30.00 (at $0.60/pound), up to a maximum of $100.00 (at $2.00/pound). At CSS, we’ve moved many pieces of art for our corporate clients, and we can almost guarantee that a per pound value for coverage would never come close to the value of the art!

The one clear advantage of this type of coverage is the standardization of knowing what to expect. As the vendor or the client, if you know the weight and the value ($0.60 or $2.00/pound), then there’s no question about the amount of coverage.

A word of caution!

There are only a handful of items that would have a matched value with their weight, that would fully compensate to the customer having to replace at item damaged during an office move.

There are moving vendors that offer this type of coverage and offer customers to additionally increase the value of their items – but of course, this comes with an added cost. Be weary and ask the questions upfront!

Full Value or Replacement Value Coverage:

Alternatively, some office moving companies offer coverage based on the full value or replacement value methodology. This approach assesses the actual worth of the damaged or lost item, taking into account factors such as its market value and condition. This method ensures that you are reimbursed for the full value of the item, regardless of its weight.

This ensures that as a customer, you’re able to have that item replaced or repaired without question, without using a valuation method that creates comfort and piece of mind!

Understanding the Difference:

The disparity between the per pound coverage and the full value or replacement value methodology is significant. When evaluating the replacement value of any office items, it becomes apparent that majority of items their worth extends beyond their weight. Consider items such as desks, whiteboards, monitors, or computers—how much are they truly worth when examined from a per pound value versus a full replacement value perspective?

Your items matter to you, and they should matter just as much to your office furniture moving company.

In conclusion, when selecting an office moving company, it’s crucial to prioritize insurance coverage and how repairs and replacements are handled. Asking the right questions upfront will help establish the coverage and method used to determine the value of each item. Also knowing that the certificate of insurance only confirms types and amount of coverage, but not the valuation or methodology used to determine repair/replacement values is a great tip.

Understanding the extent of coverage and the methodology used to evaluate the value of damaged or lost items can make a significant difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free move.

CSS, Always Going the Extra Mile:

At CSS, we go above and beyond to provide our commercial clients with top-notch customer service, including comprehensive insurance coverage.

We also recognize that the full value of an item cannot be measured solely by its weight. We firmly believe that should an item be damaged during transport or installation, it should be restored to its original state without compromise! This is one of the reasons why we offer full value coverage, ensuring that our clients have peace of mind during the moving process. We prioritize our clients’ needs and work diligently to find the best outcome, guaranteeing that damaged items are replaced based on their true value, not their weight.

To learn more about our insurance policies and how we prioritize client comfort and peace of mind, reach out to our office today. Trust us with your office move, and we’ll handle the rest with utmost care and professionalism.

Are you using Space-as-a-Service?

by Jaclyn Reid•March 22, 2023•0 Comments

At CSS Office Solutions, we’ve been carefully observing the trends, questions, and articles that relate to the industry of office moving and setups, not only throughout the pandemic but continuing into the now. There is lots of information out there, so how do you wade through it and come at it with the best approach possible? We’re going to look at this from our client’s perspective in the support that’s needed for commercial office spaces.

As this topic is still at the forefront of our industry, we’re going to share our experiences with office space changes these last couple of years, different approaches that could be realized from a facility manager’s perspective, and provide some hints about what we think will be next!

Incorporating Space-as-a-Service in your workplace

In the January/February 2023 publication of FMJ, from the worldwide organization IFMA, the article Space-as-a-Service written by Andrew Millar, has some interesting viewpoints to review.

What a concept to get the brain thinking and a complete spin on the service aspect that space provides, as a purpose, not just a function. Although the notion of creating adaptable workspaces isn’t anything new, the term is not something we’ve heard yet before. This was a great shift to think about space, as a service to your employees – especially for all of CSS’ large corporate clients that have employees into the hundreds and thousands. Is the space serving your employees with more than incentives of fancy coffee machines and a desk space, as the real question to be asked is this: is it serving the right purpose?

In the article, Millar shares the idea of flexibility and agility in a workspace and creating a purpose that is supporting the space rather than the space being the purpose itself. When we view office spaces with an elastic lens, we can envision how it comes together for employees and the employers. And when it does there is complete harmony in the office, at least from a workplace setup viewpoint. This article was an interesting read, and its certainly matching of the work we’ve been performing for our clients, since the beginning of re-opened workplaces, and beyond today.

For most employees and employers, having to navigate hybrid or remote work was not in the initial game plan or strategy when entering 2020. A number of companies have taken to the challenge while others are still a little discombobulated as the information on best practices changes frequently!

This is what’s currently happening in the workplaces

As we share some of the first-hand experiences we’ve had with clients throughout the pandemic, we’re proud to have been able to adapt and be as agile as can be when it comes to supporting large corporations with their employee setups. Being in the know about a variety of the approach’s businesses are taking allows us to be more informed when we’re advising our clients on best practices and options available.

