5 best Secrets to charge big money doing upholstery

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Rudolphsupholstery.com Please hit the "$uper Thank$ Button" I don't think it's working... And the LIKE button while you're at it! Thanks a bunch! 😀 6 best income streams in upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHfdaYahZaiCiqs Must watch! When we fail at upholstery and we do kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHPHq3mCnp2Lrpo My 5 favorite upholstery videos you need to see now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/inbbkIJmopx1pdk Want to Get Rich with Upholstery? Watch This Now kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbKqKNql9Ofr6c The TRUTH About Upholstery Materials You Can't Find on Amazon! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmmVq6GAi5qUm8U Watch This Before You Replace Your Boat Carpet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmKYeKyZfriclbs 5 Upholstery Spray Glue Questions Answered kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHmqkoWOirWohJI Learn CUSTOM Boat Bench Seat Upholstery Like a PRO kzbin.info/www/bejne/npe5lId5eNGih7c Professional garage lighting in one hour with Hykoont 14 Hexagon garage lights honest review kzbin.info/www/bejne/omWUpqpjlMR4oc0 World's most difficult car headliner kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYimXo2ea7CmjpY Never ever give ballpark pricing for upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXOap2Cwhsp7Z6c My sewing table setup for upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6SppGyMh8uEa8k DIY How to replace rotted boat cushion wood kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5apk2ajYqdmiac New upholstery shop building tour kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6CQn32wbbR4icU Honda s2000 convertible soft top install kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6POpHqgj6ZlbKs How To repair a separated convertible hard glass kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaGkiKiPhc5jisU Hacksaw blade hack on upholstery foam kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKfGm5aboteMgqs Making aircraft seat cushions for Rutan Cozy airplane kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2OnkoGdj7uehqs Never ever give up on upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CnZ6WGe9mWbZY Rewarded! Really bad aftermarket Old School truck seat cover makeover kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2OYdYWDnMSJjpI Warning! Really Bad Aftermarket Seat Covers kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2pnnisdrCbppI Learn How To Make A Custom Harley Davidson Seat kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDJiqqqn6iLoJI How To Easy $0 Zero Dollar Seat Repair Upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHrSonaLgtd1oK8 How to Mazda Miata MX-5 Soft Top Install Step by Step kzbin.info/www/bejne/bamVnIuLobR_jdE 2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse Waco Texas April 8 2024 Watch With Us! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHmki5yufMeliKM MGB Seats Modern Update Upholstery Start To Finish kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLOnX5uatqLi6c Tuck And Roll? OR Roll And Pleat? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmW0iqOGjdeFpsU 1964 Ferrari 330 GT Upholstery Update Modern Leather kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnXIp6GFrs15q8k How To Use A Spray Gun For Glue kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWq1nJRvd8mWZ5Y How To Find A Good Upholstery Shop kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZvbZKaJfc6lgZI How To DIY Most Basic Vinyl Landau Top kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4CxeniiaNx-bqM How To DIY 4th Gen Mustang Convertible Stayfast Top Step By Step kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLGf6Cshq-JaNk My Viewers Comment Questions Answered kzbin.info/www/bejne/qne2gXlsh8uMldk How To Heavy Top And French Stitch Upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn2lhq17eMqGgbs EPIC Classic Car Vinyl Landau Top Make And Install For Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIfdnYiKaruAbtE Upholstery While Sleepwalking Seam Allowance Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKTJapqZqbarmKc S-10 To RatRod Alligator Crocodile Leather Truck Seat Upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpixeaF_eNaIhKs Most Basic Box Cushion Without Patterns kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHEZaJ3qr2qZ6c 2000 Corvette Most Common Seat Repair kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKewoWhppM58fqc Worlds Most Difficult Epic Jet Ski Seat Upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7PmKFmqs-Ffdk Old Truck Seat Makeover For Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2HakIigfJpnhZI I Quit Upholstery, Died And Went On A Florida Vacation kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nEdWiqrZatY9E Rudolphsupholstery.com Website Tour See 44 years Of My Work kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2nUZ6R_hpqpotE Scheduling Your Upholstery work Viewer suggested video Q&A kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6u6eahsqaxgnbM Easy Bar Stool DIY Upholstery For Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpe0iICIjMeqqZo World's Easiest Chair Bottom Cushion kzbin.info/www/bejne/jomvm4Jprraag68 Easiest DIY RV Bed Headboard Upholstery kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3m7inyEbs5mja8 Reupholstering An Old Leather Antique Table Top kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJDTeoKjgLWWmtE DIY How To Granny's Rocking Chair EASY Makeover kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWXIpIiZZbJ9eK8 DIY Clam Style Sun Visors Step By Step kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHiqe2aOn7afgsk How To Truck Headliner Step By Step kzbin.info/www/bejne/monTd2OFpcSriLc DIY How To 1997 Dodge Truck Seat Bottom For Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHvQhIaXephjmK8 Upholstery Foam Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6rPiaeVna6ai5o How To Sew A Straight Line kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnXIZ3lsfJh3nck How To Sew Single And Double Diamond pleat upholstery for beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/apzRoYynepyCl6M See Way More Videos On MY KZbin Channel: kzbin.info/door/P2BPA2b3yE5WAHMnt4n0-g

