I’m Sick of Startups Wasting Money on Offices
Look, I get it. We all want to be like Google or Facebook, right? Big offices, ping-pong tables, free snacks. But honestly, most startups can’t afford that. And frankly, they shouldn’t even try.
I’ve seen it alot. Too many alot. Startups burning through cash on fancy offices when they should be focusing on what actually matters: building a product that people want. It’s like they’re trying to impress investors or something. Newsflash: investors care about traction, not your swanky new digs.
I remember this one time, back in 2018, I was talking to a friend named Marcus. He was starting a new SaaS company. He told me, ‘We’re gonna get this amazing office space downtown.’ I said, ‘Marcus, you don’t even have a product-market fit yet.’ He looked at me like I was crazy. Spoiler: they ran out of money six months later.
Which, yeah. Fair enough. But it’s a classic mistake. Startups think that having a fancy office will make them look legit. But honestly, it’s just a waste of money.
Remote Work is the Future
Let’s talk about remote work. I know, I know. Some people hate it. They say it’s not ‘real’ work or whatever. But honestly, it’s the future. And it’s cheaper. And it’s more flexible. And it’s what people want.
I’ve been working remotely since 2015. I mean, I’m a writer, so it’s kinda easy for me. But I’ve seen it work for all sorts of businesses. Take Buffer, for example. They’re a fully remote company and they’re doing just fine. In fact, they’re thriving.
And look, I’m not saying every startup should be fully remote. But honestly, most startups don’t need a big office. They just need a place to work. And that place can be anywhere.
I was talking to a colleague named Dave the other day. He was telling me about this new startup he’s advising. They’re fully remote and they’ve saved a ton of money. He said, ‘We’re spending that money on product development instead.’ Which, honestly, is where it should be spent.
But What About Culture?
Okay, I know what you’re gonna say. ‘But what about culture?’ Look, culture isn’t about having a ping-pong table in the break room. Culture is about shared values and goals. It’s about how people treat each other. It’s about the work itself.
I remember this one time, I was at a conference in Austin. There was this panel of startup founders talking about culture. One of them said, ‘Our culture is built on trust and respect.’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, that’s what it’s all about.’ Not about the office space or the free snacks. It’s about the people.
And honestly, if you’re building a culture based on having a fancy office, you’re doing it wrong. Culture is about the work. It’s about the people. It’s about the mission. Not the office.
Practical Advice: Save Your Damn Money
So, what’s the practical advice here? Simple. Save your money. Don’t waste it on a fancy office. Invest it in your product. Invest it in your team. Invest it in your customers.
And look, I’m not saying you should work out of your basement forever. But honestly, you can find a decent co-working space for a fraction of the cost of a traditional office. And you can use the rest of the money to actually build something.
Speaking of co-working spaces, let’s talk about office supplies. I know, it’s not the most exciting topic. But honestly, it’s important. You don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of cheap, flimsy pens and paper that tears easily. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s a nightmare.
If you’re gonna get office supplies, do it right. Check out a office supplies comparison review to make sure you’re getting the best deal. And honestly, it’s worth it. Good office supplies make a difference.
Anyway, I’m getting off track. The point is, don’t waste money on stuff you don’t need. Focus on what’s important. Build a great product. Hire great people. Treat your customers right. That’s what’s gonna make you successful. Not a fancy office.
I’m not sure but maybe this is all just common sense. But honestly, I see startups making this mistake all the time. They think they need a fancy office to look legit. But honestly, it’s just a waste of money. Save it. Invest it. Build something amazing.
And look, I’m not saying it’s easy. It’s not. Starting a business is hard. But honestly, it’s worth it. Just don’t waste your money on stuff you don’t need. Focus on what’s important. Build something amazing.
I think I’m gonna stop now. This is getting kinda long. But honestly, it’s an important topic. Startups waste too much money on offices. It’s a mistake. Don’t do it.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been a senior editor at various magazines for over 20 years. I’ve seen it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m opinionated, blunt, and I don’t suffer fools gladly. I love startups, entrepreneurship, and all things business. But honestly, I’m sick of seeing startups waste money on stupid stuff. So, I’m here to call it out. Follow me on Twitter @sarah_edits or email me at sarah@businessbriefer.com.