Here’s what we know clients and companies have been doing, as confirmed by the work we do:

There is absolutely no standard approach, no matter the size of company, or industry.
Each company is choosing different approaches based on their own workforces and needs of the company and employees.
Hoteling station are back at the forefront for companies. These are individual stations that can be reserved daily for employees and aren’t permanently assigned to any one employee.
Increased separation between staff where available, and companies actually expanding their square footage to provide more flexibility in the places available to work for employees.
Instead of the standard plexi-glass screens we’ve taken to customize and install for a number of clients, we’ve had some clients who have chosen a more design/esthetic-friendly version, such as Agility’s Perseus Pocket Screen.
More sanitization stations have been made available throughout all spaces, common and private areas.
Choosing to work from home for an employee, eliminates their access to a dedicated physical office space if one was provided pre-pandemic.

As you are reading this, perhaps you’re in your corporate office, or a co-working space, or your home office. Or maybe you’re in an office building’s beautiful lobby area, you could be on the couch or still working from your dining room chair – gosh, we sure hope not!

Yes, CSS Office Solutions in the industry of office moving, services and furniture products, but that surely doesn’t mean we’re one-sided in this conversation or topic. We may be a little biased, but we also understand that as the world of work evolves, we need to be right there with it and ready to support as our clients need!

Random fact: CSS Office Solutions was deemed an essential service at the onset of covid in 2020. Our office never physically shut down. You would have seen our crews taking care of necessary work, assisting clients with setting up their staff at their homes, and creating adjusted office spaces to accommodate safety needs and new protocols.

Where does it go from here?

We’re still taking care of these items today! Assisting with work from home office setups and furniture deliveries and installations, plus all the usual stuff we’ve always done. Have we mentioned how much we love moving offices, especially the really large ones!

That’s right, our clients are active. There is positive movement and there’s negative movement.

Positive movement is what we term as increasing space or taking on more square footage, as a business expands their office space needs, or better utilizing the current space. Negative movement is what we at CSS refer to as a decrease in a client’s space needs or reducing their overall physical office footprint. As much as we think that there would be more negative movement, we’re also seeing signs of wonderful positive movement in office spaces and buildings. Different sectors are growing, and industries are changing their approach when it comes to occupying space.

What do you need to know or plan for the future of your workplace? Be agile, and adaptable while being open to options. And work with a service company that really listens to your needs as a client and provides you with a variety of options based on those needs.

Are you struggling with how to use your office as a service to your employees, with the right purpose? Give us a call today, or send us an email, to learn more about the available options for furniture support within your office space and how CSS can provide all you’ll ever need from an office furniture service company!

Reference: IFMA, FMJ Publication

2023 January/February. Space-as-a-Service. IFMA, FMJ. Page 34-35/85

http://fmj.ifma.org/publication/?m=30261&i=778812&p=34&ver=html5

Working Together : The Inside Scoop on Our Partnerships

by Jaclyn Reid•March 6, 2023•0 Comments

CSS Office Solutions Inc. works with many different industries, sizes of companies, and partners who hire us for their projects! Being B2B (business-to-business) means that our company mainly supports corporations and commercial clients with their office furniture and service needs. In addition to supporting the B2B market, CSS also offers retail sales, or B2C (business-to-consumer) sales, for individuals who are interested in purchasing office furniture for themselves.

Durable, high-quality office furniture certainly isn’t a luxury only offices and commercial clients can enjoy – we’ve supported the setup of a few incredible home offices, and we most certainly acknowledge that everyone deserves great office furniture!!

CSS has grown into the company it is today because it has been built on relationships that exist beyond the transactional component of the sale. Our company values: integrity, craftsmanship, collaboration, and support – combined lead to great things! When we work with our clients, our general contractors or design/furniture partners, the interactions and projects include collaborating together, supporting one another, showcasing exemplary craftmanship with the utmost integral of relations. All together this creates trust; it creates a professional relationship that can be counted on time and time again as this is what clients of CSS have come to know and appreciate. When our company and our clients, or the partners who hire CSS for their projects, work together with the intention of reaching the same goal, incredible things happen!

Therefore, is it important for CSS to recognize the partners that we work alongside with, and who we work for.

Not only are we engaged directly by corporate clients, but we’re also hired by, what we refer to as, partners. These partners are comprised of general contractors, office designers or office stagers, carpet or shelving distributors, etc. where CSS’ services are needed to support furniture components or office related items pertaining to completing a project.

