Okay, so you’re after a Herman Miller chair, huh? Welcome to the club! They’re, like, the holy grail of office seating. But, and this is a BIG but, they ain’t cheap. We’re talking dropping serious cash, which, let’s be real, most of us *don’t* have lying around for a *chair*. So, the question on everyone’s mind: how to snag a Herman Miller chair…cheap?
I’ve been down this rabbit hole, believe me. My back’s been screaming for ergonomic support for years, and the Aeron? Man, the Aeron is the dream. But the price tag? Nightmare fuel.
The first thing you’ll probably see is the used market. Guys on Reddit (like the snippets above prove) are all about scouring Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and office liquidations. You might strike gold! But here’s the thing, and this is my personal opinion here, be *careful*. You could end up with a chair that’s seen better days, smells faintly of old office coffee, and needs more TLC than a rescue puppy. Is it worth saving a few bucks if it’s going to fall apart in six months? Maybe not.
The Reddit guy up there mentioned Crandall and BTOD. These are refurbished dealers, and honestly, they’re probably your best bet. Yeah, it’s still gonna sting the wallet a bit, but you’re getting a chair that’s been inspected, cleaned, and often has new bits and bobs added. Plus, some even let you customize the colors – which is kinda cool, not gonna lie. It’s like buying a used car from a reputable dealer, y’know? Less chance of getting screwed over, more chance of ending up with something decent.
One thing I’ve learned in my hunt is this: “cheap” Herman Miller is relative. You’re still paying a premium for the brand, even second-hand. So, maybe, just *maybe*, you should consider widening your search. Steelcase is another top-tier brand (also mentioned up top), and their chairs can sometimes be found for less. Or, gasp, consider something entirely different! There are tons of ergonomic chairs out there these days that aren’t Herman Miller or Steelcase. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t get too hung up on the name.
