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Thank you all!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the advice! I'm ready to talk with him and get this over with. Hope it works out but if it doesn't , I'm walking. This is such a great site. Thank u again everyone.

Man o man I can't get my boss to give me an idea of what I'm being paid based on pieces I complete. In another words, if he charges $1,200 for a couch re-upholster job, I don't know the %.  I do multiple pieces and stitching for other upholsterers weekly and it's impossible to figure out my payscale. I did learn that if he gives a discount to a customer, I'm getting the hit as well. We touched upon this once and it was incredibly uncomfortable and I never got a straight answer. There are many pros to this job and I don't want to lose it. Is there a standard % paid to upholsters? I need to get this straightened out. This is an awful position to be placed in. Any insight would be appreciated.
Nora

Boss offers commission on sales I bring in so I needed feedback on the industry standard. 10% is in the ballpark  - thanks

Hi all, I went to work for a design store as their in house upholsterer. What is a standard percentage to ask for from the owner for business I bring in? IE... I sell an upholstery job for a chair and a couch... 20%? 50%. I also get paid for doing the piece but is there a standard number or sales?

I had a feeling y'all were going to say that....the boat is an hour away so the guy who shrink wraps and referred me to this job brought the canvas by.. They want it done ASAP since the boat is used as  a taxi. I've never patterned something this big and I'm not sure I can commit the time due to lack of experience (how many trips to the boat ugh!) I took the job on bec I was thinking I could just make it from the original and save time and some how squeeze it in between the other jobs..but then I started REALLy thinking about it...hence this post.....this could turn into a major nightmare from what you are telling me.... Ugh what to do, what to do... Need to give them an estimate today too... Will ponder whilst fixing a settee..

Hi all, I am doing my first (and hopefully not my last) canvas bimini  for a water taxi. Its roughly 8'x20' . Any pros or con's, tips or "run for life" thoughts on using the orig canvas as a template? Its in okay shape (been patched over the years) and zips are a mess. Plus they wanted to change the color....Tad nervous but excited about this venture...
Thanks
Nora

Thank you people, will try both ways.

No, using a #22. Told not to use a leather needle on vinyl.

Okay, ready to yank hair out... Have to sew a 90' angle on a vinyl cushion where the cushion becomes wider. Where I am pivoting, is producing a visible stitch hole. I have changed needle size, thread length, attempted more of a curve then a corner... Ugh! This is such a waste of time I am beside myself. Part of this cushion also has a 2" square bump out on one side. I really need to get this figured out. It looks so bad. Using Spradling nautilus capitano. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. French stitch?

Thanks
Nora

Thank you - good idea on clamps. And I will use a couple layers of adhesive. The carpet is folded over and under where it meets the vinyl. So in another words, they stapled the vinyl on first then glued the carpet over it.. the cup holder comes out and the carpet has relief cuts and  is glued inside the engine box. The cup holder (plastic square with cup holes) then fits right back over the carpet. I think they use carpet on the bottom because of the water, wear and tear of the foot traffic. He said his carpet on the floor always seems to be wet and I'm not sure how long vinyl would hold up to this.

Hello everyone. I have a customer who would like me to re-carpet his engine box as it has deteriorated. It is a dome shape and only the bottom half is carpeted (think ski boat). Top is vinyl. This is a first for me. I've ordered extra carpet to deal with the curves and marine carpet adhesive. I know I have to sand the  old stuff off etc and will attempt to place the carpet before glueing to make sure it is laying properly. I figure I will start in the center and move from the left and from the right of center until each side meets up  Any advice re: layout or  gluing etc. would be greatly appreciated! I've got to deal with cut-outs for drink holders and shelves. Thinking cut those last when everything is in place. Carpet doesn't disturb the vinyl that's on top (thank god).
Nora

I think their best bet is to remove the rod also. Then just put it back on when the window is open. Hopefully enough room behind the window for the rod.. Will talk with customer.

Thanks!
Nora

Hi everyone,

I have a customer who would like me to sew some curtains for their portholes (7x14) rectangles in a Mainship. They want simple rod pocket panels on either side of window but how the heck will the curtains close if the porthole is open? It opens from the bottom to the top. I'll be happy to create something else for them if anyone has any ideas as to how to have closed curtains with an open porthole...
Thanks!
Nora

Wow, thanks - I will check out these links!

Hi everyone,

I am thinking about adding vinyl/leather repair to my uph biz. Has anyone considered a franchise or would finding classes on repair be enough? I have never repaired vinyl/leather and I think it would be a nice niche to add. Worried about the cost of a franchise vs. will I get enough out of a training course on repair from, say a non franchised company. Thoughts?
Thanks!
Nora