Look online for an industrial bench and you will get all kinds of results...a park bench, a locker bench, an interior bench, a table with drawers, and a production workbench.
Because the term “industrial” is being used to describe every bit of furniture that falls into the latest design trend that has an “industrial look” , it makes it more difficult if you are a business trying to purchase a real, quality industrial workbench.
Add to that the fact that there a lot of companies selling cheap import products, and it becomes difficult for a business to figure out what they are actually getting.
What You Need To Know
If you are a business looking for a quality industrial workbench, beware of imposters. Quality American manufacturers 
don’t sell their products at Target, Walmart or even Amazon. And, they typically don’t sell their products through those websites that sell everything but the kitchen sink, and it is all cheap.
They may sell through a distributor online, but if they do, their company name will be prominently displayed so that you know that it is their product.
In this world of “everyone wants everything fast and cheap”, there are still some products that are worth the wait. Like quality, American-made products!
Issues With Buying Online
There are a whole host of issues that you can encounter from buying online:
No Customization - You may have some choices of colors, worksurfaces or accessories, but they are usually limited. What you see is what you get. Custom sizes, colors, utility interfaces, and accessories can only be procured by working directly with the manufacturer. And, if that manufacturer is overseas, it is not going to happen. They only offer set products to the American market.
Missing Hardware - Anything you buy can have missing hardware. But if that product is purchased from overseas, you may have to wait 3 weeks or more to get replacements. I have heard it has even taken months in some cases.
Manufacturing Defects - Missing screw holes, screw holes that don’t line up, and pieces that don’t fit right are all issues that can happen when you manufacture something. It might not seem like a big deal, but returning the product and getting a replacement can be a hassle and cost you more time, especially if there are no more in stock.
Missing Instructions - Sometimes the instructions may not get into the box when packaged or there may not be any. You may be lucky enough to be an engineer or have someone at your company who is handy, but it wastes extra time to try and figure out how to put together someone else’s product. Most manufacturers have their instructions online.
Accessories Don’t Work - Your task light doesn’t work, the electrical strip won’t work, or the lock is broken in your drawers. Trying to get a resolution on this is usually the same as the manufacturing defects, hassle and lost time.
Insufficient Packaging - Not all manufacturers take good care when they package their products. The result can be dents, scratches, scuffs and other damage. Getting a replacement or resolution from the manufacturer can be near impossible. It is not always the sellers fault, but keep in mind that they have to work between you, the freight company and the manufacturer to figure out who will be footing the bill for the damage. And not all manufacturers will claim responsibility for poor packaging
Freight Issues - Your product can get damaged in transit, get delivered to the wrong company, or simply get lost. The time it takes to get an answer or even a resolution can add up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Your time and your company’s productivity is valuable. The low price of buying online won’t be worth it if you have any of the issues mentioned.
Quality American manufacturers have customer service representatives and distributors for a reason. The customer service they provide with design, assembly and installation, not to mention taking care of problems so you don’t have to is worth a lot.
It is important to know what is at stake, before you click that purchase button online.