CSS is directly contracted by a few furniture manufacturers to perform warranty or other service work on their products. We also work closely with and support building operators, owners, and management companies as these businesses require furniture services and moving more often than most realize, or they require an office move or furniture service for their own head office in Calgary. Commercial realtors are another example of partners that have leveraged the services and offerings of CSS as we’re fortunate to have a couple of great relationships within this industry. CSS Office Solutions has previously been hired to support home builders with showhome furniture setups and storage, plus assisting with moves within their head office. When someone thinks about office furniture, at CSS we know it extends well beyond the office limits, as developing or upkeeping an office isn’t in just one vendor’s wheelhouse, but a combined level of expertise to deliver the desired outcome of each unique project.

Think about an office renovation and all the types of companies and trades that are involved from start to finish. CSS Office Solutions has been contracted to manage several parts of a project so that the other trades and contractors can manage what’s in their domain or specialty, and we can manage what’s within our capabilities and expertise. Having CSS as not only a trusted advisor for all things office furniture related, but also as a trusted partner goes well beyond just hiring a service provider.

General contractors and designers are often an integral part of a successful office furniture service company. CSS Office Solutions’ team provides the expertise and experience to ensure that the furniture being provided is of the highest quality and meets the desired specifications. Designers work with the contractor to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing design for the office space. Designers can also support valuable advice on the best type of furniture to meet the needs of the office, and the best way to incorporate it into the existing space – this is a specialty of CSS, so when we work with a designer, real magic happens!

Working together, CSS and the contractor and designer can create a space that meets the client’s needs and budget, while creating an aesthetically pleasing space. Along with CSS Office Solutions, the contractor and designer are also valuable parts of the team in providing office design and setups.

In addition to corporate and commercial clients, the partners that engage CSS to support their projects as they relate to office furniture services and/or moving requirements are:

General Contractors
Designers (Office or Home, but primarily Office)
Building Managers
Building Operators
Building Owners
Furniture Stagers
Carpet Manufacturers or Suppliers
Mobile Shelving Manufacturers or Suppliers

Partnerships in our industry are key to success. Having been in business for well over 35 years, we can say without a doubt that if a company builds and maintains the proper partnerships you’re always going to operate with integrity, deliver craftmanship, enhance true collaboration and feel supported.

CSS is beyond delighted to have created amazingly strong and dependable partnerships over the years, where CSS is relied upon and where CSS can rely on our partners 100%.

If you’re a partner that’s interested in learning more about what it means to collaborate with CSS Office Solutions, feel free to reach out! We’re always looking to grow our trusted partnerships and deliver the highest level of office furniture services to the Calgary area. Exemplary office furniture support shouldn’t be hard to find. If you’re working on a commercial, corporate, or office project that requires maneuvering of office furniture in any capacity, call an expert to ensure the items are moved, managed and handled correctly for the best care of the items; make sure your call is to CSS Office Solutions for the right support!

Lastly, if you’re in need of renovating or constructing your office space – reach out! We’d be happy to connect with you from the start of your project through to its completion, and are able to recommend incredible designers, and general contractors that we’ve worked with prior that have a proven history of amazing projects!

Interested in learning more about the partnerships we leverage?! You should be, cause they’re amazing! Call or email the office, it would be great to hear from you!

Providing Office Furniture Solutions

by Jaclyn Reid•February 1, 2022•1 Comments

Furniture solutions, for your office, the CSS way!

At CSS Office Solutions, we literally have the word ‘solutions’ incorporated into our name for a very good, directly implied reason. Without a doubt, we downright consider ourselves a solutions provider that solves your office furniture difficulties, tasks, projects, etc. Some difficulties or problems you know you have (i.e.: office is moving, file room changes, etc.), and some problems you may not even know you have (i.e.: ergonomics, unlevel cabinets causing drawer issues, etc.).

Could we be considered the superheroes of the office furniture service world? We just might be – in my biased eyes, we’re the total heroes (and at least I know for sure our staff are the real heroes!).

CSS is a solution provider that doesn’t ‘just’ provide moving services, or ‘just’ offers warehouse storage, or ‘just’ furniture repairs, or ‘just’ furniture sales. CSS offers all of these services, and so many more to represent what a true solutions provider is. We’ve created our business model around being able to offer office service and have multiple other offerings that are complementary. This makes our job easier and aims to makes your job a whole lot easier too!

CSS provides all different types of solutions for office furniture and office services. Before we’re able to understand what it means to provide different types of solutions, one must first appreciate exactly what a ‘solutions provider’ really is, and what it truly means for the customer’s overall experience.

As we’re referencing a solutions provider in this context, it would simply mean that you as a client of CSS’ are doing less to achieve more. In most cases, the service provider steps up to handle most, if not all aspects of your needs, essentially taking the task or project off of your plate entirely! A solutions provider is also a company that doesn’t just offer one piece of the transaction. So, think about a company that sells just the furniture product, and has another company install or deliver the item(s), and then another company that you have to go through for the warranty. Providing solutions to a customer base is all encompassing and brings everything together, all under one roof as much as possible.

