As a member, if you have ever been in our upholstery section you probably had no idea where to start and might have become extremely overwhelmed. Just know you are most definitely not the only one. With that said I am creating this post to help you (as a member) demystify the upholstery section of the showroom : )
The first thing to know:
Some upholstery and leather suppliers are what you see is what you get. How do you know this you might ask?
When you look at the price list, if a product is only available in the fabric/leather shown, it will have one base price for each product available in the series.
These manufacturers are pretty easy as it takes the choice out of your hands, however; maybe about 25% of our upholstery/leather is what you see is what you get, the rest you get to decide.
What to do when I have options?
There are two ways to go about this
you can look through the fabrics of a manufacturer first and than the catalogue for a style
or
You can do the opposite and look for the style and than the fabric
Neither is a wrong or right way, it all depends on you!
Once I find a style and a fabric how do I find the price?
All fabrics will have a "grade" that is marked on the sample ( if not on the sample it will definitely be in the manifest)
and will also be available in the fabric manifest, it is usually a number or a letter.
and will also be available in the fabric manifest, it is usually a number or a letter.
ALWAYS REVIEW THE MANIFEST!
Not only will the manifest tell you the grade (if the fabric does not) but it will also tell you if the fabric is still available.
Unfortunately sometimes items get missed when updating and fabrics are not removed when they should be. This is why it is so important to check the manifest.
- Once you know the grade of the fabric you should be able to determine the price. The price list will show you the different prices for each grade.
Having extra fabric/leather choices!!
I also strongly recommend choosing a 2nd, 3rd and even a 4th choice for fabric/leather.
It has happened where a supplier does not know a fabric has been discontinued from their fabric supplier until it does not show up with a fabric order.
Having a 2nd, 3rd and even 4th choice will make it easier and less time consuming for you if the original fabric is not available.
Also inquiry, inquiry, inquiry!!!
it never hurts to double check with the manufacturer that the style, fabric/leather and finish are still available before hand to avoid any hiccups along the way
It has happened where a supplier does not know a fabric has been discontinued from their fabric supplier until it does not show up with a fabric order.
Having a 2nd, 3rd and even 4th choice will make it easier and less time consuming for you if the original fabric is not available.
Also inquiry, inquiry, inquiry!!!
it never hurts to double check with the manufacturer that the style, fabric/leather and finish are still available before hand to avoid any hiccups along the way
What if I do not like any of the fabrics but I love the style of the product?
Some manufacturers will allow for COM orders.
COM means - Customers Own Material.
In the price list the COM will usually be the same as the lowest grade fabric pricing. If the price list does not show a column for COM it is probably not an option
Where do I get fabric for a COM order?
Many of our upholstery/leather suppliers will actually sell their fabric by the yard.
At the front of the price list ( usually a few pages in past the info on structure and composition of the product) manufacturers will list the yardage price for each grade, however; I have found a few suppliers that do not list the yardage cost but still will supply fabric only. All we have to do is inquire.
We also carry a manufacturer who sell nothing but fabric, I can not mention their name but, they are high end and fabulous. I have seen fabric from them that is $85.00 a yard for Direct Buy members, that retails at around $130.00.
I do love the COM program, the only issue is a lead time of 4-6 weeks may turn into a 6-9 week lead time, and the cost may be higher, as we strongly suggest the fabric come to the showroom first before being sent to the supplier.
The reason for this is :
1) we can make sure it is the correct fabric and
2) make sure there are no flaws, pulls or dye issues.
With the fabric coming here and than being sent to the supplier there is extra freight.
Most of the cost can be worked out before ordering so you can determine if this option is for you or not.
What if I am not finding the fabric/leather or finish sample in the showroom?
For most of our manufacturers we do have all their fabrics/leather samples in the showroom.
If we are missing a sample we can always inquire to the supplier to see if we can have one sent out.
The manufacturer may only supply temporary samples when requested ( sometimes the cost to send all samples to all centres is to expensive for the manufacturer).
The supplier information page for the manufacturer will usually tell us if we can request loaner samples or not
Can I get a fabric product in leather or vise a versa ?
If a product is available in either or both the price list will tell you .
If the price list is only showing you pricing in the fabric grade than you can only get the product in fabric.
If the price list shows two grading systems ( usually it will state at the top which is fabric and which is leather) than you can do either.
What is Bi cast leather?
Bi cast leather (also known as Ranen leather or PU leather, sometimes described as split leather) is a material made with a split leather backing covered with a layer of polyurethane that is applied to the surface and then embossed.
What does it mean when the price list says " Leather/Vinyl combo"?
A leather/vinyl combo is when the sides and back of the product are vinyl and the rest is leather. This will usually cost less than a full leather product and I usually recommend with small children as they like to run with things, lol
The style has wood legs, will they come in the finish shown in the picture?
Unless it is a " what you see is what you get" supplier. The price list will usually tell you if you have finish options for the legs or tell you if the style comes in a specific finish.
We should have most of the finishes in the showroom and if we do not we can usually request them from the supplier or our corporate office
The catalogue/website shows throw pillows, do I get throw pillows with my item? Can I choose the fabric?
If the manufacturer shows throw pillows on the catalogue page/website than they will usually come with the product unless otherwise stated in the price list or supplier information page.
Most manufacturers will allow you to choose another fabric to cover the pillows with.
For most it does not have to be the same grade; however, some manufacturers will ask that the fabric be of a equal or lesser grade, or there will be an upcharge, again, this info will usually be in the price list or the supplier information page
If a fabric is not selected than the throw pillows will be made in the same fabric as the product.
Suppliers will also usually have a price list for just pillows so if you want different sizes or perhaps a bolster, etc, you can get them!
Can I upgrade my cushions, add fringe, welting, trims, nail heads etc?
Can I request unattached or attached back cushions?
Can I get contrasting thread?
Can I get a different fabric for the body than the cushions?
For most of our custom manufacturers all of the above are options.
The available options will be either listed with the product in the price list
or
It will be listed on a separate price page usually right at the front or the back of the price list
So the steps are this
- pick a style and fabric/leather (if you can choose)
- determine the grade
- find the price for the style and fabric grade in the price list
- determine the finish
- add on any of the options if you want them
- write out a pre order form listing all model #'s fabric/leather, finish and options
- add on all the extra costs for shipping, handling, taxes, etc
- bring the catalogue and sample to the front desk
- place the order with the service staff!!
And always remember....
The service staff is here for you!
to answer or submit any questions to the manufacturer, help you fill in your pre order form and determine all the options available : )
