Buying equipment and furniture

When you go through the process of setting up your office, you will probably look for equipment and furniture. Before you begin your search, prepare a list of everything you think you will need. Include these general categories:

* X-ray equipment
* Examination tables
* Adjusting tables
* Diagnostic equipment
* Front office furniture: desks, chairs, filing cabinets
* Reception room furniture and chairs
* Children’s corner furniture
* Computer, copier, fax, printer
* Therapy and rehabilitation equipment
* Doctor’s office furniture

Having new equipment and furniture might be ideal, but if you can find quality used items you will lower your startup costs significantly. Quality used office furniture is usually available locally. Use Google Maps or Local.com to search “used office furniture” in the city or state where you will be located. You’ll see a list of possibilities. Of course, you can also use the old-fashioned method of checking the phone book. Be creative when looking for furniture; inexpensive furniture from patio shops or consignment shops can look attractive with some cleaning, paint, and careful arrangement.

For chiropractic equipment including tables, X-ray equipment, diagnostic equipment, and therapy equipment, there are a number of possibilities. Many of the chiropractic colleges have classified ads for used equipment on their Web sites. Here are just a few:

* National University of Health Sciences

* Texas Chiropractic College

* Palmer College of Chiropractic

If you have an opportunity to attend a major chiropractic event, such as a Parker Seminar, Florida Chiropractic Association annual convention, or your school’s homecoming, you’ll find many equipment vendors eager to talk with you about their products. Don’t hesitate to ask them if they have used equipment available for sale.

More Web sites that offer used equipment:

Chiropractic Economics classified ads often include used equipment for sale

Chirocity has a large list of used equipment (check their “clearance” link).

Craigslist.com has classified ads for many of the major cities across the country.

Chirotables.com specializes in chiropractic tables, but also has other equipment.

Doctors Supply also has rehabilitation and therapy equipment from several different vendors.

Scrip has a wide variety of equipment and supplies for sale. Contact them to see if they have used equipment available.

Keep checking all of these sites, as the offerings frequently change.

Finally, if you have difficulty getting enough startup funding from a bank, you can consider leasing equipment. Many tax considerations are involved in this decision, depending upon the type of lease, term of the lease, and the value of the equipment. Check this article for some guidelines: “New equipment can boost your cash flow: Revised tax law puts profits in your pocket.”

Another good source for information on this subject is NCMIC; their Web site includes details about leasing, a discussion of tax benefits, and calculations.

In addition, you should consult with a CPA before committing to leasing equipment in order to assure you are getting the greatest tax benefit from your lease.

In general, when you’re starting, try to buy used whenever possible in order to keep your costs down and try to finance through your startup loan instead of leasing.

Check out these related articles:

Think “technology” for a new office

Equipping your first office? A checklist for equipping your first office