This is obviously where I would make a reference to CSS being a true one-stop-shop office furniture solution provider.

Isn’t that what we all hope and wish for when we hire a service company? We want it all with a cherry on top. It’s all good to want the world when choosing a service provider, and that’s exactly what we try to deliver at CSS throughout all of our interactions and engagements. There’s lots of truth that as consumers we want a great price, great service for the price paid and to have less responsibilities and stress completing this task or project.

What else is there truth behind? The reason as to why we refer to CSS as being the only call you need to make: a true one-stop-shop, the dedicated solutions provider for all things office furniture related. For our clients to be able to contact one business and have all their questions, projects, general inquiries and tasks taken care of with incredible levels of service, is a true rare find. We’re happy to be that rare find.

We know what we know, and we’re truthful to admit to not know what we don’t know – or what lands outside of our own internal teams’ expertise or wheelhouse! Examples of this would be if your project, move or task required electrical wire work, or your office/renovations needed a general contractor for infrastructure changes, or design assistance, etc. You know, the stuff we/you shouldn’t touch unless you’re THAT kind of expert! In CSS’ case, these would be the times when we’re not able to complete the work ourselves but are able to rely on our trusted partners to assist. CSS still coordinates and manages with all contractors and designers on your behalf, ensuring project success for what our clients needs are.

At CSS, we thoroughly enjoy being a part of the team, and when we’re all working towards solving the same solution, that’s a project or task well on its way to being successfully achieved! Win-win for everyone!

The amazingness of this offering is that CSS’ clients receive the full depth of removing tasks off their plate while eliminating coordination on their part – leave it to us, we love this stuff!

A solutions provider will try to take as many to-do’s off your list and put it on theirs, all done to alleviate you from having to coordinate or manage them on your own. Our Account Managers and everyone on our team is available to guide you in making the right decisions, for the right reasons. We hope to welcome you into our long list of overjoyed clients who have been lucky enough to feel what it’s like for the real CSS client experience.

At CSS, we know your time is tremendously valuable and there’s only so much of it in one workday. Let our team of experts allow you to take some of that back into your day. Think of this as the time freed up that can be used for your expertise or genius, while you leave CSS to take care of all things that’s our expertise and in our wheelhouse.

Contact our office today to take time back in your day by having CSS manage all your furniture projects, coordinate office moves and handle your service needs.

Movers vs. Installers

by Jen Harding•August 4, 2021•1 Comments

Here’s a hint – they are not the same, but CSS takes care of BOTH!

We all hear the terms “moving company” and “installation company” but what exactly do they mean? What’s the difference? In this post we’ll discuss the differences as they relate to the office furniture world.

Basically, a moving company is just that – a company that moves you from point A to point B. There are numerous companies operating like this. They should be capable of loading, transporting and unloading boxes, crates, and disassembled furniture. They should be able to provide you with all the moving supplies you’ll need such as boxes, plastic bins, labels, bags for cables/phone/computers, and should have their own maintained equipment to facilitate the move. You need movers during a relocation – they do the heavy lifting and transportation!

An installation company has a different purpose and scope. Installers are trained technicians who know the proper sequence of disassembly/reassembly so that all pieces of furniture can be moved safely and without damage. Considering some workstations have multitudes of small individual components it doesn’t take long before that becomes overwhelming to someone inexperienced. Most installation companies do not do the physical moving, they’re often called in before a move to take furniture apart for the moving company and then return after the move to re-assemble the furniture.

Keep an eye out for these common warning signs for a less-than-ideal moving or installation company:

· Inability to provide proof of insurance. This is a huge red flag! DO NOT hire any contractor that cannot prove they have insurance coverage. Should the unforeseen happen you are stuck paying for furniture repairs/replacements. Also consider that most movers carry general liability insurance which only covers $0.60 per pound! Always ask about insurance coverage and inquire about the cost for additional coverage if it’s needed.

· Inability to provide a WCB clearance letter in good standing. As stated directly on the WCB-Alberta website “A clearance letter indicates if a contractor has their own coverage or would need to be covered as your worker. If the contractor has their own coverage, the letter clears you of responsibility by notifying you if the contractor has paid their WCB premiums. If you do not have a clearance letter and the contractor has not paid their premiums, you may be liable for those premiums. You should get a clearance before you hire the company or individual and before releasing payment.”

· Using temporary workers instead of hiring staff. Using temporary workers or “independent contractors” may save these companies costs associated with payroll deductions and benefit coverage, but they’re also not likely to be well trained or experienced which can lead to an uptick in damages to your furniture, belongings and even the building you are in which again can cost you more than you anticipated.

Office furniture (and space) is expensive – don’t take the chance with untrained or inexperienced companies, you’ll regret it!

Want to know more now? Give us a call or send us an email!