Hey there, I’m Jessica Frizzell, and I’ve been helping businesses find the perfect office furniture solutions at Panel Systems Unlimited for over 7 years now. Over the years, I’ve worked with so many incredible clients, from small startups to established companies across the Atlanta metro area and beyond, helping them create workspaces that are both functional and budget-friendly. But lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend that’s been a bit of a wake-up call for businesses shopping for office furniture—especially cubicles and chairs. More and more companies are coming to us after trying to buy from big online retailers like Uline or Amazon, only to face a slew of challenges they didn’t see coming. I want to share what I’ve learned from these experiences and why choosing a specialized provider like Panel Systems Unlimited can make all the difference.
The Allure of Online Shopping: A Double-Edged Sword
It’s easy to see why businesses turn to big online retailers when shopping for office furniture. The convenience of browsing from your desk, the promise of quick shipping, and often a lower upfront price tag can feel like a no-brainer. I’ve had clients tell me they found cubicles on Uline or chairs on Amazon that seemed like a steal—sometimes hundreds of dollars cheaper than what they’d find elsewhere.
On the surface, it looks like a win: you click, you buy, and your new office setup arrives in a few days. But here’s the catch—and I’ve heard this story more times than I can count—what seems like a deal often turns into a headache down the road.
The first issue that comes up is quality. Those cubicles or chairs might look good in the product photos, but when they arrive, businesses quickly notice the difference. I’ve had clients share stories of flimsy cubicle panels that wobble with the slightest touch, chairs that creak after a month of use, or finishes that start peeling off faster than you’d expect. One client, a small call center in Atlanta, came to us after buying a set of chairs from Amazon that started breaking down within three months—backs snapping, wheels falling off, you name it. They thought they’d saved money, but they ended up spending more to replace them. At Panel Systems Unlimited, we don’t sell anything that doesn’t meet our high standards. Our 800-1,200 in-stock refurbished cubicles (Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth) are in excellent condition, and we back them with a lifetime warranty on structural parts. We sell quality chairs that we have tested, trust and back with our own warranty that can extend beyond the manufactures at times. If something’s not up to par, we make it right—no questions asked.
The Customer Support Conundrum: A Major Hassle
The second—and often bigger—problem with buying from big online retailers is the customer support experience. When you’re dealing with a massive company like Uline or Amazon,
resolving even small issues can turn into a major hassle. I’ve had clients tell me horror stories of spending hours on hold, navigating endless automated menus, or emailing back and forth with support reps who can’t solve their problems. One client, a startup in Duluth, ordered cubicles from Uline that arrived with missing parts. They spent weeks trying to get replacements, only to be told they’d have to pay for shipping again. Another client who bought chairs on Amazon couldn’t get a refund for defective items because the return window had closed while they were waiting for a response. These experiences aren’t just frustrating—they can stall your entire office setup and cost you time and money.
At Panel Systems Unlimited, we’re all about personalized customer service. When you work with me, you get a real person who’s here to make the process seamless from start to finish. I’ve worked with clients like Elizabeth at Digestive Healthcare of Ga., who loved how easy we made their desk installation in 2024, and Kat at Whitman, who said we made their furniture setup a breeze in January 2025. If something goes wrong—whether it’s a missing piece or a product that doesn’t meet your expectations—I’m just a phone call away. We’re a 5-star rated company (Google reviews) because we stand by our promise: the customer is always right. You’ll never be stuck in a call center loop with us.
Quality That Lasts: Why Refurbished Beats Cheap
Let’s talk about quality a bit more, because it’s a big reason why businesses are coming back to us after trying online options. The cubicles and chairs you find on sites like Uline or Amazon are often only produced to hit a low price point, which means they’re not built to last. I’ve seen clients who bought 6×6 cubicles online only to find the panels warping after a year, or chairs that lose their cushioning in months. Compare that to our refurbished inventory—like our Steelcase Answer stations or Knoll Divideds cubicles. These are high-end brands that we’ve carefully inspected, repaired, and cleaned to be as good as new. They come with features like sit-to-stand surfaces, storage towers, and overhead shelves, all backed by a lifetime warranty. You’re not just saving 70% off new—you’re getting furniture that’ll last for years.
We recently worked with Whitney at King Risk Partners, updating a proposal for 8 stations in 2 runs of 4. She mentioned that the stuff they’d been buying felt like junk and needed repairs every 6 months, and we assured her that with us, she wouldn’t have to worry about quality. Our cubicles are built to withstand the daily grind of an office, whether it’s a busy call center or a growing startup. And if something doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll fix it—no runaround, no hassle.
The Hidden Costs of Online Purchases
Another thing businesses don’t always realize when buying online is the hidden costs that add up. Sure, the sticker price might be lower, but what about the cost of downtime when your furniture arrives damaged or incomplete? Or the cost of replacing low-quality items sooner than expected? I’ve seen clients spend more in the long run because they had to replace chairs or cubicles that didn’t hold up. Then there’s the lack of support for layout planning—online retailers don’t offer free space planning like we do. A client once told me they ordered cubicles from Amazon without realizing their space was 3 inches too narrow, and that meant they couldn’t install 4 of the stations they ordered.
At Panel Systems Unlimited, we take the guesswork out of the equation. Our free space planning ensures every inch of your space is used wisely, whether you’re fitting 6×6 stations or smaller setups. We provide you with a drawing of the furniture in your space complete with full color 3D renderings, so you can sleep easy know your furniture will fit. We’ve been doing this since 1996, and with 35,000 sq ft of warehouse space, we have the inventory (800-1,200 cubicles) to deliver fast (1-2 weeks). You won’t find that level of expertise or support with a big online retailer.
Why Choose Panel Systems Unlimited?
I’ve seen firsthand how much it means to businesses to work with a company they can trust. When you choose Panel Systems Unlimited, you’re not just getting furniture—you’re getting a partner who’s committed to your success. We’ve helped businesses across Atlanta, from 5 Points Electrical to Ram Partners updated stations, create workspaces that work for them. Our 5-star reviews (Google, Facebook) speak to our dedication, and I’m proud to be part of a team that puts customers first.
If you’re tired of dealing with low-quality furniture or the hassle of big online retailers, let’s talk. I’d love to help you find the perfect solution for your office—whether it’s ~refurbished cubicles, ergonomic chairs, or a full layout design. Contact me at 866-457-2635 or visit www.panelsystemsunlimited.com to get started. Let’s create a workspace you’ll love, without the headaches!