Two offices of a similar size can leave you with very different monthly bills. One includes furniture, internet and cleaning; the other requires separate suppliers. When comparing a serviced office with a conventional lease, ask both “What does it cost?” and “What does that price cover?”
Ask for the same working week
Describe a normal week for your team: how many people work together, how often they attend and how many meetings they hold. Six people coming in three days a week may need a different arrangement from six people working on site every day.
Ask both providers to quote for the same headcount, term and service requirements. Compare desk layouts, storage and shared areas alongside floor space.
Separate the upfront payments
A conventional lease may involve fit-out, furniture, connection costs and a move. With a serviced office, establish what is ready and whether extra equipment or installation is needed. Include the work that must be completed before your first day.
Show the deposit separately from other initial payments and read the conditions for its return. This distinguishes the cash needed at the outset from the charges you will pay over the period of use.
Read the whole monthly bill
Compare these items side by side:
- Office fees and shared building charges
- Internet, telephone, cleaning and reception
- Meeting room allowances and additional hours
- Parking, printing, couriers, refreshments and technical support
- Renewal, price adjustments and exit conditions
Check whether prices include VAT. Where an included service has an allowance or operating hours, record those too. A single headline figure can hide important differences in what you can use.
Decide who will run the office
Dealing with a connection problem, coordinating cleaning and arranging maintenance all take time. If someone in your company will handle these tasks, include that commitment in your decision.
The value of a serviced office lies partly in the work it takes off your team’s hands. The control a conventional lease offers over space and fit-out may matter more to you. Choose around the services you will use and the responsibilities you want to retain.
