Buying used office chairs can save you a lot of money. However, it would help if you were careful when selecting them. Some defects may be minor but can make the chair uncomfortable or unusable. These defects are usually invisible in pictures posted online.
Even the best brands of office chairs degrade over time. There are many things you should consider when purchasing a used chair, including:
Original Parts
Buying second-hand furniture items, such as pre owned office chairs, is often a good idea if you’re looking for an affordable way to furnish your work environment. However, it’s also essential to consider these products’ long-term value.
If you purchase a chair that’s been used for a long time, it may lose functionality. For example, the chair’s foam and fabric might wear out. This means you’ll need to replace the parts.
Many re-sellers will fix used chairs using non-original components to save money. This can compromise the chair’s quality and capacity to support your body.
Before buying a used chair, make a list of the features that are non-negotiable for you. This will help you narrow down the options and find the best fit for your needs. It’s also worth considering a chair’s appearance, as it will likely influence its functionality and how it fits with other furniture pieces.
Inspecting the Chair
Many things can go wrong with office chairs, mainly when used heavily. There may be a problem, such as the chair’s armrests no longer locking into place or a broken adjustment mechanism that doesn’t work as it should. These problems will not be apparent when looking at pictures of the chair from a seller.
If a chair has been used for a long time, there is a high chance that the quality will degrade even after being repaired. This is because the chair’s original parts can be challenging to obtain or very expensive to replace. Avoid buying used office chairs if possible.
If you can’t avoid buying a second-hand office chair, thoroughly inspect it before purchasing. Check everything from height adjusters to the actual chair to ensure all its functions work.
Warranty
A warranty is a valuable investment, especially considering how much time we spend in our office chairs. Typically, higher-end brands offer warranties of 10+ years. However, you may only find a chair that fits your needs if you have written down a list of non-negotiables and the features you must have.
One major problem with buying used office chairs is that they are often sold after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This can be problematic for several reasons.
For example, the previous owner may have customized and adjusted the chair to meet their specific requirements. This is not always bad, but it could result in the chair no longer functioning as intended. The previous owner may have replaced the original parts with generic ones, usually lower in quality. This can lead to problems such as broken cylinders or faulty mechanisms that no longer work correctly.
Final Words
Buying used office chairs may seem like a great way to save some money, but the risks outweigh the benefits. You could find yourself with an old, worn-out chair with hidden defects that will lead to higher long-term costs. There are also issues with rebranding, where low-quality office chairs are rebranded to look like expensive, leading brands. It is essential to research these types of sellers thoroughly.
Many high-quality office chair manufacturers provide a product warranty that is preserved even after selling to the second-hand market. This is a significant benefit you will not get from private sellers, who will almost always be unable to offer returns. Lastly, the longevity of a chair will depend on how well it is maintained and who will be using it. This can be difficult to determine without a thorough inspection and test of the chair.
