Did you know there are about twelve different electrical plug options around the world? Not to mention the differences in voltage as well. It's something most people forget to consider when traveling abroad or ordering devices from other countries.  

The UpDesk PowerUp accommodates U.S. standard 120 V; however, we do ship our products internationally. Many of you have asked, "How does this work?" The answer is simple; we offer a handy-dandy power adapter kit (costs around $70).

I've had customers in the past who order an adapter kit because they have two UpDesks, one in the U.S. and the other overseas. Typically, I receive an email for all international orders, so I'll take that time to mention our adapter kit (if a PowerUp is included in the order).

Feel free to email Kamron@MyUpDesk.com if you have any questions at all regarding our adapter kit.

I remember the day I received my first cell phone. It was silver, featured a "Game Boy" like green screen, and comically small (similar to Will Ferrell's phone). I thought it was high-tech.

Cell phones have changed dramatically since then. It's amazing to think of all the accessories available now as well. You're not experiencing a phone's full potential until you own a music dock, headphones or customized case.

How does this relate to UpDesk? I've had several of our customers ask what UpDesk accessories I recommend. After using an UpDesk for over a year now, I would say there are three accessories you need to think about getting.

ANTI-FATIGUE FLOOR MAT

You may be asking yourself, "What the heck is an anti-fatigue floor mat?" You've probably used one without even knowing it.

Do you know those squishy floor mats used in front of a kitchen sink?  Well, that's probably an anti-fatigue floor mat. They help to decrease back, knee, and neck soreness. We sell a great one in our online store.

Accessory: Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

Price: $39

Purchase Link: https://myupdesk.com/store/product/anti_fatigue_floor_mat3

LOCKING WHEEL SET

There are two main reasons why our wheel set is a must. First, they add an additional three inches to the height of the desk. Having more than enough height is always a good thing. 

Second, our wheel set enables the user to become completely mobile. You can move your workstation around the room. Some customers, like photographer Jeremy Cowart, need that mobility. Jeremy moves his UpDesk around his studio depending on the nature of the shoot that day. Our wheel set locks so you don't have to worry about a loss of stability and you can have them installed on your desk in about five minutes.

Accessory: Locking Wheel Set

Price: $59

Purchase Link: https://myupdesk.com/store/product/wheel_set

SINGLE/DUAL MONITOR SUPPORTS

It's important to make your computer monitor or laptop eye-level when using any type of standing desk. Even though it's easier to do, maintaining good posture can still be a little tricky while standing. 

Be sure to check out my blog post, "Top 20 Ways To Improve Your Posture In Everyday Life" for some great tips and advice from a local chiropractor. Our single/dual monitor supports will help get your monitors where they're supposed to be.

I've been using one of our single monitor supports for a while now and absolutely love it. See below for some photos. At first, I didn't think it would work with my iMac computer; however, I found a VESA adapter kit that's easily installed and reasonably priced too.

UpDesk Single Monitor Support

Cinema Display VESA Mount Adapter Kit

Accessory: Single Monitor Support / Dual Monitor Support

Accessory: Cinema Display VESA Mount Adapter Kit

Price (Monitor Supports): $159 / $229

Price (Apple Adapter Kit): $29

Purchase Links (Monitor Supports): https://myupdesk.com/store/product/single_monitor_support2 / https://myupdesk.com/store/product/dual_monitor_support

Purchase Link (Apple Adapter Kit): http://store.apple.com/us/product/M9649G/A/cinema-display-vesa-mount-adapter-kit

Next up... "FAQ #7: Will The Electric UpDesk Work Outside Of The United States?"

As you'll notice from our previous blog posts, we're all about saving you money in any way we can. Here's a quick overview of how we're doing that...

Do we offer group discounts? Yes. Do we let you provide your own desktop and purchase our height-adjustable legs only? Yes. Can you save over $100 on shipping by picking up your UpDesk at our Nashville location? Absolutely.  

We're constantly trying to improve our website to be the most pleasurable experience for our new and returning customers. However, one thing you'll quickly realize is there isn't a pick up option when placing an order through our website. This is something we're currently working on. 

In the meantime, I would suggest shooting an email to Kamron@MyUpDesk.com if you're interested in taking advantage of our pick up service. I'll be happy to work with you and give you all the details you need to know. Most of the time, it's not a problem to pick up your desk the same day you've placed the order (if you want).

