10 Myths About Serviced Offices
Posted by:
Victor Pardis on
9th September 2013
10 Myths About
Serviced Offices
Serviced offices are known for their convenience and
flexibility, but how much of this is actually true? Many people have questioned
what serviced offices have to offer their business, and there has been a lot of
hearsay about what they can provide. Here we aim to debunk some of the classic
myths and legends, and sort the fact from the fiction.
1) You End Up Paying For Things You Don’t Use
Serviced offices offer a range of basic mod cons for you and
your business to function as normal. However, some people are lead to believe
that they are paying out for more services than their company actually needs. In
recent years most offices have started outlining any extras you may or may not
want, so you don’t have to pay out for things that won’t be of benefit to the
business.
2) Serviced Offices Are Only For Start Up
Companies
Due to their high levels of flexibility and convenience they
are known to be the perfect solution for many young starts (see why here),
but that’s not to say that they are exclusive to them alone. It’s thought that
the ratio between start up’s and PLC’s within a standard serviced office building
are around the 50/50 mark.
3) Serviced Offices Are Ultimately A Short
Term Solution
As handy as they are many companies feel as if they have to
‘fly the nest’ and set up shop in a premises of their very own. This is
certainly one way of going about it, but no one is saying you have to. Serviced
offices can provide you with everything your business needs, and many
businesses stay long term, so you should only move if you really want to.
4) They Have Limited Day Time Access
Being your bog standard office space many people assume that
they run during normal office hours. This is not strictly the case as most offices
have 24 hour access. Most serviced office companies know that some businesses
may have to work at unusual hours to get their work done and thus have given
them more freedom.
5) They Charge High Phone Rates To Gain More
Profit
This is probably the biggest myth surrounding serviced
offices. If anything, they charge much less than your standard phone line as
they are able to discount it where appropriate, plus corporate serviced offices
don’t charge a penny for local calls or faxes and you are able to choose you
own provider.
6) Serviced Offices Are More Expensive Than
You Think
At first it can appear as if you are paying out a lot of
money, but when those costs are spread out over the contract you have with them
it all levels out a bit. Remember you are not just paying for the rental
itself, but also for all the services such as utilities, insurance and repairs.
7) They Only Offer Short Contracts
It is true that they offer many short term contracts but
they are not bound to it by any means. Some companies have been known to stay
for anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Short term contracts are simply there as a get
out if you find your company is suddenly not doing so well, and means if you
decide to move elsewhere they can fill the gap quickly.
8) Serviced Offices Take More Time To Move
Into
Moving from place to place will always take a bit of time
and planning, no matter how big your business is. The beauty of serviced
offices is that they tend to have many of the things you would need already in
place such as desks and filing cabinets. All you need to do is bring along your
computers, your paperwork and your charming selves.
9) You’re Tied Down To One Location
You would usually be forgiven for thinking that your contract
means you are stuck with the same office for a while, however most serviced
offices are part of an entire network of other offices. If you talk to the
owner it’s possible for you to hot desk at a different location, be it to a neighbouring town or perhaps even across the
pond.
10) Serviced Offices Have Poor Quality
Amenities
If you share a building with several other businesses it’s
likely that there are going to be shared toilets, canteens, internet and so
forth. Some fear that due to the amount of bodies that you may be getting less
service than you should be receiving, but the office owner will always make
sure that each and every company has the tools they need to be at their best.
There are many plus points to serviced offices, and they
should certainly be part of your consideration when you sort out your business
plans. There are many offices and locations across the globe, so remember to
have a good look around and do your research.