Faculty and Staff

How to Buy Furniture From Steelcase

Last updated November 13, 2009 3:41:36 PM PST
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Read step-by-step instructions on how to buy furniture from Steelcase, a University-contracted office furniture supplier.

The University has a Strategic Sourcing contract with Steelcase, Inc. for tables, chairs, file cabinets, free-standing steel or laminate desks, bookcases, paneled office systems, task chairs, or side chairs.

Note: Use Marketplace UCSD's online buying site to order Steelcase furniture from BKM or STORE if your department has access.

  • If you're not sure that your department has access, check the list of departments and representatives (Excel) to find out.
  • If your department is listed, you can go directly to Marketplace and start shopping. If you can't find the item you want, contact the UC Call Center, (877) 722-9090 for assistance.
  • If your department doesn't have access to Marketplace, see Getting Set Up in Marketplace.

To view and order furniture products online, visit Steelcase@STORE and BKM@UCSD.

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1. Contact Steelcase.

  • Call the Steelcase UC Services Center at (877) 722-9090.
  • The UC Services Center will assign a work order to your request.
  • A representative from BKM, Steelcase's local supplier, will contact you within 24 hours.

2. Decide which type of quote you need.

  • If you aren't sure that your budget can cover the cost of the project you have in mind, ask BKM for a budgetary quote. This quote will allow you to plan your purchase within your budget.
  • If you know that what you want to purchase is within your budget, ask BKM to prepare your order-ready quote. There is no charge for minor revisions to the quote. Steelcase also allows two major revisions at no charge.

3. Get a quote from BKM.

  • When the BKM representative contacts you, discuss the services BKM can provide, including:
    • Design consultation
    • Space planning
    • Product selection
    • Moving
    • Installation
  • Check the timetable to estimate how long this step will take.
  • After you have decided what you want to buy, BKM will supply you with a quote that will include all charges, including design, delivery, and installation.

4. Choose the correct method for your purchase.

  • Use Express Card if:
    • You are authorized to use Express Card
    • Your quote is less than $4,999, including tax, shipping, and handling.
  • Complete a Department Order if:
    • You have a valid buyer code.
    • Your quote is less than $2,500, including tax, shipping, and handling.
    Note: Include your quote number and work order number on the Department Order and fax it to the vendor at (616) 475-2022.
  • Submit a High Value Requisition if:
    • Your quote is more than $2,500 and you will not be using Express Card to place your order.
    Note: Fax a copy of your quote to Brant Yancey, Procurement & Contracts, (858) 534-5803. Be sure to write the requisition number on your quote.

5. Prepare for your furniture delivery.

  • Set a delivery date with your BKM representative.
  • Decide what to do with your old furniture. Options include contacting UCSD Surplus Sales or contacting UCSD's furniture buyer for a list of private furniture-recycler services.
  • As the delivery date nears, prepare your workspace by clearing the old desktop, bookshelves, and drawers of files and other paperwork, desktop accessories, and personal effects.

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If you have questions, contact Brant Yancey, (858) 534-6721.