Over time I have purchased a total of 12 of these chairs - they are nothing short of awesome when it comes to adding dining room seating in a comfortable and attractive way.  They store simply and while very sturdy they are not so heavy as to make carrying them difficult.  I have gotten a couple that were hard to open at first. Heres the trick, lay the chair, seat side up flat on the floor, place your foot on the bottom of the back lower runner then grasp the sides of the seat with both hands and pull up.  I've only had to do this a few times until the chair loosens up.  I think these chairs are an extraordinary value.