FocusPod and Bureau, compared
Bureau is the closest thing to us in how they sell: published prices, a clear range, and no insistence on a quotation before you know what anything costs. The differences are real but narrower than with most rivals, so this page is about the four that actually decide it.
Six models, one configurator
Every FocusPod has a glass front and rear, built-in wheels and adjustable levelling feet.
FocusPod Solo
R79,900 · Configure this model ↗
FocusPod Solo Plus
R99,900 · Configure this model ↗
FocusPod Duo
R104,900 · Configure this model ↗
FocusPod Team
R109,900 · Configure this model ↗
FocusPod Meet
R124,900 · Configure this model ↗
FocusPod Max
R159,900 · Configure this model ↗
Ask both of us the same five questions
Comparing pods on brochures is close to impossible, because everyone photographs well and everyone claims quiet. These five separate the suppliers.
1. What is the acoustic figure, under which standard, and was the pod tested assembled with ventilation running? A panel figure or a test with the fan off is a real number about the wrong thing. FocusPod is laboratory tested above 29 dB speech level reduction under ISO 23351-1, measured assembled with ventilation on, and the accessible model reaches 30 dB, which is Class A.
2. Can I see the price before I talk to anyone? Both of us publish. That one is a draw, and it is a point in Bureau's favour against most of the category.
3. What is the real lead time to my address, including delivery and installation? Ask for it in writing. Ours are made to your configuration, with an indicative four weeks plus shipping and installation, and the quotation states the window for your address.
4. What can I actually change? Exterior and interior finishes, furniture layout, glass treatment, power and data, accessories. Ask whether you are choosing from a short list of packages or configuring the pod.
5. What happens in year three? Warranty length and what it covers, whether spare parts are available, and whether the pod can be dismantled and moved. Ours is five years, structural and electrical, and every pod is freestanding so it moves when you do.
Where Bureau may be the better answer
Bureau holds stock, and it shows in their delivery times. If your requirement is urgent and a standard configuration will do, they can very likely get a pod to you faster than we can from a made-to-order build. That is a real advantage and worth weighing honestly.
They are also well established in North America with a large installed base. If that reassurance matters more to you than configuration, they are a sound choice.
Where we think we are stronger
Configuration. A 3D configurator where you choose finishes, furniture and accessories and watch the price move, rather than selecting a model and a colour. If the pod has to suit a specific interior, that is the difference.
Made to order rather than held in stock, which is slower and is the trade you are making. What you get for it is a pod built to your specification rather than the nearest available configuration.
An accessible model with a level threshold, 872 mm clear opening and a Class A acoustic result, which is a specification most of the category does not publish at all.
Every FocusPod model, priced
No enquiry needed, so you can put a real number beside whatever Bureau quotes you.
| Model | Capacity | Pod | Furniture package | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | 1 person | R79,900 | + R7,000 | + R15,000 |
| Solo Plus | 1 person | R99,900 | + R12,000 | + R20,000 |
| Duo | 2 people | R104,900 | + R12,000 | + R20,000 |
| Team | 2 people | R109,900 | + R16,000 | + R25,000 |
| Meet | Up to 4 people | R124,900 | + R29,900 | + R30,000 |
| Max | Up to 6 people | R159,900 | + R36,000 | + R40,000 |
Prices are for the pod in the configuration you choose. Finishes, furniture and compatible extras are listed separately as you build. Delivery, destination costs and any applicable tax are confirmed on your written quotation, so the total you approve is the total you pay.
Work out what your project actually costs
Choose the model and the quantity and you will have a real number in a few seconds. No enquiry, no email address, no waiting for someone to come back to you. Every figure below is the same one you will see in the configurator.
We do not guess what a builder would charge you. Put your own quote in and we will show you the difference against ours.
| Pods | — |
|---|---|
| Furniture | — |
| Installation | — |
| Project total | — |
Prices exclude VAT. Delivery to your address is confirmed on your written quotation.
- Over three years
- —
- Over five years
- —
— is what the deduction is worth at the rate you entered, bringing the effective cost to —. Indicative only, and not tax advice. How the wear and tear allowance works ↗
—
Send this to yourself
We will email you this configuration with the prices itemised, so you have a real number to take to whoever signs it off. No sales call, and you can choose colours and finishes afterwards in the 3D configurator.
Sent. Check your inbox, and your spam folder if it has not arrived in a few minutes. Ready to choose colours and finishes? Build it in 3D ↗
What is included as standard
Every FocusPod arrives with laminated glass front and rear, layered acoustic insulation, adjustable ventilation, dimmable LED lighting with adjustable colour temperature, power and an occupancy light. Speech level reduction is laboratory tested at greater than 29 dB under ISO 23351-1, the international standard written specifically for pods. Every pod is covered by our five-year structural and electrical warranty.
There is no separate charge for the black or white exterior or for the standard interior palette. Other exterior colours use the displayed upgrade price, and a custom interior colour is priced per pod. All of it is listed separately as you build, so nothing arrives as a surprise on the quotation.
See it properly before you decide
Take a look inside. The film below walks through the Solo, the most compact model in the range, and the 3D configurator lets you turn any model around, change the finishes and try the furniture layouts. If you would rather be walked through it, we will do a live video walkthrough of the pod you are considering and answer questions as we go.
Common questions
Are the acoustic figures comparable?
Only if both were measured the same way. Ask each supplier for the standard, whether the pod was tested assembled or as a panel, and whether ventilation was running. Ours is ISO 23351-1, assembled, ventilation on.
Can I get a test report?
Yes, for any model you are specifying. Ask Bureau for theirs too, and compare like with like.
Do you price match?
We publish our prices rather than negotiating from a starting figure, and multi-pod savings are fixed and shown on the site. If you have a quotation you are comparing against, send it and we will tell you honestly how the two line up.
Can we see a pod first?
Turn any model in the 3D configurator, watch the product films, and we will walk you through the pod you are considering on a live video call. Send the room dimensions beforehand and we will talk through the fit.
Are the front and rear both glass?
Yes. Every FocusPod has glass at both the front and rear. Standard glass is clear. Optional PDLC privacy glass can be selected for the front only or for both the front and rear.
Can I move the pod once it is installed?
Yes. Every FocusPod has built-in wheels and adjustable levelling feet. Raise the feet to move the pod on its wheels, then lower and adjust them to level the pod in its new position.
Put us side by side properly
Build the configuration you actually want, get the number, and hold it against whatever Bureau quotes. That is a fair comparison. Brochures are not.