Compare Prices for Used Office Furniture Online in the UK
Comparing prices for used office furniture isn't straightforward. Unlike new furniture with fixed RRPs, the second-hand market varies wildly. The same chair might be £150 from one supplier and £350 from another.
This guide breaks down realistic price ranges, what affects pricing, and how to tell if you're getting a fair deal.
Realistic Price Ranges for Used Office Furniture
These are typical prices you should expect to pay from reputable UK suppliers in 2025. Prices assume good condition, fully functional items.
Task Chairs (Standard)
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Budget brands (basic adjustment) | £30-60 |
| Mid-range brands (Orangebox, Senator) | £60-120 |
| Premium brands (Steelcase, Humanscale) | £120-250 |
Task Chairs (High-End Ergonomic)
| Model | New Price | Used/Refurbished Price |
|---|---|---|
| Herman Miller Aeron | £1,200-1,500 | £350-550 |
| Herman Miller Mirra 2 | £900-1,100 | £250-400 |
| Steelcase Leap V2 | £900-1,100 | £250-400 |
| Steelcase Think | £700-900 | £180-300 |
| Humanscale Freedom | £800-1,000 | £200-350 |
| Humanscale Liberty | £600-800 | £150-280 |
Desks
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Straight desk (1200-1400mm) | £50-100 |
| Straight desk (1600-1800mm) | £70-150 |
| Corner/radial desk | £80-180 |
| Bench desk (per position) | £60-120 |
| Sit-stand desk (manual) | £150-300 |
| Sit-stand desk (electric) | £250-500 |
Storage
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 3-drawer pedestal | £30-70 |
| 4-drawer filing cabinet | £40-100 |
| Tambour cupboard (mid-height) | £60-150 |
| Tambour cupboard (tall) | £80-200 |
| Bookcase | £40-100 |
| Locker unit (per door) | £20-50 |
Meeting and Reception
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Meeting table (4-6 person) | £100-300 |
| Meeting table (8-10 person) | £200-500 |
| Boardroom table (large) | £300-800 |
| Reception desk | £150-500 |
| Visitor chairs | £30-80 each |
| Sofa (2-seater) | £150-400 |
What Affects Used Furniture Pricing
Not all used furniture is priced equally. Here's what drives the differences:
Brand
Premium brands command higher prices, even second-hand. A used Herman Miller chair costs more than a used generic chair because it's better built, more comfortable, and will last longer. You're paying for proven quality.
Condition
Most suppliers grade their stock:
- Grade A - Excellent condition, minimal wear, looks nearly new. Premium pricing.
- Grade B - Good condition, minor cosmetic marks, fully functional. Standard pricing.
- Grade C - Visible wear, possible repairs needed, functional. Budget pricing.
Always ask about grading if it's not stated. "Used" without qualification could mean anything.
Age
Newer items generally cost more. A 2-year-old chair commands higher prices than a 10-year-old chair of the same model. But age isn't everything - a well-maintained older chair can outperform a neglected newer one.
Refurbished vs As-Is
Refurbished furniture has been inspected, cleaned, repaired, and restored. It costs more than as-is items but comes with fewer surprises and usually includes a warranty. The premium is often worth it, especially for chairs.
Supplier Type
Where you buy affects price significantly. More on this below.
Quantity
Bulk orders typically attract discounts. If you're buying 20+ desks or chairs, negotiate.
Price Comparison by Supplier Type
Different sources have different pricing structures:
Specialist Used Office Furniture Dealers
Examples: Coggin SOS, City Used Office Furniture, Office Resale, Kings Office Furniture, The Office Crowd
Prices: Mid-range to premium
What you get: Inspected and often refurbished stock, warranties (typically 12 months), delivery and installation options, proper returns policy, knowledgeable staff.
Best for: Businesses wanting reliability without the hassle. Quality is consistent, and you have recourse if something goes wrong.
Online Marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)
Prices: Lowest (potentially)
What you get: Variable quality, no warranty, collection usually required, limited recourse if problems arise.
Best for: Bargain hunters willing to inspect carefully and collect themselves. Can find genuine deals, but also plenty of overpriced tat.
Auction Houses
Examples: John Pye, Bidspotter, local commercial auctions
Prices: Can be very low, but unpredictable
What you get: As-seen condition, bulk lots common, no warranty, collection required, buyer's premium adds to cost.
Best for: Experienced buyers who know what they're looking at and can handle logistics. Not for beginners.
Office Clearance Companies
Prices: Variable - sometimes very competitive
What you get: Often selling quickly to clear space. Quality varies. May offer delivery.
Best for: Businesses willing to move fast on good stock. Items sell quickly, so you need to act.
Direct from Businesses
Prices: Negotiable
What you get: Cutting out the middleman can mean lower prices. But no warranty, no returns, and you're relying on the seller's honesty about condition.
Best for: When you know the source (e.g., a business you trust is relocating).
Comparing Like for Like
The biggest mistake when comparing prices: not comparing equivalent items.
A £200 "task chair" from Supplier A and a £350 "task chair" from Supplier B might look like an obvious choice. But if Supplier A is selling a basic operator chair and Supplier B is selling a refurbished Steelcase Leap, the £350 chair is actually better value.
