Could someone help me understand cost metrics behind building/selling a quality office chair? There's no high-tech parts, are there manufacturers in the U.S.?
Imagine a world where we can't all go try a chair on. A heavy, long-term purchase with relative high price tag, lots of room for "well that seems right,"-ism from a consumer.
Maybe chairs are scams!
[0] https://www.humanscale.com/products/seating/diffrient-world-...
A seven year warranty doesn't hurt (though only 3 years for the arm rests). That's $130/year, or $11/mo. Though I'm sure it'll last longer than that.
An HM Aeron is $1400 with a 12 year warranty, which works out roughly the same annually.
Having a comfortable chair (like having a comfortable mattress or shoes) can have positive health effects—or at least having crappy items can have the opposite effect.
I had an Aeron at a job I worked at for ten years, and it was comfortable and was in as good condition on the day I left as the day I arrived at the company, so I was okay with spending that kind of money when it came time to purchase a new chair for my home computer desk because I knew it'd serve me well.
The main thing I find lacking with it is the lack of a headrest.
I sit a lot (too much probably), and so wanted something that worked well for me. Other people may have different budgets and different values/priorities.
Like mechanical keyboards are. BYO, because it's supported with a brilliant community of hackers and makers and nerds.
I spend about the same time using both tools and both are arguably in the same category of "ergonomics are important"
There are plenty of good ones out there. If possible, try the chairs out first to see what you feel comfortable in. I was initially going down the Herman Miller route but ended up feeling much more comfortable with a Humanscale Diffrient World chair. It has a mesh, I don't feel sore sitting in it for extended periods (yes I ought to move about, I'm an idiot) and it's cool in summers.