Eliminated Office Chairs
The office chairs eliminated by ByteDance mainly enter the second-hand market, with some potentially being refurbished for reuse or undergoing formal recycling processes.
Circulation in the Second-hand Market
Starting from August 2026, ByteDance has been gradually replacing office chairs in work areas such as Beijing and Shanghai, substituting the original American Humanscale World series, valued at approximately 8,000 yuan, with domestically produced Qingxian S1 models. The eliminated chairs have entered the second-hand market, with standard models priced at around 260 yuan, and approximately 350 yuan including headrests and shipping costs; the all-black mesh World One model, originally priced at around 3,000 yuan, commands even lower second-hand prices. These chairs still have a certain market demand due to brand premium and durability, but their prices have significantly dropped.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Eliminated Chairs
The advantages of the Humanscale World series office chairs include: sturdy materials, simple structure, convenient gravity-sensing lumbar support that adapts easily to users of different body types; and classic design that meets basic ergonomic needs. However, their disadvantages are also notable: limited recline angle, making them unsuitable for users who need to take naps; hot and stuffy sponge cushions in summer, with poor breathability; no after-sales support, with repair costs borne by the buyer after purchasing second-hand; and condition dependent on luck, as chairs in the second-hand market may have wear, stains, and other issues.
Suitable Buyers
These second-hand chairs are suitable for buyers who do not nap, are not bothered by heat, have a limited budget, and accept functional limitations. If users have low comfort requirements and can accept the lack of after-sales support and variations in condition, the cost-effectiveness can still be considered; however, if users seek nap functionality, breathability, or long-term after-sales support, these chairs are not recommended.
Other Disposal Methods
In addition to second-hand circulation, eliminated office chairs can also be disposed of in two ways:
- Refurbishment for reuse: The cost is approximately 30%-45% of that of a new chair of the same model, with a construction period of 3-5 working days. This method is suitable for chairs that are in good condition overall but have localized aging, extending their service life and reducing costs.
- Formal recycling: According to the "Technical Specifications for Furniture Recycling" and requirements from government agencies, old furniture is regarded as resource management. Through professional institutions for disassembly and classification, materials can be recycled, reducing environmental pollution.
