Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Contract Furniture? Do you mean Office Furniture or Rental Furniture?
Contract furniture refers to commercial-grade furniture designed specifically for businesses, hospitality venues, and public spaces. It includes everything from hotel beds and restaurant chairs to office seating and lobby sofas. Any furniture intended for use in a commercial setting falls under contract furniture.
Office furniture (also known as task furniture) is a type of contract furniture designed for workplaces, featuring ergonomic considerations and functional designs for professional environments.
We do not provide rental furniture, but our pieces are designed for long-term commercial use in hotels, restaurants, offices, and other high-traffic environments.
What is Hospitality Furniture?
Hospitality furniture is designed for hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and lounges. It includes dining chairs, tables, lounge seating, outdoor furniture, and case goods like hotel room desks and wardrobes.
Hospitality furniture must meet strict durability and fire safety regulations and is made to withstand constant use in high-traffic commercial settings.
How is Contract Furniture Made?
Contract furniture is specifically built for strength, durability, and compliance with commercial regulations. It differs from residential furniture in several ways:
- Materials: Uses stronger frames, reinforced joints, and commercial-grade finishes to withstand heavy use.
- Durability: Designed for high-traffic environments such as hotels, restaurants, and offices.
- Fire Safety Compliance: Upholstered items can meet fire-retardant regulations like Cal-117, Cal-133, and NFPA 260/701, depending on usage.
- Manufacturing Standards: Built with strict quality control to ensure consistency and longevity.
We provide product specifications upon request, including material certifications and fire safety compliance details.
Can You Make Custom-Made Items?
Yes! We specialize in custom-made furniture to fit your exact specifications. Whether you need a specific size, finish, or upholstery material, we can create tailored solutions for your project.
Which Trade Associations Are You Affiliated With?
Inside Out Contracts is a member of Commercial Interiors UK and The Guild of Master Craftsmen. These organizations uphold strict quality and ethical standards, ensuring that our furniture meets industry regulations and best practices.
What Do I Do If I Have Further Questions?
Our highly trained sales team have a wealth of industry knowledge and can assist you in all aspects of your furniture requirements. Call us on 001 (646) 493 0190 and we’ll do all that we can to help you.You can contact our team for assistance:
Email: mail@insideoutcontracts.com
Phone: 001 (646) 493 0190
Buying
I Am Unsure What to Order. Can You Help?
Yes! Our furniture specialists can guide you in choosing the best options for your space, style, and budget. We offer design advice, material samples, and expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
I’m Starting a Restaurant. At What Stage in My Design Process Should I Contact You?
It’s best to reach out early in your project so we can assist with:
- Furniture layouts and space planning
- Material selection for durability and design
- Custom furniture designs
- Lead time estimates to align with your opening schedule
We strive to offer competitive pricing on all our products. If you have a specific budget or need a bulk order discount, let us know, and we’ll provide a customized quote.
Do You Have a Price List?
Since most of our products are customizable, pricing varies based on materials, finishes, and order volume. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Is There a Standard Price for Custom-Made Seating?
Pricing for custom-made seating depends on:
- Size and complexity of the design
- Choice of materials and upholstery
We provide a detailed price breakdown based on your specifications.
How Do I Place an Order with Inside Out Contracts?
To place an order:
- Request a quote and confirm your selections.
- Approve the design (for custom-made items).
- Receive an invoice for payment processing.
- Production begins after payment confirmation.
- Delivery is scheduled based on your preferred shipping method.
What Methods of Payment Do You Accept?
We accept:
Bank transfers (ACH or wire payments)
Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Customer Care
Is the Furniture Guaranteed?
Yes, all our furniture comes with a commercial-use warranty, which covers:
Structural integrity for a specified period.
Defective materials or workmanship.
Warranty details vary by product—please check your invoice or contact us for specifics.
How Do I Care for My Upholstery Fabrics?
To maintain your furniture:
- Regular cleaning – Use a soft cloth and mild detergent.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – Can damage fabric coatings.
- Minimize direct sunlight exposure – Prevents fading.
- Follow manufacturer care guides – Available upon request.
Color Disclaimer
Colors and finishes may vary due to:
- Screen differences – Digital images may not be exact.
- Material variations – Wood grains, metals, and fabrics may have slight differences.
- Batch production – Dye lots can differ slightly between orders.
For accuracy, we recommend requesting material samples before placing an order.
USA SEA FREIGHT
How long does sea freight take from the UK to the USA?
Sea transit time is typically around 30 days, including 7–10 days for port handling and customs clearance. – Can be as low as 10 days to East Coast, but as high as 47 days for West Coast.
Import Security Filing (ISF) for the USA?
Yes. A US customs broker must submit the ISF at least 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel (Late filing can result in fines.)
If you do not have a broker, Inside Out Contracts can arrange an agent for you.
What documents will I need?
Inside Out Contracts will provide the Commercial Invoice and Packing List.
If you do not have your own agent, we can appoint one; however, a Power of Attorney (POA) document and EIN must be completed before we can proceed with the ISF filing. Without a completed POA, we cannot ship your goods – must be complete by the consignee / receiver / importer of record
What import taxes or duties apply when shipping to the USA?
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will assess import duties based on the HS code and product value.
Inside Out Contracts is not responsible for covering these charges nor provide estimate charges — they are determined by US Customs once your goods arrive in the USA. – HS Code, Product value, product material and country of origin.
Do I need a US-based customs broker?
Yes. Even when shipping from the UK, you will need a licensed US customs broker to manage clearance and duty payments in America. Inside Out Contracts can provide one if required
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Inside Out Contracts
276, 5th Avenue, Suite 704 | New York | 10001 | United States
Sales: (646) 493 0190
Production: (646) 493 0190
Design: (646) 493 0190
Company No. 02841010
VAT No. 752 0164 61
