by Nicole Neder

Do you wish you knew then what you know now? Many people do, in many areas of life. That’s why this is a big topic of discussion when upholsterers get together.  We all know we can learn a lot from each other, if we just had the chance to chat more often. I quizzed some of our NUA Officers and members, and they were kind enough to share some gems of knowledge.

This can be an interactive and ongoing discussion, so please feel free to comment in the section below, to keep the insightfulness flowing!

Image caption: Chairs in storage awaiting upholstery. Source: H. Maraldo

From Keaven Willa Hart, President, located in Portland, ME:

• Just say NO! It’s totally okay to not want to do a certain type of furniture, or a specific project. We may feel pressure to accept when someone asks us for a quote, but we don’t have to say yes to everything. Often it is the things we do that give us referrals, and if we say yes to things we aren’t excited about, we risk both getting more of those projects down the line, and the project taking longer/costing us more because we aren’t looking forward to doing it. I think, especially when we first start out, there is a feeling that we have to say yes to everything, because we are worried about having enough work, but our skills will speak for themselves! There will always be more work, so just make sure it’s the right kind!
• Never accept furniture frames until you are ready to get started on them. Having someone’s chairs lurking in your storage is a problem for several reasons; it takes up valuable space, when so many of us don’t have enough, it makes the client think you are working on it, and their expectations for when it may be finished will be unrealistic, and it’s a liability for the shop owner - if something bad happens to the chairs while they wait for reupholstery, we’re on the hook! Plus, it causes a lot of extra stress each time we see them sitting there still unfinished. I take a deposit to get people in the queue, but never accept a piece until after the materials are in hand, and my plate is cleared enough to get started.

From Harmony Maraldo, Director At Large, located in Pelham, NH:

• As you begin your journey in upholstery, it’s crucial to track every hour you work and every piece of material you use for each project. Doing so helps you understand your overall expenses—including both labor and materials—which is essential for setting prices that ensure profitability.
• Remember, as a new upholsterer, projects might take longer than expected. This isn’t a setback; it’s a natural part of the learning curve. Detailed records of your time and material usage serve not only as a safeguard against losing money but also as a benchmark for measuring your progress over time.
• By tracking these details, you can:
• • Refine Your Pricing Strategy: By tracking the exact time and materials each project requires, you gain a clear understanding of your true costs. Use this data to adjust your rates—ensuring your expenses are covered—while also pricing competitively for your market.
  • Improve Efficiency: Regular tracking highlights which parts of the process are taking longer than anticipated, giving you insight into areas where you might streamline your workflow.
  • Plan for Growth: Accurate records make it easier to estimate future projects and manage resources effectively as your business expands.
• In the beginning, consider using simple tools like spreadsheets, project management software, or time management apps to keep track (I use Clockify - they have a free version that works well for basic timekeeping). Over time, these records will not only help you stay profitable but also provide clear evidence of your progress and improvements in efficiency.

From Jonathan Bennett, former Director at Large and mentor in Mentorship Program, located in Richmond, VA:

• There is more than one way to do most any upholstery task and get to a successful end result.
• Find yourself a really good sewing machine repair man.  Watch what he does to do the repair and get him to explain it so you’ll know the next time it happens.
• Get yourself a good steam iron, not a cheap yard sale model.
• Network, network, network…knowledgeable friends are invaluable to call on for assistance.
• Don’t be afraid to try, we all started somewhere, you CAN do it!
• When you get serious and are ready to start your business, surround yourself with the professionals you need to get things done.  A good attorney, a trustworthy CPA and maybe a bookkeeper if you don’t want to do bookwork yourself.