Devlin Leathercraft
Since I don't often work on leather upholstery I want to get an idea of what people expect to pay for repair of leather furniture. Please let me know what you would expect to pay for repair of the damage in the following post https://mastoart.social/@DevlinLeathercraft/116094339680024668
#Leather #Upholstery #Chair #Repair #OutsourceAnEstimate
Less than $150
0%
$151 to $200
11.1%
$201 to $250
33.3%
More than $250
55.6%
Poll ended at .
Devlin Leathercraft (@[email protected])

Attached: 2 images I have my first paid leather upholstery repair job and I'm pretty excited about the challenge. Somebody's child peeled this section of leather back and ripped it right off the arm. This is in the lobby/waiting area of a local restaurant. #furniture #repair #leather

mastoart.social
Feb 26 at 12:33amWeb
Show threadRyan JohnsonFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft what is the repair process look like? If you're replacing all that leather your going to need like a half hide, which is going to cost a fair bit. Maybe $100 for a cheap half? I've never attempted upholstery so I'm unsure of the amount of time it would take. I assume a couple hours? $200 feels like break-even cost, so maybe at least $300? Very curious myself
Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@ryanphjohnson A piece of leather is cut out in the shape of the hole, only slightly larger. It's inserted in the hole & secured to the edges of the hole. Any gaps are filled w/ custom tinted leather filler in thin layers & sanded in between until the imperfection is completely even. Finally the mend is painted w/ an air gun using custom tinted paint to blend the repair into the undamaged area. Materials: $10-$15 & labor is about 4 hours. Item was picked up for repair & delivered back.
Show threadRyan JohnsonFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft very cool, thanks for sharing the process! I was way off on the approach, and I assume my price is way off too
Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@ryanphjohnson I could have re-covered the entire arm but that isn't what the customer wanted. Also the right arm wouldn't have blended with the left arm, unless I distressed it. It didn't make sense to do it that way for a 2" by 2.5" tear.
Show threadJamesKFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft @LilPecan This was tough. I have no idea what’s involved in something like this, but as someone that’s done a non-trivial amount of skilled work with my hands I instinctively think that it is more involved than one might imagine. I think that the price would be in the range of “yes, I can replace this with something modern and new, but the sentimental value to me makes it worth paying a craftsperson to get it back”.
Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@JamesK https://mastoart.social/@DevlinLeathercraft/116134539382565858
Devlin Leathercraft (@[email protected])

@[email protected] A piece of leather is cut out in the shape of the hole, only slightly larger. It's inserted in the hole & secured to the edges of the hole. Any gaps are filled w/ custom tinted leather filler in thin layers & sanded in between until the imperfection is completely even. Finally the mend is painted w/ an air gun using custom tinted paint to blend the repair into the undamaged area. Materials: $10-$15 & labor is about 4 hours. Item was picked up for repair & delivered back.

mastoart.social
Show threadJamesKFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft @LilPecan I hadn’t read your detailed post, but my instinct stands: your skill is the value, and it almost certainly is worth more than the potential customer thinks. Especially if, like me, they have no idea what’s involved. I told you the story of the neon sign, yes?
Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@JamesK Yes, the labor is the primary cost with the skill involved the bulk of that value. I get what you're saying. Without my past experimenting and practice I couldn't have completed the job.
I vaguely remember you telling me about a neon sign after I made a sign from fiber optic cable.
Show threadJamesKFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft The neon was my having a small sign quoted and being shocked how high it was, until the guy explained it to me in relatable terms.
Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@JamesK Yes, now I remember.
I used to handle bookings for a trumpet playing friend when he was out of the country. People would balk at $350 for an hour or less playing but that price included an on site rehearsal session, all his other practice to keep up the quality of his playing, his instruments, his travel, his insurance and everything else required to be an expert for the job. Most people understood when it was put that way and those that didn't, we didn't need.
Show threadJamesKFeb 26
@DevlinLeathercraft Well put.
Show threadwedgeFeb 26

@DevlinLeathercraft

Always a tough question. My guess is you start getting a feel for what is fair for you after you’ve done 3 or so projects of varying problem definition.

I also see this in the realm of antique furniture dealing/repair; the services can fetch a high price but are mostly appeal to a certain income level or class of clientele who appreciate it.

In that light, maybe you can get known in a dealer’s circle of go-to artisans for additional commissions.

Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@wedge The irony is, it was an antique dealer who recommended me for this job.
I've only been able to get one local estimate so far and of that estimate they just say their charge for in house repair starts at $225 US. (This was in house but I picked up and delivered.)
Show threadwedgeFeb 26

@DevlinLeathercraft

No irony. Makes sense. Networking is key for exposure and rep building.

I think picking up and delivering is a nice service offer if you can do it. Professional. Might have to get a van with your name on the side. :)

Your feedback of 250 min isn’t surprising. Seems accurate. I’m sure projects can be a lot more than that.

Experience, though, will help you winnow in on rates. Don’t go high at first, but raise as you find you can… until you can’t. :)

Show threadDevlin LeathercraftFeb 26
@wedge Thank you for all the helpful advice!