Making the Right Choice for Lasting Event Success
Written by: Marcelo Flores
Selecting the right chairs for your event space is a crucial decision that goes beyond aesthetics, especially when it comes to buying for a business in the event industry, where chairs are an investment, not an expense. A key aspect to ensure the best ROI on your chairs is durability. In this article, we will quickly guide you through seven key features to consider when buying durable event chairs.
From the type of use to specific design elements, each point will help you make an informed choice that suits your venue’s needs, focusing on the essential ‘Event Chair Features’ for the lasting success of your event.
Table of Contents
1. Understand Your Type of Business and Usage for the Chairs
1. Understand Your Type of Business and Usage for the Chairs
The first and most fundamental step is to understand the nature of your business. This is crucial because not all chairs are the same; some, even if cheaper, may work better for you, depending on your specific needs. Just as cars are different, chairs, although it may not seem so, are also different.
Type of Business
Each type of business has its challenges and the chair you choose can make it easier or harder, depending on what you choose.
For an event hall that is exclusively indoor and never stacks their chairs, either option is suitable, though such cases are rare. In this case it would be a matter of taste.
Now, if you are an event hall but often stack the chairs, you should consider a chair that does not have a fixed cushion to prevent the cushions from being marked or even damaged.
For an event hall that uses its chairs outdoors the options are even more reduced, as there are materials that will be less durable due to elements such as humidity or the sun.
For rental businesses that transport their chairs from one place to another, that stack them, and that can also use them outdoors, the options are even narrower. In this case you should look for a lightweight chair, without the cushion fixed to the chair and that the material can withstand the elements.
In addition, to make the investment even better, it would be key to choose a chair that requires little maintenance, because rental businesses carry the chairs from one place to another and therefore they are more likely to need maintenance more often.
These are some examples, but for personalized advice you can get in touch with one of our agents.
Event Types
It is very important that you know your market. What are the people you rent to looking for, what are their preferences, what is their budget? These and many other questions are questions that you must answer in order to know your customers and be able to adapt your offer to what they want or are looking for.
For example, wooden chairs may not be the best investment for a rental business for various reasons. However, some consumers prefer wood over more durable materials due to its original aesthetics and the warmth it adds.
Customer’s Budget
Customers’ budgets are also key to determining your investments. If in your market, consumers are not willing to pay such a high amount, the best thing to do is to consider the most profitable options. Many times we make the mistake of thinking that since the customer has a limited budget, it is more convenient to buy economic options as well, but it is not so, in many cases cheap things become expensive. So, the best thing to do is to analyze which are the options that will leave us more money.
To calculate the ROI of each chair, use the rROIC calculator. By filling in eight simple categories, you can determine the expected ROI for the first year and the overall ROI. This calculator can be used for your entire inventory and is completely free.
2. Indoor or Outdoor Use
When selecting chairs for your event space, it’s crucial to consider whether they will be used primarily indoors or outdoors. This decision can significantly impact the type of chair that will best suit your needs.
For indoor events there is no problem, you can choose any style or material, now for outdoor events this is really important. If you do outdoor events and you want your chairs to last for a very long time you must consider chairs that can resist the outdoor elements such as sun and humidity.
This is very important because a chair that doesn’t resist outdoor conditions could potentially get ruined with few use.
3. Material and Build Quality
The material and build quality are key in the durability of event chairs. They are the backbone of a chair’s longevity, directly impacting its strength, stability, and ability to withstand regular use. Here’s what to consider:
Material Matters
Wood Chairs
Wooden chairs are the least resistant of all the chairs we will be seeing. Wooden chairs in the event industry are not the high quality wood furniture but rather lower quality mass-produced chairs.
Wood chips with knocks, has a lot of screws and loosens and also gets badly affected by the outside elements.
Resin Chairs
Resin Chiavari chairs can be more resistant to wear and tear compared to their wooden counterparts but they also have screws somewhere in the chair. Resin is also prone to chipping with bumps, but the advantage is that resin can withstand the outside elements.
Steel Chairs
Steel Chiavari chairs are incredibly strong with a very high load capacity. They are 100% welded so you don’t have to worry about them loosening or losing their rigidity.
In Seat Co all our chairs have UV-resistant paint therefore, although it is not the most recommended for outdoor use, they are very resistant, but you have to be careful not to let them get wet or scratched and leave them outdoors.
Aluminum Chairs
Aluminum just as steel is 100% welded, that means that they have no screws, making them much more sturdy so you don’t have to worry about them loosening or losing their rigidity.
Aluminum Chairs are perfect for outdoors and they are incredibly lightweight and strong.
Aluminum is not affected at all by external elements and also if you have to move the chairs from one place to another or transport them you will do it without any effort since they weigh between 5 and 6 lbs.
Sure, its price may be a bit higher, but if it is the chair that covers your needs, it is definitely worth it as it will last much longer and will also make your life easier.
