15 Feb Problems with buying second hand chairs
The top 7 problems with buying second hand chairs
With the evolution of sites like Marketplace, we’re becoming accustomed to looking for bargains and buying products second hand. Some items make little difference if there’s a little wear and tear. The fact that they’re ‘pre-loved’ provides us with a genuine ripper deal.
However, there are many products for sale where we need to give serious thought to the possible problems associated with buying them used. A cheaper product can save us a few dollars up front, but provide us with very poor value for money and enjoyment over it’s life.
To follow are our top 7 problems associated with buying second hand chairs for you to include in your considerations. We hope you find these useful:
1. No ability to customise your chair
We love to meet our clients to show them chairs, so they can be comfortable with their choice. We offer free chair fittings, trials and the ability to customise their chair. Like the seat pan on one chair, but the back on the another? Not a problem! Want more prominent lumbar support? No worries.
With second hand chairs you miss out on the ability to make the small tweaks and changes to a chair that can make a massive different to the level of support you receive from your chair. If a staff member has an issue that needs to be addressed, how can you do that with a second hand chair with no options to vary anything.
2. Not an economical choice
When we look at the annual cost of a chair, we divide the cost of the chair buy it’s life (or expected life). A second hand chair will offer us a product that is inferior to a new chair with an uncertain life. We speak with so many clients who have come to us after using second hand chairs and getting a poor return for their money. Had they purchased a new chair from the start they would have saved thousands of dollars over a 5 or ten year period. If you’re replacing a second hand chair in a couple of years, chances are that it won’t have been a good financial decision for your business.
3. No warranty
Second hand chairs will rarely offer a warranty from the retailer. Most warranties are only valid for the original purchaser and do not transfer to the new owner. A warranty is a value form of protection for your investment and ensure that you have a fully functioning chair for a long time to come.
4. There can be hidden defects
It can be very hard for an untrained eye to identify issues that will arise with a chair. Even a trained eye may not be able to identify issues immediately. The seller may not realise that the chairs are coming to the end of their useful life. There may also be a very good reason why they’re looking to move on what seems like a good quality chair.
These issues can arise only months after using them, but you will notice them very quickly if that’s the case. A gas strut that needs to be replaced, a squeak in the chair, a faulty mechanism that won’t hold the seat or back in position or a back that won’t stay where you want it can cost more to replace or repair than you paid for the chair.
Not many businesses are looking at moving on good quality, functioning chairs. We always recommend seeing a chair in person and testing it out to give you the best chance of identifying any issues.
5. A shorter, less enjoyable life
For our clients, a chair is something that they look forward to more than anything else in the office. A chair supports you in an unnatural position for often at least 8 hours a day. Get this right and it will help you avoid injury and soreness and feel great. Get it wrong and the financial and personal toll can be significant.
A second hand chair is likely to have lost support in it’s foam, which will compress over time. Not only will the life of the chair be reduced, but you won’t enjoy the chair as much, and may suffer the consequences.
6. May not have original parts
Many businesses and individuals sell used furniture. They buy bulk lots, often with serious defects or in need of repair and they often don’t have access to the best parts for each chair. The cheapest way for them to resolve this is to break down a mixed stockpile of chairs for parts.
The parts being used may not be the best option for that chair, and can impact the quality of the chair and it’s ability to support you. The reseller will often have no idea how long a chair was in use, or how much it has been used, so many key components could need replacement.
7. Hygiene can be an issue
Ever seen a colleague use their chair as a serviette. They’ll eat lunch at their desk and wipe their hands on the side of the chair, or between their legs. The fabric can be disgusting in some cases and isn’t hygienic. Not to mention the dirt and grime that can be contained in the foam, especially with particular workplaces.
You’d be surprised how much dirt is extracted from chairs when you give them a good clean, you never know what you’re inheriting.
Summary
When budget is an issue, this can be a tough call. We all want the best balance between what’s best for our staff and our business.
Buying second hand chairs can be a risky proposition for any business. The upside is you spend less money up front, however if the chairs need repairs, or have a short life, or your staff have any issues caused by poor support, they can be an expensive option in the long run.
We hope this list helps you in making the best decision for your business. Please feel free to get in touch if we can provide you with more assistance.
Green Cube Chairs
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