When comparing, check:
- Exact make and model (not just "ergonomic chair")
- Condition grade
- What's included (delivery, installation, warranty)
- Age of the item if stated
- Whether it's refurbished or as-is
Price Comparison Checklist
Use this when comparing quotes from different suppliers:
| Factor | Supplier 1 | Supplier 2 | Supplier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item price | |||
| Delivery cost | |||
| Installation cost | |||
| VAT included? | |||
| Condition grade | |||
| Warranty period | |||
| Returns policy | |||
| Total cost |
The cheapest headline price isn't always the cheapest total cost. A £100 chair with £50 delivery and no warranty may cost more in the long run than a £130 chair with free delivery and 12-month warranty.
Red Flags on Pricing
Too cheap
If a Herman Miller Aeron is listed at £80, something's wrong. Either it's damaged, fake, stolen, or the listing is a scam. Premium furniture holds value - suspiciously low prices deserve suspicion.
Hidden costs
Some suppliers show low product prices then add hefty delivery and installation charges. Always get the full cost before committing.
No VAT clarity
Business buyers need to know if prices include VAT. A £100 + VAT chair actually costs £120. Legitimate suppliers are clear about this.
Vague condition descriptions
"Good condition" means nothing without specifics. Ask for photos, grading, or details about any wear.
No returns policy
Reputable suppliers offer at least 14 days for returns. No returns = no recourse if there's a problem.
How to Get the Best Price
Get multiple quotes
For larger orders especially, contact 3-4 suppliers with your requirements. Prices vary more than you'd expect.
Ask about bulk discounts
Most suppliers will negotiate on quantity. Don't assume the listed price is final.
Consider collection
If you can collect, you'll save on delivery. Some suppliers offer significant discounts for collection.
Check for package deals
Buying desks and chairs together? Some suppliers offer better rates on complete setups.
Time your purchase
End of month, end of quarter, and January (post-clearance season) can be good times to negotiate. Suppliers may be more flexible when they need to shift stock.
Ask about ex-display or clearance stock
Suppliers sometimes have items they need to move quickly - cancelled orders, excess stock, slight cosmetic damage. These can be genuine bargains.
UK Suppliers Worth Comparing
Here are established UK suppliers with online pricing you can compare:
Coggin SOS – Preston, Lancashire. Nationwide delivery and installation. Refurbished desks, chairs, and storage with 12-month guarantee. Also offers refurbishment of existing furniture and office clearance with buyback. Pricing includes savings certificates showing cost and carbon impact. Rated 4.9/5 on Google.
City Used Office Furniture – Multiple showrooms across England. One of the UK's largest dealers. Good for bulk orders. Part-exchange available.
The Office Crowd – Midlands-based, free UK delivery. Strong on branded ergonomic chairs. Clear online pricing.
Office Resale – North London. Official Herman Miller refurbishment partner. Premium end of the market.
Kings Office Furniture – London, nationwide delivery. 27 years trading. 12-month warranty. Competitive on mid-range items.
Ergo Outlet – Midlands showroom. Mix of new and used. Discount outlet model.
ORS UK – Multiple locations (Burton, Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry). Wide range from budget to premium.
Corporate Spec – Specialises in branded ergonomic chairs. Claims "won't be beaten on price."
Sample Price Comparison: Herman Miller Aeron
To show how prices vary, here's a snapshot comparison for a refurbished Herman Miller Aeron (size B, standard spec):
| Source Type | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist dealer (refurbished) | £380-500 | 12-month warranty, delivery available |
| eBay (used, private seller) | £250-400 | No warranty, collection likely |
| Facebook Marketplace | £200-350 | Highly variable, inspect carefully |
| Auction | £150-350 | Unpredictable, add buyer's premium |
The specialist dealer price is higher, but you get warranty protection, verified condition, and easier logistics. Whether the saving on a marketplace purchase is worth the risk depends on your situation.
What "Good Value" Actually Means
The cheapest option isn't automatically the best value.
Good value means: quality furniture that does the job, lasts for years, comes with adequate protection (warranty, returns), and doesn't create hidden costs (failed items, replacement parts, disposal of broken furniture).
A £50 chair that breaks in 6 months and hurts your back costs more than a £150 chair that lasts 10 years and keeps you comfortable.
When comparing prices, factor in the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do prices vary so much between suppliers?
- Different sourcing, different overheads, different refurbishment standards, different target markets. A supplier focused on premium refurbishment will charge more than one selling as-is clearance stock. Both can offer good value for different buyers.
Should I always go for the cheapest option?
- Not necessarily. Consider what's included - warranty, delivery, condition grade. The cheapest headline price often isn't the cheapest total cost, and definitely isn't always the best value.
How do I know if a price is fair?
- Check multiple sources. If three suppliers are pricing similar items at £150-180 and one is at £80, the £80 one is either a genuine bargain or too good to be true. If three are at £150-180 and one is at £300, the £300 supplier is overpriced.
Can I negotiate on price?
- Usually, especially for bulk orders. It never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no.
Are online prices accurate?
- From established suppliers, generally yes. Marketplace listings are less reliable - always confirm price and condition before committing.
