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Many years ago, I attended a Symposium at the Deerfield Museum on upholstery for conservation and restoration.  Among other things, the  curator recommended using staples rather than tacks, because they cause less damage to what's left of the wood.  Good enough for me! ;)

Getchyer money up front!

Don't post very often, but I joined way before 2004 (so did DB!)  A whole bunch of archived post were lost back then. 

I almost always do free in-home estimates.  I find it a better sales tool to show the customer the sample books in their home with their colors and light.  That said, almost all my customers are self-selected:  they are either repeats or referrals from other happy customers.  (A happy customer is my best salesperson!)

(Obviously, I do furniture only)

I frequently try to steer customers away from the decorative nails - over time, they will destroy the edge of the frames.  They are, in fact nails, and leave holes.  I often get chairs that have been redone several times, and I have to repair/reconstruct the edges where they have been trashed.  You often  can't use the original holes ( assuming you can find them after the upholstery is attached), because they are too large to hold the nails.

If it is real horsehair  and not Spanish moss (which was a less expensive substitute at the time), it can be washed.  Put it in a couple of pillowcases, tie them up, and throw them in the washer with a little baby shampoo  and run through the wash cycle.  I put it in the dryer on low heat with a clean tennis shoe.  (Much like washing down).
Jan

A couple of times Sears lost money on their extended warranty:  We got one on the house vacuum cleaner, and twice, a "helper" managed to trash it, and Sears had to fix it and eat the cost.

 ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D

I have more work than I can handle due to word of mouth advertising.  (Of course, I do only furniture, and the occasional boat cover repair - trying NOT to get into boat work - anyone want to relocate to the Hudson Valley?)  That said, I am a very small, one person shop, and, as I mentioned previously, am trying to slow down.
Jan

Hey, Chris,
As one of the OLD old-timers here, I am in the process of trying to slow down, myself (although I don't have the possible customer base that you could have!)  Personally, I would take a middle path:  keep the RV referrals, but not take on the awning business.  If you are near Paul, you might consult with him, and see if you might work out something like Ted and Cheryl have, where they often collaborate on projects.  Personally, I can't see myself not upholstering, but I am being forced to realize that I do have limitations :(  Keep on doing what you can - as you have discovered, it keeps you going!
Jan

 ;D ;D ;D

Dede,
I have used them and love them.  If you can find an economical way to supply them I would order a bunch.  They will work in a regular button machine.
Jan

Wow!  I'm sorry I missed the beginning of this!  I love the jokes - they brighten my day!  If you can't laugh, you will just cry.  The heading is titled "Friday (or Wednesday or whatever) Funnies", so if some don't appreciate them, they don't have to read them.
BTW, Carr's Corner has a topic title called "Lifting your Spirits" for jokes and affirmations.  We are not depressingly serious over there, either! ;D
Jan (one of the OLD old-timers here!)

Don't worry about it - as one of the oldest here, I am still laughing! ;D  We definitely need to be able to laugh at ourselves and at what life throws at us, or we'd just sit and cry all the time.  (And that would ruin the fabric!) ::)