Now you know about our pick up service, but what about a delivery service? We actually offer that too! If you're located in Nashville or somewhere relatively close, we can personally deliver your UpDesk(s) for a small fee. The delivery fee is based on how many UpDesks you order and how far away you're located from our plant. Again, feel free to shoot me an email for more information.

Next up... "FAQ #6: What Accessories Do You Recommend For My UpDesk?"

Discounts are a beautiful thing. People love them. Heck, I love them. As a consumer, a discount makes you feel like you're getting a good deal and most of the time, you are. Every little bit helps, right?

UpDesk was created to keep prices low all while offering a great product. Once you shop around for standing desks, you'll notice we're one of the most reasonably priced on the market. Height-adjustable standing desk prices can go as high as $1,500 or more. Our CrankUp model starts out at only $649, that's a little over $850 worth of savings right there!

We're all about accommodating our customers and we absolutely love bulk order discounts. Since we understand the pure awesomeness of a discount, we're more than happy to discuss the options. Every customer's need is different; so if you're interested in placing a bulk order, please shoot me an email to Kamron@MyUpDesk.com.

Keep in mind, our turnaround time is typically extremely fast and we definitely stand behind our product if something is damaged and/or malfunctions (no pun intended). Next up, "Does UpDesk Offer A Pick-Up Service At Their Nashville Location?"

Here at UpDesk, we offer two versions of height-adjustable standing desks: PowerUps (electric lift) and CrankUps (manual lift). All of our UpDesks feature a durable 1.25" high-pressure laminate desktop.

While most of our customers like our laminate desktops and the colors we offer, some prefer to provide their own desktop. This is completely fine with us! We understand providing your own desktop enables you to get even more creative and/or perfectly match your current office motif.

Purchasing one of our frames is a little more cost effective as well. Take $200 off the list price of any size UpDesk and BOOM.... you have the price of our frames. For example, the price would be $799 if you were interested in a large (72" x 30") PowerUp frame only.

There are two main things you need to know when ordering one (or several) of our frames:

1)   The easiest way to place an order only would be to email me at Kamron@MyUpDesk.com. That way, I can give you further instructions on your order like shipping costs and ETA.

2)   Keep in mind, our CrankUp model has the actual crank you raise and lower the desk on top of the desktop. You will have to drill a hole into your own desktop if you're interested in a CrankUp frame. It's easy to do, but just so you know.

That pretty much sums everything up. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or concerns regarding our frames. Next up, "FAQ #4: Does UpDesk Offer Any Group Discounts?"

Unless you're the ridiculously tall guy in the photo above, we have a standing desk just for you. Evaluating the height range of a height-adjustable standing desk is extremely important.

You definitely want to be able to find your "sweet spot" while sitting and standing throughout the day. As you already know, traditional desks do not have this capability.

UpDesk rises to 42.5 inches and lowers to 26.5 inches. Our particular height range accommodates over 90% of the population. More than likely, you're somewhere within that category; however, we understand we're not all the same size.

For people who need some extra height in our desk, I suggest purchasing our wheel set. The wheel set adds an additional 3 inches to the height of the desk, which doesn't sound like a lot, but you would be surprised how much it helps. 

UpDesk will eventually have the ability to exceed 50 inches in height. In fact, version 2.0 is set to launch in the very near future along with a new desk concept we're extremely excited about. Here's the part where I'm going to leave you hanging...

The next blog post will be entitled, "FAQ #3: Can I Purchase An UpDesk Frame And Provide My Own Desktop?"

Since our launch back in July of 2012, I continue to receive several of the same questions through our website and social media properties. What better way can I answer your question(s) and make my life a little bit easier? By writing a blog post.

Let's start with the topic of international shipping.

If you have a computer and shipping address, you can purchase an UpDesk whenever your heart desires and it will get delivered to you. We do ship our products internationally and do so on a regular basis.

There are two main things you need to know about shipping: 1) We have fixed United States shipping rates and 2) If you're outside of the United States or interested in placing a multiple desk order, please email Kamron@MyUpDesk.com to get a price quote.

Our fixed United States shipping rates are broken down for both PowerUps and CrankUps (see below for rates). These rates DO NOT include Alaska and Hawaii. Nothing against Alaska and Hawaii, but they take a little more effort in shipping.

U.S. Shipping Rates

PowerUps

Small (30 x 48) = $99

Medium (30 x 60) = $129

Large (30 x 72) = $139

CrankUps

Small (30 x 48) = $129

Medium (30 x 60) = $159

UpDesk welcomes orders from outside of the United States. The reason I ask to send an email before placing an order is because the shipping cost varies depending on where you're located.  

