Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Do you have a price list?
A: To download a price list click the PDF icon > |
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Q: How do you do on-site upholstery?
A: My set-up is small enough to fit on a standard office desk. I travel with a sewing machine, an electric staple gun, your fabric and a small bag. The only thing I need is an area in a low traffic area, a chair, a trash can and an outlet. In some gyms I set up on the floor or in an empty office. In many dental offices I set up in the break room or a dental bay. In physical therapy offices I sometimes use a treatment room that's not occupied.
Q: How soon after I call can you complete my job*?
A: If you're local to Richmond, I prefer to visit your gym or office first and look at all the pieces that require reupholstery. This allows me to match the color of your vinyl with my color charts. If your pads require a standard color, my supplier will ship it within 5-10 business days (pending holidays). If it's a special order vinyl, it may take up to two weeks. Once the vinyl arrives, I'll schedule a day to come in and compete the job. Most jobs are competed in one day and I always recommend the most economical route.
If you're not local to Richmond, I'll ask you to take a few photos of your equipment and send them to me. Since my labor prices are based on the size of the pad this allows me to get a good idea of what your job will entail.
Q: Can I take photos and have you give me an estimate via email?
A: Definitely, but please visit my "Upholstery Photos Tips" page first. Most people send me a photo of only the tear which doesn't give me enough to work with in terms of the size of the repair. You can either text or email me your photos.
Q: You charge less than others, how do you keep costs so low?
A: I only order the minimum material needed for your specific job. Other upholstery companies often require you to buy a large roll of fabric (30 yards). I find this cost unnecessary. My vinyl is high quality and prices range from $41.99 - $165.99/yard plus tax and shipping.
Q: Do you use your own “Out of Order Signs”?
A: Yes, but if you have ones you’d rather have me use let me know.
Q: Are there any other costs?
A: You pay for my labor per pad (refer to price list above) and the vinyl material. Sometimes, when I take a pad apart I will notice that a bolt is “stripped” or the wood inside is cracked due to wear and tear. These repairs are atypical, but require additional costs when they occur.
Q: Are there ways you can help us save money?
A: Yes. First, I give a 10% discount on all labor to my first time customers. Secondly, when it's in your budget to do so, I recommend using sleeves on high traffic equipment. In a gym these include the following machines: Biceps Curl, Triceps Extension, Roman Curl and the Bench Press. When the sleeve wears out, you simply cut it off yourself. This also works well at the very top of Physical Therapy Treatment Tables where a client's head often rests and at the foot of dental chairs. This saves you money, time and the extra sleeve significantly decreases the wear and tear on the vinyl, saving you as much as 75% on yearly upholstery costs.
Q: Are there any distinct advantages to using On-Site Upholstery over our regular upholstery guy?
A: I stay on the premises of your location and only remove one pad at a time. Depending on the size of the pad, I can remove it and reupholster it in about 15 minutes. A quick turn around= happier and healthier patrons an clients. Other upholstery companies often remove your pads, take them back to their shop and return them weeks later.
Q: Can you fix other equipment in our gym or office?
A: I concentrate mostly on replacing the upholstery on exercise pads, treatment tables and patient chairs. Often times with worn bicycle seats or rubber grips on pull up bars and dip machines, it's cheaper for me to order you a new part and install it rather than repair it. For specialty items such as these, just ask and I'll give you a separate price.
Q: How long have you been doing this work?
A: My family has owned "Tinkers" on Westwood Avenue in Richmond Virginia for over 40 years and I grew up in the family business. I went to upholstery school in 2007 and apprenticed under an upholsterer for two years. In 2009, I began doing upholstery on the side to supplement my income as a writer. Working with my hands is one of my true loves which is why I've kept my upholstery business small. This means I'm free to complete your work soon after your initial call. I have one apprentice who works with me and when you call, you'll speak directly to me.
A: My set-up is small enough to fit on a standard office desk. I travel with a sewing machine, an electric staple gun, your fabric and a small bag. The only thing I need is an area in a low traffic area, a chair, a trash can and an outlet. In some gyms I set up on the floor or in an empty office. In many dental offices I set up in the break room or a dental bay. In physical therapy offices I sometimes use a treatment room that's not occupied.
Q: How soon after I call can you complete my job*?
A: If you're local to Richmond, I prefer to visit your gym or office first and look at all the pieces that require reupholstery. This allows me to match the color of your vinyl with my color charts. If your pads require a standard color, my supplier will ship it within 5-10 business days (pending holidays). If it's a special order vinyl, it may take up to two weeks. Once the vinyl arrives, I'll schedule a day to come in and compete the job. Most jobs are competed in one day and I always recommend the most economical route.
If you're not local to Richmond, I'll ask you to take a few photos of your equipment and send them to me. Since my labor prices are based on the size of the pad this allows me to get a good idea of what your job will entail.
Q: Can I take photos and have you give me an estimate via email?
A: Definitely, but please visit my "Upholstery Photos Tips" page first. Most people send me a photo of only the tear which doesn't give me enough to work with in terms of the size of the repair. You can either text or email me your photos.
Q: You charge less than others, how do you keep costs so low?
A: I only order the minimum material needed for your specific job. Other upholstery companies often require you to buy a large roll of fabric (30 yards). I find this cost unnecessary. My vinyl is high quality and prices range from $41.99 - $165.99/yard plus tax and shipping.
Q: Do you use your own “Out of Order Signs”?
A: Yes, but if you have ones you’d rather have me use let me know.
Q: Are there any other costs?
A: You pay for my labor per pad (refer to price list above) and the vinyl material. Sometimes, when I take a pad apart I will notice that a bolt is “stripped” or the wood inside is cracked due to wear and tear. These repairs are atypical, but require additional costs when they occur.
Q: Are there ways you can help us save money?
A: Yes. First, I give a 10% discount on all labor to my first time customers. Secondly, when it's in your budget to do so, I recommend using sleeves on high traffic equipment. In a gym these include the following machines: Biceps Curl, Triceps Extension, Roman Curl and the Bench Press. When the sleeve wears out, you simply cut it off yourself. This also works well at the very top of Physical Therapy Treatment Tables where a client's head often rests and at the foot of dental chairs. This saves you money, time and the extra sleeve significantly decreases the wear and tear on the vinyl, saving you as much as 75% on yearly upholstery costs.
Q: Are there any distinct advantages to using On-Site Upholstery over our regular upholstery guy?
A: I stay on the premises of your location and only remove one pad at a time. Depending on the size of the pad, I can remove it and reupholster it in about 15 minutes. A quick turn around= happier and healthier patrons an clients. Other upholstery companies often remove your pads, take them back to their shop and return them weeks later.
Q: Can you fix other equipment in our gym or office?
A: I concentrate mostly on replacing the upholstery on exercise pads, treatment tables and patient chairs. Often times with worn bicycle seats or rubber grips on pull up bars and dip machines, it's cheaper for me to order you a new part and install it rather than repair it. For specialty items such as these, just ask and I'll give you a separate price.
Q: How long have you been doing this work?
A: My family has owned "Tinkers" on Westwood Avenue in Richmond Virginia for over 40 years and I grew up in the family business. I went to upholstery school in 2007 and apprenticed under an upholsterer for two years. In 2009, I began doing upholstery on the side to supplement my income as a writer. Working with my hands is one of my true loves which is why I've kept my upholstery business small. This means I'm free to complete your work soon after your initial call. I have one apprentice who works with me and when you call, you'll speak directly to me.