Office cubicles - usually called "systems furniture" by dealers - have a less-than-stellar reputation among workers, but it does solve some common business problems. Office cubicles offer you a way to divide large, noisy office spaces into private work areas without building permanent walls. Thanks to its flexibility and modularity, you can mix and match a wide range of layouts and extras to provide all your employees with the workspace they need.

Unfortunately, many of the people charged with locating, evaluating, and choosing cubicles are unfamiliar with the options and process - after all, it's not the type of purchase you make everyday.

And because it's there are so many options, it's not the kind of item you can easily choose from a catalog. Instead, you'll be better off working with a vendor who can help you to design a system appropriate for your space, business, and employees.

If you're furnishing an entire office, it may be wise to consider your systems furniture purchase separately from desks, conference tables, and the like. Those other pieces can be purchased piecemeal from different vendors, but you should definitely buy all your cubicles and accessories from the same source.

This BuyerZone Buyer's Guide will teach you what to look for as you're cubicle shopping and help you choose a systems furniture vendor. Once you know the basics, we'll put you in touch with office cubicle vendors - free.