The best way to tell if an Aeron Chair is real is to check the label under the seat, which should have the Herman Miller logo, the model name, and a serial number. A fake Aeron Chair may have a missing, damaged, or altered label, or a label that does not match the chair’s features. In this article, we will explain how to identify a genuine Aeron Chair and avoid buying a counterfeit one.
Why Aeron Chairs are Popular and Expensive
Aeron Chairs are one of the most popular and iconic office chairs in the world. They are designed by Herman Miller, a leading American manufacturer of furniture and equipment. Aeron Chairs are known for their ergonomic features, such as adjustable height, tilt, and lumbar support, as well as their breathable mesh material, which prevents heat and moisture buildup. Aeron Chairs are also durable, eco-friendly, and stylish, making them a desirable choice for many professionals and consumers.
However, Aeron Chairs are also quite expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,500 depending on the size, color, and options. This high price tag makes them a target for counterfeiters, who produce and sell fake Aeron Chairs at lower prices. These fake Aeron Chairs may look similar to the real ones, but they are made of inferior materials and components, and they do not offer the same comfort, quality, and warranty as the authentic ones.
How to Check the Label Under the Seat
The easiest and most reliable way to tell if an Aeron Chair is real is to check the label under the seat. The label should have the following information:
- The Herman Miller logo, which is a stylized “H” and “M” in a circle.
- The model name, which is either “Aeron Chair” or “Aeron Remastered Chair”. The Aeron Remastered Chair is the updated version of the original Aeron Chair, which was launched in 2016. The Aeron Remastered Chair has some differences from the original Aeron Chair, such as a smoother tilt mechanism, a redesigned back support, and a more streamlined appearance.
- The serial number, which is a 12-digit alphanumeric code that starts with two letters and ends with two numbers. The serial number is unique to each chair and can be used to verify the chair’s authenticity and warranty status with Herman Miller.
A fake Aeron Chair may have a label that is missing, damaged, or altered, or a label that does not match the chair’s features. For example, a fake Aeron Chair may have a label that says “Aeron Remastered Chair” but has the old tilt mechanism, or a label that has a different serial number than the one on the receipt or invoice.
How to Check Other Features of the Chair
Besides checking the label under the seat, there are other features of the chair that can help you spot a fake Aeron Chair. Here are some of them:
- The mesh material, which should be smooth, flexible, and uniform. A fake Aeron Chair may have a mesh material that is rough, stiff, or uneven, or that has holes, tears, or stains.
- The frame and base, which should be sturdy, stable, and well-finished. A fake Aeron Chair may have a frame and base that are weak, wobbly, or poorly-finished, or that have scratches, cracks, or rust.
- The casters, which should be smooth, quiet, and suitable for the floor type. A fake Aeron Chair may have casters that are noisy, rough, or incompatible with the floor type, or that have missing or broken parts.
- The adjustment knobs and levers, which should be easy to use, responsive, and consistent. A fake Aeron Chair may have adjustment knobs and levers that are hard to use, unresponsive, or inconsistent, or that have loose or missing parts.
How to Buy a Genuine Aeron Chair
The best way to buy a genuine Aeron Chair is to buy it from an authorized Herman Miller dealer, either online or in person. You can find a list of authorized Herman Miller dealers on their website, or you can contact their customer service for assistance. Buying from an authorized Herman Miller dealer ensures that you get a new, authentic, and warrantied Aeron Chair, and that you can enjoy the full benefits and services of Herman Miller.
If you are buying a used Aeron Chair, you should be extra careful and do your research before making a purchase. You should ask the seller for the original receipt or invoice, the serial number, and the photos of the chair, and compare them with the information on the Herman Miller website. You should also inspect the chair in person, if possible, and check the label and other features as described above. You should avoid buying a used Aeron Chair from an unknown or untrustworthy source, such as a random website, a flea market, or a street vendor, as they are more likely to sell fake Aeron Chairs.
Conclusion
Aeron Chairs are one of the best office chairs in the market, but they are also one of the most counterfeited ones. To tell if an Aeron Chair is real, you should check the label under the seat, which should have the Herman Miller logo, the model name, and the serial number. You should also check other features of the chair, such as the mesh material, the frame and base, the casters, and the adjustment knobs and levers. You should buy a genuine Aeron Chair from an authorized Herman Miller dealer, or a reputable and verified seller if you are buying a used one. By following these tips, you can avoid buying a fake Aeron Chair and enjoy the comfort, quality, and style of a real one.