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Office Chairs Buyer's Guide - Pricing
Published: 04/09/2011
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Pricing
You can find discount chairs for $30 to $100 each at a retail superstore, but these types of chairs are simply not a good investment for everyday business use. Low‐cost chairs may not be durable or have the ergonomic features to prevent workplace injuries among employees who sit all day. They're basically a solution for home offices or small businesses looking for cheap and quick furnishings.
Quality ergonomic task chairs can cost $200 to $400 apiece. Expect to pay more for extra features such as customized upholstery, four‐paddle adjustment controls, or adjustable armrests. You typically have a choice of a few factory colors, or you can pay extra colors that need to be special ordered. Depending on the vendor, you may get a discount based on the number of chairs you buy (typically 25 to 50 or more) or a minimum amount you spend ($2,000 to $5,000 or more.)
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to look into used chairs. While a very cost‐effective way to furnish your office, it’s difficult to tell how much life is left in the chairs. Also, if your chair needs repairs, you may not be able to locate replacement parts.
Expect to pay considerably more for high‐grade executive chairs. These chairs generally help management offices make a statement with fine wood frames, genuine leather, and additional comfort settings, but carry a hefty $1,000 to $2,000 price tag. Note that even though high‐end chairs cost substantially more, they may not be significantly more comfortable than a standard task chair. If you want the look of genuine leather without the high price tag, a chair dealer can substitute high‐end vinyl for $250 to $500 per chair.
Metal folding chairs or stack chairs lack adjustability options, but provide a quick, inexpensive solution for temporary use such as assemblies or conferences.
Stackable chairs cost $40 to $90; metal folding chairs run about $20 to $50. You can also purchase a dolly to transport multiple chairs at a time for about $200.
You may need to pay extra for shipping and assembly charges. Unless it’s included as part of your purchase, expect a flat rate of $100 to $250 for an order of 50 chairs or an hourly rate of $20 to $40. Some vendors may provide a better rate with larger orders. You can pick up the chairs and put them together on your own to save a few dollars, but if anything is damaged or improperly assembled, it’s your responsibility and that can cost you more in the long run.
A vendor can get you set up with stock office chairs in two to three days. If you require customized or high‐grade chairs, it could take two to three weeks or longer. Many vendors will have the chairs ready a few days early if you’re willing to pick them up from the warehouse.
Warranties
Most office chairs feature a limited lifetime warranty that covers the owner for the first 5 to 10 years. The warranty guarantees that the chairs are free from substantial defects but doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. Also, if you alter the chairs in any way, it automatically voids the warranty. Some vendors offer extended warranties that cover the chair beyond 10 years. However, you may be in the market for brand new chairs by then and it may not be worth it.
