Messages

Customer service is almost equal to job performance,

I can't agree with that.  I'd like to think that a customer is coming back because of your good work not people skills.  When you are over friendly with customers it always turns out to bite you. However I'm on my best behavior when I'm in the supply house - they take care of me, and don't ask for favors -
Customers don't always understand the difficulties of labor. You can't be friendly and than be the voice of reason. Like a teacher - if you're too nice - no one benefits or learns
SA

I agree with MoJo - customers are so very important - and sofadoc like most here I'm sure aren't into kissing backsides.  That's for your salesman of office helper if you have either. 
I do better with folks who tell me what they want and just go away no talking :>)
SA

Polyester is mostly used to make inexpensive furniture look expensive.  Mostly done in Europe and the solvent release is much worse than the regular stuff you are accustomed to using. For polyester spot repairs I've bought touch up kits made by Konig. They work real well especially on the black. Spraying a complete polyester finish requires training, precautions, and equipment not usually found at the upholstery shop. 

On finish repairing of lusters and colors for regular furniture a photo would help greatly with the answer.  Anyway - you can clean any surface - scuff sand, and seal in the patina with seal coat.  From there you can top coat with most products of your choice.  Always test a small hidden area before committing to the entire project.  Learn what you can regarding applying color with a pad.  For chair arm tops, crest rails, and feet it's a good technique to know,
SA

A good compressor is key.  Spraying needs more air than the staple guns require.  You could brush on two or three thin coats, sand back and spray the last coat for a smoother finish. 
However for what you're describing - oil paint and water based poly - I would just go to a paint shop and get the equipment the painters use.  It may not be worth setting up for finishing if you're not intending to finish and refinish furniture on a regular basis.
SA

With luck - it lasts, but usually you end up buying the better quality tool. Hope it doesn't quit in the middle of a big job going out the next day.  It might melt if he spills lacquer thinner on it !

SA

There's several ways to patch it up until you can do it correctly.
But for now >  Have you thought about cutting a hole on the opposite end to let the critters out ?
SA

Thanks Folks
It was a typo - seat casing is what they meant.  Man you have to read minds to be in business. 

Regards,
SA

An account asked me if I could change a seat chasing on a sofa in the field.  Before I respond to his e-mail "what's a Seat Chasing" 
Thanks
SA

It's not a bad idea to have a work authorization doc that states the normal business things that bother the sh-- out of craftsman. 
Who knows why a craftsman makes decisions that are risky when they sense before hand there may be issues.   Keeps us laughing ! 

SA

Can you take an oath you're not an IRS agent looking for a reason to pry a few more bucks out of my account. 

My understanding is " if it's a business related expense - "it's deductible" 
However an accountant with a sharp pencil will be the best judge at year end.
SA

Pushing 60 - I was raised in front of a TV. I remember seeing the wizard of  oz for the first time and than my Dad came home with a TV that played in color. Man that was the best.  Saw JFK, the Giants, Bonanza, My three Sons, ........ can't say nothing bad about TV.  Now it's baseball or crime shows...  Boxing after Dark, Leno, Soprano's, this Old House, and lately Rough Cut and yes Fox news - .  I'll keep the TV even if it's frying my brain. 
SA

Wow what are you folks drinking for breakfast ?  I read words like visionary, technician, margins, practices, etc.  I'm lucky to be able to sit up and take nourishment !  Aren't you at the point in your lives where your work is easy because of experience, and nothing is pushing you to kill yourselves any more.  I've always enjoyed making my own schedule, enjoying the ride,  and learned that the public is OK with what I do without me being a public relations ace.  You folks must all be in your late 20's ' :>)  and driving yourselves crazy.
SA

Tell him to find out if those stadium seats need recovering -
SA

Salt of the Earth - Blessings -  - but customers and accounts have a way of turning your good intentions into unpleasant efforts.   - I also hate to work by the hour - but do folks really appreciate speedy craftsmanship or are they really looking at the bottom line ?  Evolution applies to upholstery - I'm sure !

SA

A little late to the thread but I think it's a fun skill to learn and earn as you go.  Many chair weaves fail from loose or broken joinery - therefore remember to look carefully for structural issues when pricing out a job.
I purchase supplies from H.H. Perkins in CT. and they are the nicest folks to deal with. Highly recommend them.  They also have classes if you can travel - it's worth the time to check them out. 
SA