Turn-key offices. Flexible contracts. Unlimited networking opportunities.
The social and financial benefits of coworking have been well documented, fueling a rapid expansion that has made Class A office space accessible to freelancers and entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
A number of coworking spaces offer ancillary services, many of which come at no additional cost to the client. These services may not even be included on an office provider’s list of available services and amenities. These are especially valuable for small businesses with modest budgets, not only saving money, but in many cases, making the transition from a home office to shared office that much easier.
So, before committing to a communal workspace, be sure to vet the office providers on your short list to see if they offer any – or all – of the following services:
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Move-in coordination
Office moves can be expensive, which is why businesses that are leasing traditional office space try to negotiate free rent and other concessions to help offset the cost. In order to, literally, get businesses in the front door, some shared office providers will go as far as covering the cost of a moving service to help clients transport furniture, boxes and any other items they need to personalize their space and get an office up and running.
In addition to helping clients physically move their possessions, a center’s staff can also coordinate with building management to ensure loading docks are available on moving day, eliminating unnecessary delays that could create headaches for the business owner.
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Technical support
Most shared offices are already equipped with phone and Internet service at move-in, allowing business owners to plug in and go without spending time and money on tech setup. While an office provider may not have the resources to provide advanced technical support, they typically have established partnerships with third-party providers who are available to assist clients on short notice – and often at a discounted rate.
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Package receiving and delivery
More people are shopping online today than ever, and whether deliveries are for businesses purposes or personal use, many are being sent to the workplace to avoid having packages left out on a doorstep or, in cases where the recipient hasn’t pre-signed, routed back to the delivery center.
In a shared office environment, the center’s on-site staff can sign for packages and either store them in a secure room or hand-deliver them to a client’s office so they’re waiting for them when they return.
Of course, these services are in addition to the regular social events that take place in communal workspaces – almost all of which are included in monthly membership fees – as well as exclusive discounts that can help businesses save on everything from web hosting to hotel rooms.
All of this adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings that can be funneled back into the business, allowing companies to reap the benefits of a shared office long after the moving crates have been unpacked.
This article has been edited and condensed.
Ron Bockstahler is co-founder and CEO of Amata Office Solutions, Chicago’s largest privately owned office suites provider. Founded in 2002, Amata specializes in office solutions for companies requiring up to 10,000 square feet of office space. A licensed brokerage, Amata’s clientele includes businesses of all sizes, including solo practitioners and startups, as well as large corporations looking to establish satellite locations in Chicago. Connect with @AmataOffices on Twitter.
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