FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Vari®, we get a lot of questions about our desks, accessories, health benefits, and more. To help your research process, we’ve created this FAQ resource that addresses our most frequently asked questions about our products, company, and processes.
15 Minutes Reading
Finding Your Fit
Quick Fit Finder
If you can’t decide which desktop or full desk product is right for you, try our Quick Fit Finder! It’ll quiz you on your particular setup and needs and will provide you with our best solution for your scenario.
Numbers in Product Names
The numbers in the product names mostly refer to their size. For example, the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 is 36 inches wide. The Electric Standing Desk 60x30 is 60 inches wide and 30 inches long. In the case of the Dual-Monitor Arm 180 Degree, the numbers in the name refer to the 180-degree rotation of the arms. The Mobile Glass Board 40x72 is 40 inches wide and 72 inches tall.
Monitor Capacity
Whether you’re working with a laptop or three monitors, we have a solution for you. Visit the Buyer’s Guide for a handy chart.
Laptop-Only For laptop-only setups, consider our VariDesk® Laptop 30™ . Of course, you can always use a larger product, too!
One Monitor For those with one monitor (with or without a laptop), we suggest our VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 30 or anything larger.
Two Monitors For those with two monitors (with or without a laptop), consider any of our desktop converters 36” wide or wider (the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 is our bestseller and works great for two 24” monitors.)
Three Monitors For those with very large monitors or with 3+ screens, we suggest a full desk replacement. Our Electric Standing Desk 60x30 boasts a large workspace and our highest weight capacity for all your screens.
Weight Limits
Include all accessories and monitors when calculating the total weight on your desk. Staying within the weight limit helps the desk function better and lowers the chances of back strain.
Monitor Arms
To increase your desk space and ensure a great fit, consider our monitor arms. The Dual Monitor Arm’s fully-articulating arms make it easy to place two large monitors exactly where you want them. For a more compact space (say, a cubicle), consider our Dual Monitor Arm 180, which positions a pair of monitors flush against a wall.
Monitor Arm Compatibility
All of the monitor arms are VESA Standard compatible and have a backplate with distinct mounting holes at 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm. This fits a vast majority of monitors.
The Single Monitor Arm can hold any monitor up to 19.8 lb, with a 27 inch max monitor size limit.
The Dual Monitor Arm can hold most monitors up to 19.8 lb. per arm. Even 27 inch monitors shouldn’t be a problem. With a larger monitor, you may experience placement issues.
The Dual Monitor Arm 180 can hold up to 19.8 lb per arm. We suggest using monitors that are no more than 27 inches across, diagonally. (Tip: to ensure evenly-leveled monitors, you can adjust the height of the arm on the middle post.)
The Monitor Arm + Laptop Stand can hold 30.9 lb on the post, and 19.8 lb on the spring arm. Because of the design and high weight limit, even a 27 inch monitor should fit. The spring arm can hold up to a 15 inch laptop, measured diagonally.
Height Suggestions
Height matters when it comes to finding your perfect standing desk solution. See suggestions for your height below:
Average-Height Users Those people of average height will be able to use any of our desktop converters or full desks. Read above about how to measure your needed desktop converter height if you’re not sure.
Taller Users Our taller fans (typically people over 6’ tall) find that the VariDesk® Tall 40 is a great fit for a desktop converter. The Electric Standing Desk has the greatest range of heights, from 25.5” to 50.5” off the floor.
Shorter Users People who are shorter than average should find any converter works well, given that their current desk (if using a desktop converter) is already a good height for them while sitting. In our office, even our 4’11” employees find it comfortable to sit and stand with a VARIDESK®! For those users who want the lowest possible sitting height, select the Electric Standing Desk, with a minimum height of 25.5”.
Lowered Desktop Converters
You won’t have to readjust your things when you completely lower your VariDesk® to sit. Please note that when using a desktop converter, when completely lowered, the bottom tier will be about ¾ inch above the surface of your desk – consider how this may affect your sitting posture.
Desktop Converter Compatibility
Almost all writing and computer desks are compatible with Vari® products. However, our desktop converters are not meant for glass-top desks. Always check the weight limit of your existing desk to make sure that it can hold the Vari® product and all personal items.
Product Footprints
Desktop The footprint of our desktop converters and can be found on the product page and in the spec sheet. It’s normal for the edge of the keyboard tray of the desktop converter to overhang the front of the desk a little when in the fully-collapsed position. For example, the VariDesk® Pro Plus™ 36 has a posture curve (the curved indentation at the front of the keyboard tray), which should be aligned with the edge of the desk when fully lowered. The slight wings of the bottom tier will therefore overhang a few inches off the front of the desk. Please note that it’s important that the feet/base of all desktop converters are always supported by the desk.
Full Desks The footprint of full desks is equal to the width and depth of the desktop. For those desks with manual rowing lift, the desktop may come out and towards the user, increasing its footprint.
Please note that no matter your desk shape, your desk should support the legs and base of any desktop converter at all times. For any questions about this point, please call our Customer Experience team at (800) 207-2587.
