FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
While there is a base price for pricing. Many factors come into play that customers do not realize are factored in. Some furniture has more detail to it, and when there is more detail, this lends to more work thus pricing is higher. Nail heads, tufting, tucks, pleats, attached cushions, two-tone finishes, oil damage, pet damage, tears, these all have an effect in the pricing. Also whether or not it can be a partial restoration or needs to be a full restoration. I do have a minimum service charge depending on your location in the North county San Diego area as well as the Denver Metro area. I come to you and do most repairs on site. This is advantageous when a piece is very large or saves you a pick up and delivery charge from other shops. This can be as much as my minimum service charge plus the repair costs. If you can send photos, most of this detail can be clearly seen to give a very close estimate, so you can decide if you would like to move forward with a restoration of your leather furniture.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically am asked how the process works since it is not something most people are familiar with and is a specialty field. I like to request photos first and go from there, either via text or email. Many times I can tell from the photos if it is even leather or not. I do have to at times break it to them that they have a man-made leather bi-product or vinyl. If it is something I can help them in or I am able to refer them to another professional if it is structural or something I do not restore. ( cars, purses, shoes, belts, saddles) Most of the restoration work can be completed on site if there is a patio or garage available to work in. Most work can be completed in 1-2 days and upon completion the furniture can be used 48 hours after. Most customers have commented that they did not know this was even a possibility. Most restoration work looks anywhere from 80 to100% better. I give realistic expectations of what can be accomplished in your restoration project as well as what to expect in the future. I can customize a restoration project plan for your quality leather furniture, from wood refinishing, cushion and foam replacement, to new leather sections or cushions sewn or structural issues. I work with some very skilled experts in their field to address your full restoration needs.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an artistic back ground of wall finishing and murals. This helps in my finishing process as well as my color process. I have been working with my father and brother for many years prior to going on my own. I have been doing leather restoration full time for over 5 years now. In total, I have over 11 plus years of experience working with restoring leather furniture and collectively with my father ( Leatherman in Colorado) and brother (Leatherman in San Diego previously) who have over 15 years of expert experience. Our leather pigments that we use are from a company that specializes specifically in the leather industry only for over 25 years and their products are exemplary in their field of expertise of leather restoration.