Why are Herman Miller Chairs So Expensive?

Why Are Herman Miller Chairs So Expensive

If you sit for the majority of your day for work or leisure, it can cause a lot of strain on your body. Your back may feel the strain the most from poor posture and overall discomfort, causing pain. For this reason, many people invest in good quality chairs to prevent those problems, which is why many of these chairs, like Herman Miller, can cost so much.

So, why are Herman Miller chairs so expensive? Herman Miller chairs are expensive because they promise to give you perfect posture to prevent back and wrist pain from being in a seated position for long spans of time. The options and overall structure are made from quality material, which all add up.

This article will go into detail on why these chairs can be so expensive and how you can save money if you feel like investing in them. Many reviewers speak highly of these chairs, mainly for their warranty program and overall comfort of the chairs. One of their biggest words of advice is to go see the chair and try it out before you buy it.

Why Herman Miller Chairs Cost More

It’s more than just the name. It’s everything  you get with a Herman Miller:

The 12-year warranty when you buy. Herman Miller believes so much in their chair’s ability to be comfortable and better for your overall health that they provide a 12-year warranty on their products. So, once you buy one of their chairs, you won’t need to buy another one for over a decade. Many consider this a solid investment.

The research shows Herman Miller chairs promote better workability. Herman Miller has done multiple studies that have shown their chairs promote productivity and better overall office interactions. Whether you’ve got one at work or at home, you can count a Herman Miller to allow you to work (or play) better.

Quality products will naturally cost more. Herman Miller chairs scream quality with their design and materials. A lot of time and effort went into the design and craftsmanship, which translates into part of the cost. You get what you pay for, so if you pay a bit more for a quality chair, then you’ll be able to benefit from it longer than from a cheap chair.

These chairs are investments in yourself or your business. One of Herman Miller’s sales slogans is investing in yourself or your business by investing in their chairs. Their research has shown how their chairs promote productivity and creativity, so you’ll theoretically get your money back in how productive you become with these chairs.

Why Herman Miller Chairs Are Great

Many Herman Miller chairs are greatly customizable. You can choose a chair based on your personal needs. The Herman Miller website allows you to select multiple product features and material options to configure a chair that addresses your style and situation – with their chair selector.  And Herman Miller’s customer service strives to be top-notch.

herman miller chair selector
Herman Miller Chair Selector (screenshot)

These chairs were built to last. Herman Miller wasn’t going to sell a chair that wasn’t very good and give it a 12-year warranty. If it was a bad quality chair, the company would be replacing chairs left and right. Not many other chair companies can offer such a great warranty with confidence.

New chairs are a way to the most for your money on something you need.  You could buy any chair to suit the purpose but investing in a Herman Miller chair is like a small investment. And, if for some reason you want to sell your Herman Miller, these pieces hold their value. You can count on a good resale price.

Multiple Herman Miller chairs end up on the top 10 lists of best office chairs. Because their shape and build are tailored to reduce strain, people who sit a lot at work or at home consider it a purchase worth making.  They have the reputation, quality, and warranty to back up their hefty cost.

Positive Reviews Carry a Lot of Weight

Herman Miller chairs get rave reviews from online customers, business sites, and gamers alike. When it comes to the question “Are Herman Miller chairs worth it?” the answer is resounding “yes.”

Many of the reviews state that the Herman Miller chairs are the best chairs they have ever bought. They also reference how the price is steep upfront but worth it over time.

The power of word-of-mouth can go a long way. Hearing someone say the Herman Miller chair is the best chair they’ve ever sat on or invested in can convince others to buy them, too. This, in turn, spikes sales, which allows the company to invest in better materials and designs, which also ups the cost of the chair. We believe other people over salespeople.

Health benefits are referenced frequently, both from Herman Miller as well as customers. This video from a customer starts off on a silly note but gets right into the health benefits.

People who sit a lot – office workers, graphic designers, web designers, gamers – all know that sitting all day is unhealthy and can be uncomfortable. Herman Miller brought the solution.

Ways To Save On Your Herman Miller Chair

Buy a used Herman Miller chair. Given that these chairs have a 12-year warranty, you can buy a chair that’s a few years old and still get a lot out of it. The date the chair was manufactured is on the bottom of the chair. Be sure to check it before buying it. You will also want to buy used from a reputable seller, or you won’t get the warranty coverage.

Scout your office design outlet stores. Similar to buying used, you can buy Herman Miller chairs from outlet stores at a reduced price. This can save you a bundle, and you’ll still get a good-quality chair in the process. You’ll most likely still get a used or older model chair, but the quality is still present, and the chair will still be worth the price.

Be wary of fakes and knock-offs. Sellers hoping to make a quick buck might throw some Herman Miller parts together with other chairs and call it genuine. These chairs obviously won’t have a warranty, and any Herman Miller seller will discredit the chair if you bring it in for repairs. These fakes can still be pricey, so don’t waste your money if you aren’t sure.

Go to the store and try out the chair for yourself. The best way to save the most money is to try out the chair before you buy it. The Herman Miller chairs come in multiple sizes to best fit your body type. They go from A-C and are made for different size bodies so everyone can find the perfect chair for their bodies.

Summary

We’ve discussed why Herman Miller chairs are so expensive. A lot of money goes into the cost of making the chairs as well as the namesake and warranty. These factors become the cost of the chair. You’ll be the talk of the office when you roll one of these chairs up to your desk. Or you’ll be the boss of the year if you get these chairs for your employees.

All in all, investing in these chairs is worth the upfront cost of owning one. You or your employees can benefit from the health and productivity these chairs promote. You’ll get more work done and be comfortable sitting for extended periods of time.