Rest assured, we will do everything we can to save you money. There are ways to save money on shipping if you're placing a multiple desk order as well, which is another good reason to email me beforehand.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time if you have any questions or concerns beyond what I've outlined. Next blog post... FAQ #2: Will UpDesk Be Tall Enough For Me?

(Image by lamina)

There has been a lot of buzz regarding treadmill desks lately. That's right... it's part treadmill and part desk. While it's a creative concept, I'm not completely sold on the idea.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) posted an article this week specifically about treadmill desks and stability ball chairs. It turns out; these items can actually do more harm than good. Watch the video below.

Here are a few reasons why I'm questioning the treadmill desk:

AWKWARDNESS

John Osborn, CEO of BBDO New York, hit the nail right on the head. I can imagine walking on a treadmill is awkward while trying to have a serious conversation with someone (either on the phone or in person).

Do you slow down your pace, step off the thing while it's still running, or invite your colleague to join you? Awkward.

FOCUS KILLER

Recognize it or not, humans can only focus on a few things at once. Being conscious of putting one foot in front of the other all while answering emails and phone calls can take its toll throughout the day.

Some of the UpDesk team members have tried treadmill desks before and they found them to be distracting for anything they did on their computer. While they were able to have phone conversations easily on it, anything that required more focus was a little more difficult.

SPACE MANAGEMENT

Working in a cubicle and/or collaborative space is becoming more popular in today's workforce. Typically, these kinds of areas don't have tons of space for bulky items like treadmill desks.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

You wear workout clothes to the gym, what are you supposed to wear to work if you own a treadmill desk? More than likely, you're going to break a sweat if you're walking on a treadmill for most of the day.

The WSJ article/video has confirmed the reservations we've had regarding treadmill desks... What are your thoughts on the topic? I'd love to hear your feedback. Just leave a comment below!

As you may or may not know, the UpDesk line was launched in July 2012. That means we've only been around for six months. However, don't let the new brand and logo fool you... our parent company has over forty years of experience within ergonomic furniture design and fulfillment.

To give you a quick overview, UpDesk was originally created to connect and serve the end consumer without going through a middleman. That way, we're able to keep our prices reasonable and pay close attention to customer feedback.

2012 was an exciting half-year for UpDesk, and we'd like to reflect on some of its highlights:

REVIEWS / FEATURES

We've had the opportunity to connect with some amazing people and companies. Some of which have provided us with UpDesk product reviews and features:

Office Snapshots - Featured UpDesk as one of the "7 Height-Adjustable Standing Desks That Won't Murder You"

TechCrunch - Provided a product review/video and featured UpDesk in their "2012 Holiday Gift Guide"

Colin McEnroe Show (NPR Radio) - Featured UpDesk in "The Perils of Inactivity" interview. Other guests included Dr. James Levine, Magda Stayton, Christopher Bergland, and Dr. John Grohol.

Film Riot - Featured UpDesk in one of their episodes called, "How To Fall To Your Death And Not Die! (Plus: Ryan's New Standing Desk)"

Ben Parr - Provided a product review of UpDesk and transition into a standing desk, "My Experience Switching To A Standing Desk"

Keep an eye out for more product reviews and features in 2013! 

SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDBACK

Naturally, we want to brag a little in this area because we feel we've earned it.  Our social media feedback has been incredible! Thousands of people have "Followed" and "Liked" us and are willing to stay up-to-date with our brand.

While social media numbers don't mean everything, it's a social stamp of approval that's encouraging to us. Daily conversation about standing desks, helpful tips, and customer referrals are off the charts.

Be sure to join the conversation and get connected with us if you haven't already: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Instagram.

ERGO EXPO

In December, the UpDesk team made a trip out to Las Vegas for The National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition (ErgoExpo).

It was great to be able to mingle with other companies within our industry as well as making valuable connections with the people who came to the show.

Additionally, we received outstanding feedback on our products and price point, which made it all the sweeter.

See below for our booth set-up, we received a lot of inquiries and compliments on it:

EBOOK

We understand there are several people out there who don't fully understand the benefits of using a standing desk or who are not sure how to smoothly transition into one.

That's why we created and launched an eBook specifically for those people. It's called "The Complete Guide To Breaking Up With Your Desk." We strongly believe it can be a helpful tool and give one confidence to present the concept to others. 

Our eBook is absolutely FREE and available for download on our website. Please feel free to share with your friends! After all... we're trying to spread the word about the standing revolution.

(Image by Daisuke Tomiyasu)