Since the economic downturn began in the fall of 2008, price increases from church furniture manufacturers have been rare.  When they have taken place, the amount of the increases have been nominal.  Well, it appears to the Church Furniture Partner that extended moratorium is about to end.

Over the past couple of weeks, no less than a dozen major church furnishing manufacturers have announced price increases for 2011 of between 5% and 7%.  I expect that trend to continue with more manufacturers making similar announcements over the coming weeks.  While the size of the increases are reflective of the decision not to raise prices over the past couple of years, they will certainly impact churches making major purchases next year.

I would certainly recommend your church making any upcoming furnishing purchases yet in 2010.  Many manufacturers will allow you to make a purchase months in advance and freeze pricing for you even though your delivery time-frame might be well into the following year.  And as I have mentioned before, contacting Church Furniture Partner for the lowest prices on church furnishings in the country is always a great way to cut your church furnishing costs.