The Upholstery Forum

So I think I’m getting to the point of being competitive but not undercutting myself anymore just to get business. There are areas I’m still unsure of. One being. Seat repairs. I got a semi seat in today that the customer wants the lower cushion repaired and the cover repaired. My problem is, his wife use to do this, and is now retired. So he’s not use to paying anything. How do other go about charging for something like this? By the hour, by the job, etc. he’s not concerned about the grain of the vinyl matching, but would like it black. I have black on hand. I’ll post some pics and see what your thoughts are.

I would take my best guess at the time and materials it’s going to take and add another 25% minimum. Sounds like the guy is going to be a tough sell and I wouldn’t discount my work because his wife won’t do it for him.

That’s what I’m afraid of. He’ll be use to his wife doing it and not be ready for the shell shock of a price that isn’t free lol. I was thinking the same myself. Basically time and materials plus mark up.

Once you get used to knowing you won’t get all the jobs people talk about the stress of quoting is far less

$110 is the rate to getthe job. $150 is the price you want to try to get.

Thanks everyone. I’ll keep these things in mind.

@Cody did u get it?

Appears his wife is a non-player in the game so price the job as you would to any other customer. Let him set on it for a few days he will most likely see things your way.

@Cody

In my own honest opinion I would give it back and take something from your shop when it comes in.

@BigRig I’m confused by your comment?

I did get it and luckily I had to deal with his secretary when I returned it. He told me to give her the invoice as he wasn’t there and she’d write me a check on the spot. So I did. Made it easy and she doesn’t care how much it costs lol. So he’ll either want more done or never again lol.

Cody thats awesome! Glad it all worked out. Great advice from everyone here. Maybe he understand how much things cost because his wife used to deal with the same problems we do.

On jobs like that I use my best guess on time and material to come up with a # and tell the customer thats what you estimate the cost to be but could be more if some unforeseen problems come up after you get everything apart.