Understanding the Terminology
When browsing for pre-owned office furniture, the terms “refurbished” and “used” often get conflated. However, these classifications actually represent very different conditions.
A refurbished Herman Miller chair has undergone a regulated restoration process to renew its functionality and appearance. A “used” chair simply changes ownership post-retail without any formal rehabilitation.
This distinction is important, as refurbishment aims to recertify a chair, while the state of a used chair may vary greatly. Let’s explore the key differences in more detail.
The Refurbishment Process
Refurbishing a Herman Miller chair is an intensive procedure handled only by certified technicians. Every component is meticulously inspected for wear and either repaired or replaced using genuine Miller parts.
The exterior is deep cleaned and refinished, while internal mechanisms are re-calibrated according to Miller’s exacting factory standards. The goal is to restore the chair to like-new ergonomic performance through this rigorous process.
Upon completion, refurbishers can recertify the chair directly through Herman Miller. This renews the original warranty and confirms the refurbished chair will support the body just as a new one would for years to come.
No Guarantees with Used
A used Herman Miller chair simply changes ownership without any regulated rehabilitation. Its current state is unknown since wear and tear accumulated without preventative maintenance over time.
Some used chairs may still provide decent lifetime support. But buyers have less certainty regarding potential issues down the line compared to an authentically refurbished piece recertified to original quality standards.
Construction Methodologies Analyzed
The refurbishment process exclusively uses genuine Herman Miller components to preserve the chair’s engineered integrity. In contrast, a used chair could contain aftermarket parts of indeterminate quality versus OEM replacements.
Without regulated refurbishment, questions linger around a used chair’s long-term ability to uphold ergonomic form and function versus a certified rehabilitation renewing Miller’s intended design longevity.
Durability & Warranty Expectations
A key differentiator is longevity assurance. Refurbishers back their workmanship with multi-year guarantees owing to the recertification process resetting a chair’s useful lifespan expectancy.
No such performance or safety assurances exist for standard used pieces since they bypass refurbishment quality controls and warranties honoring Miller’s tested durability schedules.
Sustainability Considerations
By redirecting Herman Miller classics from landfills, refurbishment is widely regarded as the most eco-friendly pre-owned option. Some refurbishers also facilitate returns for industrial recycling at end-of-use.
Value Propositions Compared
On average, authentically refurbished Millers sell for 30-60% less than new while greatly exceeding average used resale values. Comprehensive warranties offer additional protection from unexpected repair costs down the road.
Conclusion
In summary, “used” implies unpredictable wear without regulated refurbishment care, while “refurbished” denotes certified rehabilitation restoring quality and assurance for lasting Herman Miller seating investments. For discerning buyers, refurbished provides tangible environmental, performance and financial benefits.