Where to buy office chairs – Online or in a Store?

Buying a new office chair for work or home? Select the right store for you.

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Mike Karle

Co-founder of Karo
where to buy office chairs in store or online

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You have done your research as to which type of office chair best suits your needs and you are now ready to proceed with the purchase. But now you ask yourself… “where can I buy office chairs near me? Do I buy office chairs in a store or online?” Whether you are looking for a chair for your home office or work, selecting the store type can play a significant role.

Buy office chairs ONLINE

To guide you in making the right decision, the important selection criteria are shown below.

best office chair - online or physical store?
Where to buy office chairs – should I buy Online or in a Store?

1. Office Chair Supplier Channels

When you are investing in an office chair, you want to make sure that you make the right decision and have no regrets. The question “Where can I buy the best office chairs” will be foremost on your mind. Whether you are looking for an affordable home office chair or a superior ergonomic solution, you want to get it right! Buyer’s remorse sets in when the chosen supplier turns out to be a bad fit which can be costly to both your pocket and health. By carefully evaluating the different supplier channels, you will be able to avoid buyer’s remorse.

Buy office chairs from Karo
Buy office chairs from Karo in Cape Town

a. Buy Office Chairs in a Traditional Store or Retailer

What is great about this?

    • A sales person should be able to assist you with the chair selection process.
    • The store should have a demonstration model available for you test.
    • What you see on the retailer’s floor is what you should be getting.
    • Chairs might be customisable. You might be able to configure the chair to suit your requirements (upholstery fabric, armrests, type of tilt mechanism, home office décor, etc).

Potential concerns

    • A physical store might not be available in your area.
    • You might not have the time to go to a physical store.
    • You might feel uncomfortable by the sales person pressuring you to make a purchase decision immediately (the “hard sell”).
    • The store might not have stock of your preferred selection and you will have to wait for your chair.
    • The store usually has limited opening hours which may not suit you.
    • The cost of running a physical store will typically result in higher prices.
Buy office chairs ONLINE

b. The Online Store

What is great about this?

    • Convenient and easily accessible online.
    • No “hard sell” from the sales person pushing you to make a purchase.
    • Lower prices.
    • Open 24/7.
    • For reputable online sellers, there is no waiting time. If the chair is displayed on their portal, it is usually available for immediate dispatch.

Potential concerns

    • The online portal might not be a reputable supplier and/or you may have security concerns with their payment system.
    • No personal contact to assist with advice.
    • Usually no customisation is possible.
    • Cannot try before you buy.
    • The product that you receive might not live up to your expectations.
    • Hidden Costs when Buying Ergonomic Office Chairs Online
How do I choose the best office chair?

Buying the Right Office Chair Online: A guide to Measuring Yourself

Avoid buying the wrong office chair online! With a few simple body measurements you can quickly select a chair that correctly matches your physique.
How to measure yourself

Use our CHAIR SELECTOR to help you buy the RIGHT office chair online!

Chair Selector

2. Which Supplier Channel suits you?

The portal you decide to use when purchasing your work or home office chair, is is to a large extent a matter of personal preference and depends on your circumstances.  What is important is that you are informed and understand the pitfalls of each channel.

a. If you are intending to purchase from a PHYSICAL store, then ask yourself:

    • Is the salesperson just trying to sell you the best and most affordable office chair, or simply the most expensive product that you don’t actually want or even need? If the salesperson’s salary is commission based, this is very likely!
    • Compare prices for the same or similar product in other stores.
    • Are there any negative reviews about the store (e.g. Hellopeter.com)
    • Is the quoted price the final price you are going to pay or do you have to pay extra for delivery?
    • How long will you have to wait for the chair to be delivered?
    • What return policy applies?

b.  If you are intending to purchase your office chair through an ONLINE store, then ask yourself:

    • Is the store reputable and is their payment gateway secure?
    • How long the company has been in existence?
    • Does the online store also have a physical presence where you can try before you buy?
    • Is there enough information provided to assist you in selecting the right chair?
    • What communication channels are available, for e.g. telephone, email, online chat?
    • Does the store have any negative reviews?
    • Are there any hidden additional costs like delivery?
    • Does the store have a fair return policy?
    • Is information provided on how long delivery will take?
    • Is there an option to collect the chairs?
    • Online Returns: Addressing 7 Key Customer Concerns.

3. Conclusion

The answer to “Where can I buy office chairs in store” requires you to firstly select a preferred sales channel, and then to identify and minimise the possible limitations of that particular sales channel.  Use our chair selection check list to assist you when comparing options.

Can I buy affordable office chairs directly from Karo?

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