What does the price of our furniture hide?

Commodities: an essential but unstable pillar

The price of furniture starts with the cost of materials. Wood, steel, aluminum, foam, technical fabric suitable for tertiary use... Each component is subject to significant fluctuations. And the higher the quality, the greater the impact on the price.

• The price of steel fell by 18.4% between 2023 and 2024, reaching $714/ton in November 2024
• In March 2025, prices in euros for industrial raw materials fell over one month (-2.7% after +3.5%) but increased by 10% over one year (source: INSEE)

At Hexagone, we select sustainable materials, often of European or French origin, and certified (FSC for wood, Oeko-Tex, Ecolabel for fabrics, etc.). This choice has a higher initial cost, but in line with our brand values, which are environmental responsibility, design, usability, expertise and transparency.

Manufacturing: at the heart of added value

The transformation of raw materials into professional furniture requires technical know-how, advanced machinery and qualified labour.

The main cost items are:

• Specialized workforce, especially in France, where the average hourly cost in the manufacturing industry is €43.5 (source: INSEE, 2024).
• Machine park and automation, essential for both serial and custom production.
• Manufacturing time, linked to the complexity of the design, to the finishes, to the customizations requested.

At Hexagone, we have chosen locally controlled production, combining industrial flexibility and customization to meet the specific expectations of major accounts. This local production also ensures fast delivery, easier control of production, among others.

From the gross margin to the final price: who earns what?

In BtoB, the value chain is shorter than in the general public, but margins remain essential for the sustainability of each player.

Whether a company is a manufacturer or a distributor, in the end the gross margin is not an element of comparison. Why? It is obvious that manufacturers have high investment needs (area/factory/equipment) and gross margins must support all production costs, while a reseller/distributor will be subject to much fewer costs to run their business.

Studies show variations depending on production capacity, the flexibility of the industrial tool and the technicality and distribution, but it is common to see gross margins that are 20 to 30% higher than those of a distributor to make the investment of the cost of production profitable.

At Hexagone, we have our in-house production tool and we collaborate directly with companies or via prescribing partners. This allows us to limit intermediaries and to guarantee transparency and competitiveness, while ensuring a high level of service.

Invisible but very real costs

Beyond the material and the assembly, other components are integrated into the price:

1. Logistics
   
   • Elaboration of logistics planning + access control visit
   • Transport of heavy and bulky loads
   • On-site assembly
   • Management of deadlines and after-sales service
2. Product development
   • Design, prototypes, tests, certifications, possible royalties and designer and/or development fees
   • Research into new materials and ergonomic improvements
3. Service and personalization
   • Custom design (dimensions, finishes, technological integrations)
   • Tips
   • After-sales service adapted to the constraints of large companies

At Hexagone, these positions are not optional: they are part of our quality commitment. A company that invests in a global development project expects a turnkey solution, not just a product.

A price, but above all a value

In a call for tenders or a major project, comparing prices line by line is a necessary step. But it is essential to understand what each euro invested actually finances.

A few things to take into account:

• Lifespan of furniture: a product that lasts 15 years costs less in the long run than a product that needs to be replaced every 5 years
• Quality of the employee experience: comfort, acoustics, mobility, aesthetics influence performance
• Environmental and CSR commitments: traceability, labels, eco-design, controlled end of life.

We are convinced that the right price is one that reflects the real quality of the product, the transparency of its manufacture, and the service that accompanies it.

Our teams support large companies in the design of sustainable and differentiating work environments, by combining design, ergonomics and responsibility.

Do you have a development project?

Let's discuss and let's build together a solution adapted to your uses, your corporate culture and your challenges.