Active Goods

The retailer and where it sells

Active Goods is a US-based retailer that sources unique ergonomic products from around the world for home offices and classrooms. Its About section says a desk and chair "should not be an enemy to your health" and that the team looks for furniture that "integrates movement into your everyday life." The site displays all prices in US dollars and offers free shipping on most orders. The retailer sources products internationally and stocks furniture from Varier, a Norwegian manufacturer, and Kore Design, a US brand. The footer says its products can be shipped directly to locations across Canada and the United States. It does not state a minimum order amount for free shipping.

The active seating range

Active Goods carries Varier's full line of active sitting chairs and stools alongside Kore Design wobble chairs. The Varier Move Stool is priced at $579.00 USD and features a rounded base with 360-degree tilting and pivoting motion when both feet are planted. The stool uses a saddle seat design and offers 3 gas-lift height options: small (50 to 69 cm), medium (56 to 82 cm, the most popular choice), and large (65 to 87 cm). The medium option is the quick-ship model most commonly in stock. The Move Stool is NEAT certified by the Mayo Clinic and trial participants showed an average of 18 percent increased energy expenditure compared to a traditional office chair. The stool is available in multiple Varier fabric collections including Revive, Reflect, Nitto, Re-wool, Fiord 2, Melange Nap, Vidar 3, Divina Melange 3, Divina 3, Hallingdal 65 and Noir.

The Varier Wing Balans kneeling chair is priced at $929.00 USD and designed to promote variations of sitting including kneeling and perching movements. The chair has a tilted seat with height adjustment from 52 to 72 cm and a cushioned leg rest that is also height adjustable for customized comfort. The 5-star caster base allows mobility across workspaces. The frame is constructed of molded plywood with foam cushioning, and fabrics are predominantly wool (95 percent) with 5 percent polyamide. The warranty on the Wing Balans covers 5 years on mechanical parts. The chair weighs 9.8 kg (22 lbs). The site lists extensive fabric options for this model.

The Varier Ekstrem lounge chair is priced at $3,999.00 USD and takes a different approach, offering unconventional seating positions. The chair's geometric design allows users to sit forward with feet on the ground, sideways with legs on the armrests, or completely backwards with the front of the torso against the back. The frame consists of 2 identical mirror-facing steel frames covered by polyurethane foam and wrapped in fabric. The Ekstrem comes in 6 colorways in Knit, a bespoke woolen upholstery textile from Norwegian Devold, knitted from one continuous thread. The design allows for flexible and versatile positioning from relaxation to focused work.

The Varier Gravity balans kneeling chair is offered at $3,499.00 USD. The Varier Variable balans kneeling chair is priced from $479.00 USD, with a Variable Plus model at $679.00 USD, and a Thatsit balans kneeling chair at $1,499.00 USD. Kore Design wobble chairs include the pre-school 12 inch model, kids 14 inch, junior 16 inch priced at $84.99 (on sale from $89.99), pre-teen 18.7 inch, kids adjustable standard 14 to 19 inches at $144.99, kids adjustable tall 16.5 to 24 inches at $149.99, teen college adjustable 18 to 25 inches at $191.99 (on sale from $201.99), and teen college hi-rise 21 to 31.5 inches (on sale at $191.99 from $201.99). The office plus everyday chair ranges 18.5 to 26.75 inches and is priced at $239.99 (on sale from $249.99). The office plus sit-stand model spans 21.5 to 32 inches at $252.99 (on sale from $262.99). Kore floor wobbler balance discs are priced at $47.99 (on sale from $52.99).

Specifications and certifications

The Varier Move Stool product weight is 15.25 lbs. The site states the stool provides an extended range of motion with soft edges along the seat and a rounded base. The NEAT certification by the Mayo Clinic is the only certification the site names for these products. The Varier Wing Balans weighs 9.8 kg (22 lbs) and has dimensions of 58 cm width, 58 cm depth, and 52 to 72 cm height. The seat height adjustment range is 52 to 72 cm. The fabric on the Wing Balans is 95 percent wool and 5 percent polyamide. The warranty is 5 years on mechanical parts.

The Kore Design junior wobble chair is specified with a 275 lb weight capacity, seat diameter of 11 inches, base diameter of 13.75 inches, height of 16 inches (40 cm), and weight of 3.9 lbs. Kore products come in multiple color options. The site states that Kore wobble chairs are made from durable and recyclable HDPE #2 plastic with an anti-roll safety ring on the bottom to prevent falls. Kore products feature a patented textured surface on seat and base for grip with no rubberized base.

The Varier Ekstrem dimensions and materials are not fully specified on the site beyond the frame and upholstery description. The site does not publish weight capacity for any Varier models. The Ekstrem is available in 6 colorways in Knit fabric. The site does not state certifications for Varier products beyond the Mayo Clinic NEAT certification for the Move Stool.

Delivery, returns and commercial options

Active Goods offers free shipping on most orders, though the site does not specify which products or order amounts might exclude free shipping. Returns are included in the site's header as a key benefit but return windows and restocking fees are not detailed. The site indicates products in categories are in stock with quick-ship availability for some Varier models, though specific lead times for non-quick-ship items are not published. The company offers a corporate sales option mentioned on product pages for volume orders and custom solutions for businesses, schools and government organizations. The site does not state bulk discounts or volume pricing.

Customer reviews are displayed on product pages; the Move Stool shows 4.5 out of 5.0 stars with 4 reviews, and on the home page the Variable balans shows 4.8 out of 5.0 from 5 reviews. Warranty information for Varier products beyond the Wing Balans 5-year mechanical warranty is not detailed on the site.

What remains unsettled

Active Goods does not publish warranty coverage for most Varier models beyond the Wing Balans, which covers 5 years on mechanical parts only. Return and exchange windows are not specified. Weight capacity is not published for any Varier models, though the junior Kore wobble chair is rated to 275 lbs. Assembly requirements are not stated for the Varier chairs. The site does not state trial periods or satisfaction guarantees.

Pricing shown reflects sale prices for many Kore products; the full retail prices are displayed alongside sale prices. The site does not state when sales expire or whether prices fluctuate. Fabric availability and lead times for custom fabric selections are not detailed. Bulk and institutional pricing goes through a corporate sales contact rather than being displayed publicly. The site says custom Move orders in other gas lift sizes go through its sales team, must be pre-paid and can take up to 120 days.

Active Goods works well for home office workers and educators seeking higher-end active sitting furniture from a small set of design-led brands. The Varier products appeal to design-conscious buyers who value Norwegian craft and unconventional seating approaches. The Kore Design line serves budget-conscious buyers and schools seeking affordable active sitting solutions. The extensive fabric options for Varier products allow customization to match existing decor. Free shipping removes a barrier to trying products. The lack of published weight capacity for premium models and warranty details beyond the Wing Balans means a potential buyer should contact the company before purchasing to confirm durability specifications. The retailer's model of sourcing globally rather than manufacturing means product availability depends on international supply chains; stock status and lead times should be confirmed for any item before purchase.