4 Factors That Effect Auditorium Seating Price

Auditorium Seating Price: 4 Factors That Help Determine Your Project’s Cost.

Looking for auditorium seating price? If you’re asking “how much do auditorium seats cost?” the answer is…

it depends.

It’s a tough question to answer, because every manufacturer is different. But in this article we’ve provided four factors that should give you a better understanding of auditorium chair pricing.

If you understand these factors, and how they play in to your seating price, you’ll be able to make a better judgment of the best chair style and manufacturer for your project. 

So if you’re getting ready for a fixed seating project, here’s 4 factors that may determine how much everything will cost:

1. Quality

This one is obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.

As with (almost) everything in life, you get what you pay for. That’s not to say that two high quality manufacturers can’t have varying prices, but if one is drastically cheaper than another… there might just be a reason for that.

Fixed seating can take quite a beating over the years, depending on how much traffic the venue is getting, so it’s important to make sure that you’re asking about the quality or warranty on the product.

Here at Theatre Solutions for example, we have a lifetime warranty on many of our auditorium seats. We believe in designing and manufacturing high quality products, and the warranty shows that we stand behind our work.

So make sure that you’re inquiring about the level of quality in the seating you’re considering. You don’t need to be an expert. Here’s a few things to consider and ask the manufacturer about:

• How has the seating been designed to reduce squeaking or noises?
• Is there any warranty? If so, how long?
• How long will the upholstery or finishes endure?
• What is the base or backing made out of?

Remember to take the long view for the sake of your client, or your own venue. Paying a little more now for high quality might mean avoiding a complete overhaul in 10-20 years, which may end up costing loads more.

2. Project Size

*Generally speaking, the larger the project, the lower the pricing. Again, this is a general rule of thumb, and you’ve got to weigh it alongside the other considerations here.

For example, you could have a project requiring 5,000 seats but then ask for every feature available, or choose the most expensive furnishings possible. Obviously in that case, your high seating quantity will lower the base price, but the addition of added features is going to take the price back up.

However, this general rule of thumb is good to take into any estimate request. When you’re discussing your project with the manufacturer, ask them what the best price they can do for you is, given the quantity of seats you plan to order.

3. Timing

Timing can also be a factor to auditorium seating price. It makes a difference whether your project needs to be completed within 6 months, or if your project isn’t scheduled to be completed for 2 years (or more!).

4. Complexity

Your seating prices will rise in relation to the custom details you want, especially if the details have not been attempted by that manufacturer in the past.

In other words, you should expect to pay more if you’re adding 3 features or extra details that the manufacturer offers (e.g. seat lighting, donor tags, wood finish, etc.). But if you’re asking for the manufacturer to do something custom for you that isn’t in their standard offerings, you should expect to pay even more for that service.

Bottom line? Have a good understanding of these pricing factors when you request an estimate.

When you’re ready to approach manufacturers and request a bid or estimate, take these four factors into your conversation with them.

When you’re comparing manufacturer pricing, weigh the quality that each one provides, along with their unique processes for bringing the project to completion. Even if two manufacturers are roughly the same on price, one may offer vastly better customer service, or maintain better communication with you throughout the life of the project.

So look into what sets them apart, get past testimonials and client reviews etc.

If you’re thrilled with the manufacturer but dismayed by their pricing, see if you can reduce the number of customizations or features you requested. Ask the manufacturer if they can work with you on the price, or what changes could be made to bring the price down.

We’re auditorium seating specialists, so if you need help or advice with your project, we’re here for you. Reach out any time, or leave a comment below. You can also browse our auditorium seating price product sheet if you visit our seating products page.