Looking for Office Chair Suppliers with Free Returns (Change of Mind)

doperst on 05/02/2025 - 14:36
Last edited 05/02/2025 - 15:04 by 1 other user

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for a high-quality office chair, but my back and butt are very picky. Most chairs I’ve tested in stores have been uncomfortable, and even popular options like the Sihoo M57 or a used Haworth Zody didn’t work for me, I ended up selling them due to back pain.

Now, I’m looking to try higher-end brands like Desky, Ergohuman or Steelcase, but since there are no showrooms in Canberra, I’d have to buy blind. If I spend $700-1500 on a chair and it doesn’t suit me, I don’t want to be stuck with it.

Does anyone know of stores that offer a trial period and will collect the chair for free (or for a small fee) if it doesn’t work out?

Thanks in advance!

General Discussion Chair Office Chair

Comments

  • Dollar General on 05/02/2025 - 14:44
    +2

    Probably a store in the metaverse that will do it

    • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 14:57

      Costco and Ikea accept returns, but they don't have any chairs I like.

  • jv on 05/02/2025 - 14:47
    -3

    Looking for Office Chair Suppliers with Free Returns (Change of Mind)

    Hard rubbish….

  • original15 on 05/02/2025 - 15:02
    +6

    Maybe you need to go see someone about your back?
    Tbh I can’t imagine many retailers are selling $1k chairs and then just accepting used change of kind returns
    Scour libraries or your workplace (if you have a physical office) for different types of chairs for a trial run

  • GordonD on 05/02/2025 - 15:59

    If they don't have a store in the city you are in, it would probably cost them, or you, quite a considerable amount to return.

    Get on a plane, if you can tolerate an airline seat, fly to where these places have bricks and mortar premises, and try their products.

    I'm wondering how you drive. If you do.

    • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 16:22
      -5

      if they don't have a store in the city you are in, it would probably cost them, or you, quite a considerable amount to return.

      I imagine the markup on expensive chairs is quite high, so why not?
      Many mattress retailers offer free exchanges or even full refunds.

      I'm wondering how you drive. If you do.

      Car seats are usually fairly comfortable with lots of adjustment options. Also, I don’t spend 10+ hours a day driving.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 05/02/2025 - 17:58

    You need to focus on your posture, work/life habits and health rather than focus on the chair.

    Otherwise, from the sounds of your post, your only comfortable position for 10+ hour sessions would be being suspended in a tank of amniotic fluid.

    • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 18:37
      -6

      Thank you for the unsolicited life advice. Amazing how confidently you can judge without knowing a thing about my age or health.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 05/02/2025 - 20:21
        +1

        No worries, you keep looking for that single magical chair out there that will somehow be comfortable, where every single other chair out there is seemingly is not for you.

  • JimmyF on 05/02/2025 - 18:07
    +2

    even popular options like the Sihoo M57 or a used Haworth Zody didn’t work for me

    So popular I've never heard of them.

    but my back and butt are very picky

    Expand your budget. Get a herman miller chair then.

    • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 18:58

      More expensive doesn't automatically mean more comfortable. The Aeron is a great chair but it's still not for everyone
      So it will be a risky purchase for me, even if I buy it used.

      • JimmyF on 05/02/2025 - 21:02

        The Aeron is a great chair

        Yes it is. No complaints from me. They come in different sizes, so make sure you get the right size for you.

        but it's still not for everyone

        To be honest, it doesn't sound like any chair will be the one for you. Have you tried a standing desk?

        • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 21:37

          I never said no chair works for me. My current one (Pago from Officeworks) is quite comfortable, but it's wobbly, and I want something better.

  • woodg on 05/02/2025 - 20:31
    +1

    If you are in Canberra, then Ninetofive Interiors in Fyshwick have Steelcase (and other brands) which you should be able to try. I know I certainly tried several of the Steelcase chairs in their offices before I purchased one.

    • doperst on 05/02/2025 - 20:33

      Awesome, thank you!

  • Mithril on 05/02/2025 - 23:43
    +1

    I'm going to jump in here and share the chair I have loved to sit in for a few years now. The fake leather is starting to crack so I'm likely going to buy this newer version of the same chair, seems to be almost exactly the same.

    https://www.costco.com.au/c/True-Wellness-Executive-Office-C…

    Pretty sure they have one at Costco you can try. I believe it's $350 in store? If you like it, worth.

    I re-read and noticed you said you don't like the Costco chairs, but just wondering if you tried this one in particular? It isn't in the same style as most of their others.

    • doperst on 06/02/2025 - 01:33

      This looks like a comfortable chair. My wife has a similar one.
      But I'm looking for something more ergonomic - preferably with a mesh back, head rest, adjustable arms etc.

      • Mithril on 06/02/2025 - 02:36
        +1

        Yeah I hear you. I was also. I looked at the really nice Secretlab chairs, whew they do look nice! And the Steelcase and Herman Miller chairs. But all the "ergo" chairs I looked at were just… too hard after a while. Nice to start with, and breathable with the mesh ones, but over 8+ hours sitting (even with breaks) I found they just weren't comfy enough for me.
        Once I sank into the padding on this cheaper chair, my leg/back/neck discomfort just went away. And 10+ hours later, for 5-7 days a week for over 3 years, still comfy.

        I'd say go to that Office place mentioned above and sit in the Steelcase chairs, see how they feel. And some mesh chairs. Try sitting in them for an hour or so typing (bring a laptop) IF they will let you haha. I don't think ergo chairs are for everyone haha.

        Good luck 🙏

        • doperst on 06/02/2025 - 23:42

          Does the padding flatten over time? I'm also worried that a chair like this gets really hot and sticky in the summer..

          • Mithril on 07/02/2025 - 00:01
            +1

            @doperst: Still as cushy as it was. Feels like foam over sprung/springs? Not sure. Definitely not flattened.
            Literally sitting in it right now, as I have since I opened it, at my home office desk. Very regular use.
            The only down side I have found is that the (fake) leather armrests and the middle of the seat are cracking a bit. Perhaps a leather patch or something could fix that?
            For a good 3+ years, I think that's pretty reasonable due to the comfy cushioning meaning the leather flexes up and down as you use it.
            I do have it in a room with air con, but I've never found it hot or sticky. Summer right now, as you know, lots of days 30+ degrees and it actually stays cool to touch. Maybe due to the generous padding and all the side channels/air gaps around the edges, it can keep airflow?
            In winter when it's really cold I sit on an electric throw rug so it's not cold either.

            • doperst on 07/02/2025 - 15:32

              @Mithril: Thanks! I’m still going to try a few ergonomic models, but if those don’t work out, an executive chair like this will be my next choice!

              • Mithril on 07/02/2025 - 15:44
                +1

                @doperst: Hey yes, definitely. I'm also thinking of dropping in to that Fyshwick store and trying some more chairs myself :)

                Hope it goes well for you :)

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join