5 Tips for Buying Dining Chairs – Practical Guide 2025

Sunbin Qi
May 20
3 min read

By Sunbin Qi, CEO ASKT Furniture

Why This Guide?

For more than 20 years, I’ve worked alongside European furniture buyers – from retail chains to e-commerce platforms and restaurant groups. Across hundreds of product selection meetings, I’ve observed that 80% of all complaints come down to five recurring decision mistakes. In this article, I’ll share checklists, benchmarks, and practical insights to help you build a compliant, high-margin, and sustainable dining chair assortment – with no empty marketing talk.

1 | Rigorously Check Standards and Quality Certifications

Why It Matters

As of May 2025, the updated EN 12520:2024 comes into effect – with stricter testing for side stability, impact resistance, and long-term durability. If you're ordering now, make sure all test reports reference the new standard edition.

What You Should Ask For

Checklist Item	Minimum Requirement / Document	Practical Benefit
EN 12520:2024 test report	Original or notarized copy	Prevents customs issues and added costs
ISO 9001 certificate	Valid, with site matching the factory	Confirms reproducible processes
In-house test capacity	Number and type of machines	Indicator of speed and output reliability

Real-World Example

We operate 12 professional test rigs – from side stability to color fastness – and record each test with bodycams. This reduces audit time by 11 days on average because video evidence can be reviewed remotely.

Key Metric for Buyers

A German chain retailer reduced service claims from 3.2% to 0.6% by listing only chairs with full EN documentation.

2 | Verify Ergonomics and Dimensions Early

Key Measurements

Parameter	B2B Benchmark	Background
Seat height	45 – 48 cm	Matches standard EU table height of 74–76 cm
Minimum width without armrests	≥ 48 cm	50 cm average hip width minus margin
Clearance under tabletop	≥ 2.5 cm between armrest and underside	Ensures chairs can slide under the table

Practical Tip

Request CAD step files from the supplier instead of PDFs. This allows your engineering team to simulate clearance and avoid collision issues before building prototypes.

Why It Saves Money

Changing armrest height after prototyping delays production by 4 weeks and causes mold rework costs of €2,000–€4,000.

3 | Consider Sustainability and Tax Exposure

The EU Plastic Tax Is Real

Germany is implementing a plastic packaging levy from January 2025 (€0.80/kg for non-recyclable plastics). Suppliers still using stretch film may face double-digit cost increases.

Our Proven Solutions

Zero-Plastic Packaging: Honeycomb paper + paper tape instead of PE wrap – saves an average of 15% annually in packaging costs and accelerates customs clearance by 30%.
Recycled Fabrics: One chair cover made from 32 PET bottles offers real marketing value and supports the EU’s target of 10 million tons of recyclate by 2025.
Verified Certifications: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and BSCI audits boost acceptance in green procurement programs.

Cost Impact Example

A Dutch online retailer saved €0.17 per shipment and now uses "plastic-free furniture logistics" as a competitive selling point.

4 | Match Materials to Use Case

4.1 Fabrics: Martindale + More

Residential Use: ≥ 30,000 Martindale cycles
Contract/Gastronomy: ≥ 50,000 cycles, stain protection
Pet-Friendly: Scratch resistance ≥ 4 per EN ISO 11640

4.2 Frames: Steel > Solid Wood > PP

Criteria	Steel	Solid Wood	Polypropylene
Load endurance (110 kg)	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆
Average weight	6–8 kg	5–7 kg	4 kg
Recyclability	> 90%	80%	55%

Expert Note: In franchise restaurants with 18 hours daily use, a welded steel frame pays for itself in 14 months compared to wooden alternatives – despite higher upfront costs.

4.3 Coating & Color Fastness

Powder coatings (60–80 μm) withstand 1,000 hours of salt spray and maintain a color deviation of ΔE < 2 over five years – essential for open kitchens with high humidity.

5 | Assess Supplier Partnership and Development Speed

What Professional Buyers Expect Today

Rapid Prototyping: Series-accurate samples in 10 days (CNC cut, robotic welds, 3D printed fittings).
Multiple R&D Sites: Shorter transport routes, lower CO₂ emissions.
Digital QC Documentation: Video proof per batch reduces the need for factory visits.
Flexible MOQs: Pilot runs from 50 pcs enable trend testing without volume risk.

Case Study

In 2024, a Polish hypermarket asked us to develop three color variants. In 18 days, we delivered samples, test reports, and drop tests – result: listing in 467 stores and €2.3M annual turnover for the buyer.

Cultural Compatibility

Terms of payment, synchronized shipping with campaign calendars, and defined escalation paths ensure a resilient, long-term relationship.

Conclusion: Your Next Chair Decision Has Lasting Impact

A dining chair is no longer just "four legs and a seat" – it's the sum of standards, ergonomics, sustainability, materials science, and supply chain excellence. By applying these five principles, you avoid A dining chair is no longer just "four legs and a seat" – it's the sum of standards, ergonomics, sustainability, materials science, and supply chain excellence. By applying these five principles, you avoid unexpected costs, strengthen your ESG positioning, and secure margins your competitors miss.

I hope this guide gives you solid arguments for your next sourcing decision. If you'd like to dive deeper, contact me directly at sales@sinoaskt.com or via WhatsApp +86 189 1260 5997. I'm happy to share more data, arrange a virtual factory tour, or explore product ideas together.

To your success,

Sunbin Qi

CEO, ASKT Furniture