Bought a $200 salon chair from an online auction - worst mistake ever

I saw this deal for a used salon chair on an auction site and thought I was being smart saving money. The listing showed it in great shape, looked like a brand name chair. Got it delivered and the hydraulics were shot, the base wobbled like crazy. I spent another $60 trying to fix it with parts from a local supply shop but it still felt unsafe. My first client sitting in it nearly tipped over when they leaned back. Now I'm out $260 total and the chair is just sitting in my garage. Anyone else get burned trying to save money on equipment like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

wade_anderson2d ago

Gonna disagree here. Used equipment is a gamble but $200 for a used salon chair isn't really a deal, that's about what a decent new one costs from a budget supplier. You gotta know what you're looking at before you bid. Those auction pics can hide a lot of problems. Next time check the brand, look up common issues, and if the hydraulics are going bad or the base is loose you walk away. Live and learn, but this one's on you for not doing the homework first.

the_ben1d ago

Did you check if the brand had replacement parts readily available before buying? I've been there with a used dryer once and yeah, @wade_anderson makes a solid point about doing the homework first honestly. But what actually worked for me was finding a local guy who refurbishes salon gear for cheap. He fixed that dryer for $40 and it's been running fine for two years now. Sometimes it's less about the chair and more about knowing someone who can make it work again. Might be worth checking if you have a repair shop nearby that specializes in these things. Some of those old chairs are built way better than the new budget ones anyway.

zarag171d ago

the_ben's point about finding a local repair guy is exactly what worked for me. I snagged an old metal-based salon chair at auction for $50 cause the hydraulics were shot and the base was wobbly. Took it to a guy who fixes restaurant equipment and he welded the base tight for $25, then swapped in a gas spring from an office chair that cost me $15. It's been solid for three years now and the frame is way heavier than any new chair under $300. @wade_anderson is right that you gotta know what you're looking at, but sometimes the fix is cheaper than people think if you skip the big box stores.