Choosing a Vendor When Shopping for Office Chairs

Chairs are one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy when purchasing office furniture. Three purchasing options are available when shopping for office chairs. You may want to examine each of these options before making your final selection.

· Retail Superstores – Office chairs may be purchased for very low prices at retail superstores. Chairs are purchased in bulk by the merchant and can be sold cheaply to the public. These chairs should be examined closely for durability before purchasing. They may not hold up for everyday office use, and you may find yourself buying new chairs every couple of years. Superstores also have limited selections and customization, and the ergonomic benefits that you will want for your employees may be missing from chairs purchased in this manner.

· Direct Vendors – Office chairs can be purchased for up to 20% to 40% below retail prices when bought from a direct vendor because of their exclusive relationships with a select few manufacturers. Although direct vendors can offer a good deal, once the purchase is made, it is often difficult to get the same support and attention that you will get from a dedicated dealer. In addition, vendors often require any damaged items be shipped back to them for repairs.

· Chair Dealers – Although this option could be the most expensive, you will get more in-person support when reviewing chair options and test samples. If you have questions or concerns, dealers can send a representative to your office for help and support. You will also have a wider selection of brands, since dealers work exclusively with furniture manufacturers.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a vendor is to make sure their chairs adhere to specific safety, durability, and structural integrity standards for furniture. Weight capacity should be noted on each chair to inform the purchaser of how much stress the chair can handle. This will assure you that your employees get comfortable seating without running the risk of injury.

Another important factor is to look for established dealers who hold a solid reputation. Happy customers and the ability to provide quality service long after the sale, is a strong indicator that the business is reliable and experienced. This could turn into a relationship that will last for years, because if you move, remodel, or need additional parts and pieces, you may want to contact the dealership for advice and information.

If possible, try to meet with the vendors in person. You can meet with them at their showroom, or you may want to invite them to your location. Vendors will often provide sample chairs for you and your employees to try for a few days before making your final selections.

You will also want to note what kind of attention the vendor shows you during the buying process, because this could be an indication of how they will treat you after the sale. A full-service vendor may recommend a schedule for inspection and maintenance of your office chairs. Make sure to ask whether parts can be replaced on-site when repairs are required.

Finally, get a list of references from the vendors you are comparing. You will need to request references from businesses that are similar to yours. Contact these businesses to find out how the vendor met their needs and if they were satisfied with the vendor’s performance.