RM Online - White chairs remain the favorite

Chairs come in a host of styles and colors, but the rental industry by and large stays with what it knows will rent - the basic bright white chair.

"Chairs used by the rental industry have not changed a lot due to the maintenance involved with many styles, such as wood," said Sharon Bilodeau, national accounts manager for KI, Green Bay, Wis. "Rental companies are looking for products that have limited maintenance, are stackable, and can be ordered from the manufacturer with a quick turnaround time."

Maintenance is not the only issue involved, though, according to Greg Holroyd, vice president for King Arthur Division, Shelby Williams Industries, Statesville, N.C. "When rental people are purchasing, they do not want to go out on a limb - it has to be a chair that is readily rentable."

But while bright white is still the most popular color, theme-oriented events are driving the need for some colored products, according to Debra Shipper, marketing manager for Event Equipment Sales, Countryside, Ill.

"There's been a lot of requests lately for colored wooden folding chairs in such colors as silver, gold and ivory, as well as natural wood," she said. "Event planners are finally starting to realize that chairs can be part of the overall event and that colors can be used to carry a theme through."

Shipper maintains, however, that it is up to rental store employees to take the initiative and suggest alternatives. "Don't wait for customers to ask for something. Suggest ivory chairs for a wedding as opposed to basic white. Your customer does not want to have to think, so the more you can provide in advance, the more business you'll get."

Along the lines of chairs tailored to events, Bilodeau is seeing an increased interest in children's chairs. "This is an area where there is a lack of product but enormous potential. For example, museums are an excellent market with all the children's events they sponsor, and caterers also look for children's furniture." Hot colors include bright blue, red and green.

By far, the manufacturers agree that the biggest issue facing rental companies relative to chairs is maintenance.

"Rental chairs have to clean up well," Bilodeau said. "With seats, you want something textured - but not deeply textured - because then you'll have residue that is hard to get out."

KI and other manufacturers offer seats with drainage holes that minimize water ring residue, she said. "The lowest part toward the back of the seat has very, very small drainage holes. What happens is that if it rains after an event is set up, or if you have heavy dew, the water drains through those holes down to the ground, and what's left is either easily wiped up or just evaporates."

Other newer features, such as protective devices, aid with maintenance as well.

"For example, we carry plastic shoes for the bottom of polyfold chairs, which prevents wear," Shipper said. "Plus, as rental companies set up for events in museums and older buildings they often need tips on them in order to comply with requirements."

Also popular are plastic chair bags that cover the entire product and chair guards used where people rest their feet.

When it comes to purchasing wood chairs, you have to be aware of the wood used in the manufacturing process. "You need to know the quality of wood that is used, because it really varies, and you need to be aware of what makes one wood better over another," Shipper added.

The first step is determining if it's hardwood, soft wood or mixed wood, the latter of which is usually a cutoff of another construction process and renders bad quality. Hardwoods, such as a strong oak, are really the best quality.

"Soft woods are not seasoned, and they are not brought to proper moisture levels before [being] constructed," Shipper said. "That means that over time, the wood shrinks and bolts become loosened, which makes chairs unstable."

Other tips to consider

Besides analyzing the quality of construction, it's important to take a hard look at what the market is in your area.

"It all starts out with budget and having an inventory that offers a variety of options," Shipper said.

Holroyd agreed. "You need to know the market and what price points it will bear. If you're in a lower-end market, white wood or Chivari chairs will not fly. I'll usually suggest something like a basic Samsonite 2200, which will get you through barbecues and less formal parties. After you have established yourself, you may be able to branch out.

"You could move to a stackable look that is a little bit more decorative, but prices are in the $90 to $120 range as opposed to $60," he continued. "White wood chairs, at about $20 per chair, are great, but they require painting four or five times a year, either for minor touchups or a complete painting of the chair."

Quick turnaround time is another key point to consider, Bilodeau said. "Rental dealers have to keep in mind how long it takes to get certain chairs from the manufacturer to the rental facility. All of a sudden, the season might be upon you and you need to get chairs fast. Polyfold chairs, which are heavily used within the rental market, can usually be shipped quickly. This gives rental customers the ability to not have to plan six months in advance, which is important because you might not know how much advance cash you'll have."

Of course, sub-renting from neighboring rental firms has long been the solution to needing chairs in a hurry, but not all rental firms are located in large enough markets to have that option. "This trend has been out there for an awfully long time mostly because people cannot afford to do a huge event with just their own inventory," Holroyd said. "That's one thing the rental industry is known for, especially in party - the camaraderie of people working together."