Those products with our patented rowing lift will raise up and towards the user. This allows for the best lifting experience for your back, while increasing the footprint of the desk. If you’re in a tight space and can’t afford the extra room, consider a space-saving solution like our VariDesk® Laptop 30™, our Electric Standing Desk 60x30 & 48x30, or any product with a vertical lift as they all raise straight up.
Also consider if your space has overhead cabinets or shelves that might interfere with a raised desktop converter. Call our Customer Experience team at (800) 207-2587 with questions.
HOW TO USE OUR PRODUCTS
Manual Rowing Lift
Vari® seamlessly clicks into multiple height positions by squeezing the two handles and either pulling up to raise it and out or pushing down and back to lower. This allows you to easily adjust your VariDesk® to your specific height setting.
We designed our patented rowing-lift for optimal posture, so you can lift up and back and leverage the strength in your lower body. While raising or lowering your desk, we suggest you bend from the waist and maintain a straight back. Our spring-assist will help you out.
For those lighter products, we used a straight up-and-down lift to keep a small footprint. We kept the product weight and weight limit light, to keep the pressure off your back.
Electric Lift
Our electric desks come with smooth height adjustments at the touch of a button. Make sure you’re within reach of a power outlet when placing this desk. Additionally, our Electric Standing Desks come with programmable height settings.
If you have questions regarding assembly, please consult the instructions provided in your product packaging or call our Customer Experience team at (800) 207-2587.
OUR PRODUCTS
Monitor Arms Our monitor arms are made specifically to fit Vari® products*. However, the 1 3/8" inch clamp means that it should theoretically fit on any desk with a desktop width equal to or less than 1 3/8”. All our monitor arms are VESA Standard compatible, featuring a backplate with distinct mounting holes at 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm. This fits a vast majority of monitors.
Mats Having a mat makes a world of difference by keeping your feet, knees, and hips supported and comfortable – our fan-favorite is Standing Mat 34x20.
Active Seat The Task Chair and Active Seat are our innovative active-seating solutions. They work best when used as a supplemental seating option — they’re a good middle ground between standing and sitting on a traditional office chair. You perch against the chair with your feet on the ground and your legs bent at an angle wider than 90 degrees. It works great to relieve pressure from your legs while preserving the benefits of an active workstyle.
Please note that many people notice that the chair cushion is rather firm. We believe that a firmer cushion supports the purpose of the Active Seat better – it works to align posture, keeps you from slumping, and can help maintain good circulation. We acknowledge that what could be comfortable for one person could be uncomfortable for another, and just like we discourage sitting all day, we don’t recommend using this product without breaks either – it’s all about incorporating movement. If you want to use it in conjunction with a cushy seat, try our TaskChair!
Materials
We produce our furniture using high-quality, contract-grade materials, detailed below. Learn more about our dedication to quality.
MDF We use only the highest-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which is built tough and strong for many years of use.
Laminate All our desktop converters, full desks, and tables are made with top-grade, heavy-duty laminate. Its luxe surface texture makes it resistant to scratching. The Reclaimed Wood finish has a slightly more pronounced texture than the others, in keeping with its more natural, wood-look character. Learn more about which laminate finish works best for your space.
Steel We use heavy-duty steel in many of our products. It’s in the T-Style legs in our Electric Standing Desk, and in the rocking bar in our ActiveMat® Rocker, to name a few. We also use powder-coated steel in our Metal Conference Chair and our storage cabinets, like the Storage Seat, which adds an external layer for extra durability.
Aluminum We use eco-friendly powder-coated aluminum in our QuickFlex Walls® and Marker Boards for lightweight strength.
Molded Plywood We use molded plywood in our Conference Chair, and Side Chair. Its graceful curve provides a natural, smooth surface.
Rubber Our Standing Mats are made with rubber. They are especially designed to provide long-lasting comfort as you stand while working. To lengthen the lifetime of your mat, we suggest you do not use a chair over them.
Felt We use PET felt, which is made from recycled sources and is specifically designed to dampen noise.
Certifications
Learn more about our many product certifications.
UL BIFMA Many of our products have achieved UL BIFMA Performance Certification.
GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold We’re very proud to have many products that carry GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
OSHA Since our products are not safety equipment, we do not carry any OSHA ratings.
RETURNS, REPLACEMENTS, and SHIPPING
Contact Us
By Phone We want to hear from you! The fastest way to contact us is by phone. Call (800) 207-2587 to talk with a representative regarding your questions, concerns, and for process updates.
Hours:
8am-6pm CST Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays
By Email You can also email us at contact.us@vari.com with questions. Please allow 1-2 business days for us to reply. If you need to cancel an order or have another time-sensitive question, please call.
By Chat You can also chat a representative when the “click to chat” button is available on the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Hours:
8am-5pm CST Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays
Order Cancellations
Due to our fast processing times, it might not be possible for us to cancel your order. For the best chance of canceling your order, reach out to us by phone (not email or chat) as soon as possible after creating the order. If you were not able to talk with a representative in time to cancel the order, you can refuse delivery from the FedEx driver (please call to inform us), or you can contact us for a return after delivery. Please note that we may have to follow the normal refund time frame, even for cancelled orders.
