herman miller chairs...how much should I pay?  

It depends on a number of...
It depends on a number of things:
Do you prefer side-shells or arm-shells?
Which colour are you looking for or should they be upholstered?
Which type of base would you prefer?
How many are you looking for?
Hmmm, that should be enough to start with 🙂

It's not that simple, unfortunately
Of course M_Andersen is correct that YOU need to know what YOU want, but that does not address your question of cost. I was a poor student myself. Budget is important. At my store, the following considerations are used: First, always buy the best you can afford. This starts with it being an ORIGINAL item, with ALL of its parts, and in fine to mint condition with no repairs or re-do's of any kind. As to Eames, the model and color do affect price, but at the highest levels, the Zenith fiberglass chairs are VERY FIRST models, and of most interest. After that, the leg configuration is of next concern. THIS is where things get sticky for you as a "newbie". The market now provides NEW FAKE bases to put on old bodies, which can then be sold as "original" at a highly inflated, deceptive price. I am not going to guide your choices by color, etc. - that is up to you and your sense of decor. I am also hesitant to support your buying via the use of a distant auction venue. There is too much room for your being abused. I suggest you stick with dealers, and if at all possible, see the real items in person. Whatever you do, ask these questions:
Are all the parts there?
Are all the parts original vintage to the chair?
Are there any fiberglass stains, bruises, or cracks?
Are the original tags intact?
What is your return policy, and will you put your claims in writing?
I hope this helps. They are nice chairs. I own some myself.

thanks!
Hey, thanks for the info! I'll def keep these questions in mind when I go about purchasing them. In case you're wondering, I like the side chair version that is posted on this site under hm, but in green or blue. 🙂

i agree
definitely stay away from ebay and anything else online if you are starting out. even experienced buyers can get shafted and it is a pretty big gamble and the loss due to shipping costs (esp with furniture) leaves something to be desired. But that might just be my personality - you might be a risk taker and gamble with something online and end up getting a really good deal. As a student on a strict budget myself, and a proud owner of eames shells, I can say it is definitely doable - don't get dissapointed if the ones in your price range are the rusty and fake ones and the ones you like most are way too costly. My best piece of advice is to be patient. I have wanted eames chairs (among other pieces of furniture) for years now and only when I have come across them at very reasonable prices have I been able to pick them up. Of course reasonable means different things for different people. I wouldn't pay more than 50-75 dollars for a side chair (and I have paid much less) and approx. 100 dollars for an arm chair (you must factor in vintage, condition, base, color, etc). If you buy an eames chair from someone who knows what they are selling, you won't get it for that price - but as few of them that there might be out there, there are still places where eames deal can be had. Look at university auctions, estate sales, thrift stores, garage sales, and you might even find one on the side of the road left for trash (I did). Eames and other quality pieces of furniture aren't out of reach for those of us with limited funds - we just must be a little more creative and persistant than the rest.

I have 4 fibrlgas shell chairs
I have 4 of these chairs 2 bucket 2 sides (all matching)w/goldenrod leather interiors. My father-in-law worked at a factory when they were made (50's/60's) & my husband had them growing up. They're in great shape-no stains anywhere exc the stitching on 2 chairs is seperating alittle. Interested?

eames
any other items available?
did he have any pieces from that era ? chairs, tables, case goods....

I'll check with him
I'll talk to him later today.

the scoop on the 4 shells
I spoke with my father-in-law. His company was contracted with HM to make the fiberglass shells in Los Angeles in the 60's. The employees were then allowed to purchase & the bases were sent to them by HM. I have 2 armshells and 2 sideshells - all a goldenrod color naughahyde (spelling?). They are all in great condition except one sideshell has some splitting in the stitch on the seat (3"). They all swivel. They are fairly heavy, so shipping would be a consideration, but we're not looking to make a killing & would like them to go to someone who could appreciate them. My children just like to spin in them!

are the bases all metal or...
are the bases all metal or are they wood?

4 chairs
they are metal