Assembling furniture is a project many of us face when purchasing new furniture for our homes or offices. The process can be time-consuming, confusing, and even frustrating, but it is also an opportunity to bring your furniture to life and create a comfortable and functional space. But who is behind the assembly of furniture?
1. Furniture Manufacturers
Some furniture manufacturers, especially those producing flat-pack furniture, assemble the pieces in their factories before shipping them to customers. This saves the customer time and ensures that the pieces are correctly put together and secure. Furniture manufacturers may also have assembly teams who visit customers' homes to assemble furniture on-site.
2. Retailers
Retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, IKEA, and others who sell furniture partner with third-party assembly companies to offer this service to customers. While other retailers often have their assembly teams to assist customers with the process. In addition to providing customers with a convenient service, retailers use furniture assembly services to set themselves apart from their competitors and increase customer satisfaction.
3. Third-party assembly companies
Third-party assembly companies specialize in putting together furniture, fitness equipment, and other household items for customers. These companies typically offer a wide range of services, including assembly, delivery, and installation, using gig workers or employees.
Gig Workers (1099) - A gig worker is an independent contractor or freelancer who provides services on a project-by-project basis rather than as a full-time employee. They are often hired through online platforms that connect gig workers with businesses or individuals needing their services. Examples of gig work include ride-sharing, food delivery, freelance writing, and task-based jobs such as furniture assembly.
Employees (W2) - Employees typically have a formal, ongoing relationship with their employer and are considered part of the employer's workforce. Employees usually have set working hours, job duties, and reporting relationships. Employees are part of the company or organization they work for, and the employer has greater control over their work than if they were independent contractors or freelancers.
The big retailers rely on the Gig worker networks of Thumbtack, BookHandyFriends, TaskRabbit, Angi, and others because of their national footprints, making it easier to provide services for all of their customers. These companies are the Uber, and Lyft of the Furniture Assembly Companies, says Marvin Allsup, founder of The Allsup Compay.
In 2018 IKEA's partnership with TaskRabbit started being rolled out in stores near significant cities, allowing customers to book a “tasker” to assemble purchased furniture, according to an article written for CNBC.
Then you have your regional or local companies like Ms. Handi Home Services, Painted Nails Handiwork, Furniture & Fitness Equipment Assembly Services, Perfect Assembly, and 404Handyman. Usually, when you book furniture assembly services with one of these companies, they employ trained technicians who are experienced in the assembly process and equipped with the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done correctly.
4. DIY Enthusiasts
Furniture assembly can be a fun and rewarding experience for those who enjoy tackling home improvement projects. Many people choose to assemble their furniture to save money, to have the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands, or to avoid having to wait for an assembly team to arrive.
In conclusion, the assembly of furniture is a task that is often performed by furniture manufacturers, retailers, third-party assembly companies, and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you have your furniture assembled by professionals or tackle the task yourself, proper planning and attention to detail are critical to a successful assembly process.
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