Gasping at the cost of buying new office furniture is not an uncommon response. But what are you going to do-have employees sit on the floor and work picnic-style?

One small way to lessen the sting of purchasing new furniture can be to sell your used furniture. Although selling used furniture has traditionally been the domain of companies about to downsize or close, companies that are looking to give their offices a face-lift can also think about trading in their used furnishings.

To be sure, selling used furniture does not bring substantial financial rewards. This is primarily because used pieces are often re-sold at discounts of up to 85 percent off the original price. As a result, only companies that can afford to shed large volumes can expect a reasonable return. This means that sellers are often large companies that can combine furniture stock from multiple offices.

There is still some room for the smaller company, though. Understanding the process and finding the right dealer can make your selling experience hassle-free and help you reap some financial benefits along the way.

Selling used furniture involves a few steps. First, you will need a list of the furniture pieces you want to sell. You should also frankly assess the condition of the pieces. Desks should have a minimum of chipping and chairs should have seat cushions that still cushion and are not overly stained. Having multiple sets of furnishings can also enhance the value of the pieces.

You will then need to find a dealer willing to buy your used furniture. Browsing through the local Yellow Pages will likely yield dozens of names. But you will find that used furniture dealers usually have a minimum requirement for buying. National dealers typically consider only multiple-site offices; smaller regional dealers may be willing to consider a smaller quantity. Your best bet is to get referrals through your regular furniture dealer.

The dealers you contact will come to your office to inspect your inventory. A dealer should give you a bid for the furniture within two to three days. The bid should include the price to be paid for your furniture as well as for its removal. To make sure that you are receiving a fair return on your furniture, you may want to solicit bids from two to three companies.

Reputable companies will generally pay you for your furniture before removing any of it. Dealers should either pay in full or give an up-front deposit of at least 10 percent. Be wary of dealers who promise prompt removal with attractive rates for your furniture but hesitate to pay before removing anything.

Finally, if you are selling and buying furniture simultaneously, keep the processes separate. While many furniture dealers offer trade-ins for old pieces, you are better off if you get bids for your old and new furniture separately. Receiving individual bids will help you determine the best rates.