Shipping Times
See our map reference of approximate shipping times. In general, it takes 1-2 business days for us to process your order. It takes an additional 1-5 business days for your product to ship with FedEx ground. Thus, most people see their product between 2-7 business days after they order.
For freight or bulk orders, please call (800) 207-2587 to inquire. We work with third-party freight companies to deliver your product.
Expedited Shipping Options
There is no expedited shipping offered through the website. Call (800) 207-2587 to discuss expedited shipping possibilities.
Returns
We stand behind our 30-Day No-Risk Guarantee. If you purchased a product directly from Vari you have 30 days from the delivery date to try it out. If you don't love it, we'll pay to pick it up so you can return it.
Please note, that most "Open Box Products" are sold as-is and are not covered by any warranty or return policy. Any Electric Standing Desk in the open box program has a warranty of 90 days and coverage is limited to electrical components and legs. This excludes cosmetic defects. The return allowance for Electric Standing Desks in the open box program is 30 days from time of receipt (based on tracking showing delivery) and coverage limited to electrical components and legs. This excludes cosmetic defects.
In order to return product, we ask that you repackage the returning product in Vari® packaging. If you disposed of the original packaging, we'll send out an empty box, free of charge. If you're getting a replacement product, we may ask that you wait for the replacement product to arrive and use that packaging to return the original item. For orders over $5,000, there may be a 10% restocking fee for select situations.
Call us at (800) 207-2587 to request a return or replacement. We’ll need the email you used to order or your order number to find the order in our system. If you don’t have the original box, we’ll ship an empty box to you for free. Once your item is packaged back up, leave it with reception, on the front porch, or wherever FedEx typically makes deliveries. We’ll send FedEx Ground to pick it up from you. Please note that we cannot make express refunds. Please see the section entitled “Refund Times” below for more information.
Replacements
If you call to request an approved replacement product within your warranty, we’ll send a new one your way as soon as we get your call. The new product will take 3-5 business days to arrive. The return process for the damaged product will be the same as if you are returning the product for refund.
Return Boxes
In order to return product, we ask that you repackage the returning product in Vari® packaging. If you have disposed of the original packaging, we’ll send out an empty box, free of charge. If you’re getting a replacement product, we may ask that you wait for the replacement product to arrive and use that packaging to return the original item.
Exchanges
At this time, we are not able to make exchanges – but that doesn’t mean we can’t get the perfect item to you! Instead of exchanging, we will issue a return for the original item and refund you according to the processes below. You can purchase the new product right away, or you can choose to wait for the refund to process.
Refund Times
Refund times are subject to change. However, we typically release funds back to your bank 5-7 business days after we receive the product back in our warehouse.
If you keep the original product box and have the product packaged when you call us, we can issue a call tag for FedEx to pick it up the following business day. In total, from the day FedEx picks up your returned product, it can take 6-12 business days before the funds are released to your bank. After we’ve released the funds to your bank, the timing will depend on their processes. This estimate may vary depending on factors outside Vari®’s control, including weather, catastrophes, and other problems. From there, the processing times will depend on your bank. If you have any questions about your refund, please call. We’re happy to help.
International Purchasing
At this time, the shipping and billing address for an order must be from the same country. For example, you cannot order a desk to a Canadian shipping address using a US billing address.
While we are constantly expanding our reach and breadth of product in different regions, we are unable to sell products across countries.
Repairs
Feel free to call for a replacement of a damaged product within the first 30 days and call for a warranty claim within the time stated for your warranty. Please note that we might not have extra parts or pieces available to sell or send to our fans, and we do not dispatch repair teams. We make it as simple as possible to get you back to work with a full product replacement.
The Vari® Warranty
We understand that your investment is valuable to you, so we back it up with our fantastic limited warranty. Learn more about our warranty.
PURCHASING AND PAYMENT
We offer a bulk discount for orders with at least 10 products. Learn more about our bulk discount.
Placing Tax-Exempt Orders
If you are tax-exempt, please call to place your order. You will not be able to make a tax-exempt order without calling. If you have not provided your tax-exempt status to us before, please be prepared to email a copy of your certificate to the representative helping you. A credit card with tax-exempt status will not be enough to guarantee you are not charged tax.
State Sales Tax
As we become more popular, we are required to charge sales tax in more states. You can check to see if your state’s sales tax is included in the checkout page, or you can call to confirm your state’s tax status.
Vari® Products as Tax Write-Offs
We advise that you speak with a tax professional for an exact answer. If you’re already claiming self-employment or home office deductions, you probably have a better chance of claiming a deduction for a standing desk.
Payment Options
Credit Card You can pay with a credit card on the website or over the phone. If you have problems with a credit card payment, please call (800) 207-2587.
PayPal Online, you can pay through PayPal at checkout.
Affirm Online, you can pay through Affirm at checkout to buy now and pay later.
Invoice To pay by invoice, please call (800) 207-2587.
*Vari monitor arms are not compatible with desks in the Essential Collection.
