Sometimes it is important to buy new pieces of furniture for the home or office, but in other instances, you can save money by purchasing used pieces that function perfectly well at a much lower cost. A used file cabinet is one such piece of furniture that can save you money without sacrificing quality. The tricky part will be finding a used file cabinet that is worth purchasing. Look into various stores or online websites that sell such units, and prepare yourself to find the one that will be reasonably attractive and fully functional.
Many used file cabinet models are made from metal, and while the metals used in construction of the units tend to be fairly durable, they can be damaged from impacts, falls, or improper use of the unit. Before you commit to purchasing a used filing cabinet, it is best to test its function in person by pulling out each drawer, sliding it back in, taking note of any missing hardware, and testing the locks if they are included with the unit. Inspect the entire unit for dents, scratches, rust, or holes that may cause problems down the line. The used file cabinet does not have to be in perfect condition, but it should be completely functional and sturdy.
If you cannot inspect the used file cabinet before purchase — this is common if you buy online — then you will need to do more research into the company selling the product. Find out if the company offers a return policy or warranty, and be sure to take note as to whether you will be responsible for return shipping if applicable. Shipping a filing cabinet can be quite expensive since the unit is likely to be quite large, so return shipping will cost you a fair amount of money out of pocket. If possible, find a company that offers free return shipping and a generous return policy.
Consider what type of used file cabinet you need for your home or office. Cabinets come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit a variety of needs. If you will only be storing a few files, a small, two drawer vertical cabinet may be sufficient, but if you have hundreds or thousands of files, five drawer vertical cabinets will be necessary. Horizontal file cabinets can also be purchased; these take up more space than vertical units, but file access may be easier with horizontal cabinets.
