12 questions to ask a chair vendor before you buy

About the product

• What are the exact dimensions: seat height, seat depth, overall width, depth and height?
• What materials are used for the frame, seat and upholstery, and how should they be cleaned?
• What is the maximum recommended user weight?
• Is the chair made for home use or tested for commercial use?
• Are other colours, fabrics or finishes available, and do they cost more?

About price and availability

• What is the price per chair, and is there a discount for larger quantities?
• Does the price include taxes, delivery and assembly?
• Is it in stock, and what is the lead time if it's made to order?

About delivery, warranty and returns

• How is the chair delivered, and does it arrive assembled?
• What does the warranty cover, for how long, and how do I claim?
• What happens if a chair arrives damaged?
• Can I return or exchange it if it doesn't suit, and on what terms?

Before you pay

Get the agreed price, specification, delivery date and warranty confirmed in writing, for example by email or WhatsApp. For larger orders, ask for a sample or a visit to see the chair in person, and keep receipts and any photos of the goods on arrival.

Red flags to watch for

• Vague answers about dimensions, materials or weight capacity
• No written confirmation of the price or specification
• Pressure to pay the full amount immediately for a made-to-order item without a clear delivery date
• Unclear warranty terms or no way to contact the vendor after delivery

Most vendors are happy to answer these questions; a vendor who won't is a reason to pause before paying.

Keeping a record

Save messages, quotes and invoices in one place. If something goes wrong, such as a damaged delivery or a fault within the warranty period, having the agreed specification and dates in writing makes resolving it much faster for both you and the vendor.

After delivery

• Check every chair on arrival and photograph any damage before signing for the delivery, if possible
• Compare the chairs with the agreed specification and finish
• Keep packaging until you're sure everything is correct
• Register the warranty if the maker requires it

Comparing quotes from different vendors

Quotes are only comparable when they cover the same thing. Line them up against the same specification: dimensions, materials, finish, quantity, taxes, delivery, assembly and warranty. A lower price that excludes delivery or uses a lighter frame may end up costing more.

• Ask each vendor to quote for the same quantity and specification
• Check whether prices include taxes and delivery
• Compare warranty length and what it covers
• Compare lead times, especially if you have an opening date or deadline

Buying for a business

If you're buying for an office, café or institution, ask whether the vendor can issue a proper tax invoice (for example, a GST invoice in India) and confirm the business name and address that should appear on it. For larger orders, agree payment terms, such as an advance and a balance on delivery, in writing before you pay.