Build Quality: The Key to Longevity
- Joint Construction: How the parts of the chair are joined together is crucial. Look for chairs with secure, well-constructed joints.
- Finish and Coating: A good finish not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also protects the chair from wear and tear. For metal chairs, a quality powder coating can provide excellent protection against rust and corrosion.
- Attention to Detail: Small details can make a big difference. This includes everything from the smoothness of the finish to the quality of the upholstery (if applicable).
Investing in chairs with superior material and build quality is a wise decision for any event business. While they may come with a higher price tag, the longevity, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced client satisfaction they offer translate into a better ROI in the long run.
4. Do They Have Screws?
Chairs with screws are may less durable than chairs without. As screws loosen, the chair can become wobbly and less secure, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Of course you could tighten the screws and maintain the chairs to last longer, but this will cost you money and time and they will still eventually break before the ones that don’t have screws.
Chairs without screws are more durable. They maintain their structural integrity over a longer period, reducing the need for repairs.
5. Warranty
A warranty is more than just a safety net; it’s a statement of confidence from the manufacturer in the quality and durability of their product. When purchasing chairs for your event space, the warranty should be a key consideration.
Importance of a Strong Warranty
- Quality Assurance: A longer warranty period often indicates a higher quality product. Manufacturers are more likely to offer extended warranties when they are confident in the longevity and durability of their chairs.
- Peace of Mind: A comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that you are covered in case of defects or unexpected issues.
- Long-Term Savings: While chairs with a strong warranty might cost more upfront, they can lead to significant savings over time. The warranty can cover repairs or replacements, reducing your long-term maintenance costs.
Evaluating Warranty Terms
- Length of Warranty: Consider the duration of the warranty.
- Coverage Details: Understand what the warranty covers. Does it include structural integrity, material defects, or wear and tear? Be clear about the terms to avoid surprises later.
- Manufacturer’s Reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation for honoring their warranties. A warranty is only as good as the company’s willingness to stand behind it.
6. Weight Capacity
A higher weight capacity often indicates superior build quality. Chairs that can support more weight are likely made with stronger materials and are more robust. This not only contributes to the safety and versatility of the chairs but also suggests a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs.
Another primary concern with weight capacity is safety. Chairs designed to support a higher weight limit are less likely to collapse or become damaged under stress. Ensuring that your chairs can safely support all your guests is a critical safety consideration but it can also greatly enhance the guest experience by making him or her feel safer and more secure.
7. UV-Resistant Paint for Outdoors
UV-resistant paint plays a significant role in maintaining the appearance and longevity of your chairs when held outdoors.
Sunlight, while essential for outdoor ambiance, can be harsh on furniture. UV-resistant paint acts as a shield, protecting chairs from the sun’s damaging rays. This specialized paint prevents fading and cracking, ensuring that the chairs retain their original color and finish even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
UV-resistant paint is something common in chairs nowadays, but make sure they are if you are going to use them outdoors.
8. Testimonials
When it comes to making significant investments, testimonials are invaluable. They provide a window into the real-world performance and durability of chairs, offering insights from those who have actually used them in various settings. If a product consistently receives positive feedback, it’s a strong indicator of its effectiveness, and conversely, if multiple customers report issues, it’s a sign to reconsider.
The Power of Real Experiences
Testimonials bring to light the experiences of other businesses and event planners with specific chair types. This firsthand feedback can reveal how chairs hold up in different environments, their comfort level, and their overall durability. Positive testimonials can be a strong indicator of a chair’s quality and reliability.
Identifying Common Themes
When reviewing testimonials, look for common themes. Are there consistent mentions of the chairs’ sturdiness, comfort, or ease of maintenance? Such recurring points can be a reliable indicator of the chairs’ strengths and potential areas of concern.
Exploring Video Reviews and Influencer Insights
In today’s digital age, video reviews and influencer opinions can be incredibly informative. Look for video testimonials or reviews from industry influencers who have used the chairs in real event settings. These visual and detailed reviews can provide a clearer picture of the chairs in action, offering insights into their functionality, aesthetics, and durability.
Two great sources for video reviews are The Tent Guy and The Rental Journey
Engaging with Industry Groups and Forums
Industry-specific groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn are excellent resources for unbiased feedback. Engage with these communities by asking for reviews or feedback on specific chair models. These groups often consist of professionals with firsthand experience, providing valuable insights that might not be available through standard customer reviews.
Two important groups within the events industry and specific to venues are: Wedding Venue Owners and Kristin Binford
When investing in chairs for your event business, it’s essential to look beyond the surface. Durability, material quality, and practical features like UV resistance and weight capacity play a significant role in determining the long-term value of your investment. By considering these seven key features, you can ensure that your chairs contribute to the overall success and sustainability of your business.