[@thundervalleyleather]

I'm so glad I stumbled across your videos a couple months ago. I'm at the very beginning of wanting to start doing some upholstery work. I currently am a leather worker. Pricing is the hardest part of what I do. I got some similar advice from an old leather worker. If you're too busy, you're too cheap. If you can't get work you're too high or not good enough to go "pro". He said to price an item for $100. If no one complains go up until someone does....

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@thundervalleyleather Hello Thunder, That old leather worker must have had similar life experiences as I did. Really, take the price your thinking of and add 50% or more. If they agree, you "Scored". Different people have a different sense of value. What may be expensive for one, may be reasonable to another. This is not being greedy. How could it be if the customer agrees? You deserve a better financial life for you and your family. I think you will do just fine in your new business. Remember, you'll never get rich serving poor people. You can't win all the customers but be sure to prequalify them for more successful deals. Please keep liking and watching!

[@BM-xc9sq]

Love your videos. I've wanted to do upholstery, but never did but I enjoy the professional and detailed work you do. I have had a few businesses. I used to have a embroidery shop, a Sign Shop and now I have a machine shop and metal Fab shop. I have a couple signs in my shop, one says " CHEAP THINGS ARE OF NO VALUE, AND VALUABLE THINGS ARE NOT CHEAP" Another says, "WE SELL TIME, AND WITH THAT TIME WE PROVIDE A SERVICE..AND FOR THAT SERVICE, WE ARE COMPENSATED" I did a small welding job for a fella. I never let customers watch me work, but this guy was on his way out of town. I welded up an aluminum bracket. When I finished, he asked how much he owed me. I said, "Sixty dollars.. Then he replied, "WOW!, it only took you a couple of minutes!" I said, "you're not paying for the time, you're paying for the knowledge." I told him my welder wasn't free, my welding supplies aren't free......I have to pay for them . I tell them, this isn't a Flea Market, my prices are non negotiable. People in business say, "I could never get those kind of prices" And I say...."Did you ask?" Always enjoy your videos, keep them up. I think I've watched about all of them.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello BM, Thank you so much for your loyalty! Looks like you are really progressing in life. Try a minimum charge. I charge a minimum of $125. However if an old lady needs help, I don't have the conscience to charge that much, but others do pay it. Once, I had a lady ask me if I "Price matched". I laughed and told her that I do not sell a product off a shelf like Walmart. My answer was a huge no. Thanks for hanging in there with me! Please keep watching!

[@Nathan-at-StantonsCustoms]

This was my hardest battle raising my prices.. but as you said perfectly my reputation grew and my skill grew to where I was actually confident enough to know I deserved more for my time out of my life. I looked at it as I only have so many cars left to restore before I'm no longer physically capable of and made me more selective and higher standard of work, materials and pay so I had to ask for more. And within the last year I've doubled my HR rate and still feel I'm cheap so after watching this I'm going to keep asking for more! I just added an upholstery room to the business and you have been my go to on everything from the tools to obtain to zooming in and trying to read all your notes on the wall behind you to see your rates and charges. Have a blessed day and thank you for more than just the content, but also the knowledge..

[@yodawunn6700]

Very good advise. My biggest problem, regardless of what I was doing, is pricing my work. I think it's because I grew up with very little and so to me, something that is expensive at $300 is often $200 or more under market value. I also think it's why a lot of service type businesses fail. People price their service with a razor thin margin to try and beat the competition and get all the work they can but end up frustrated and depressed because they aren't making a good living so they quit.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Yoda, Well, I refuse to do auto dealer work for this reason. It never made sense to me to do all the work for half the price. As far as margin goes, I would rather profit $75 from a $100 sale than to profit $25 from a $100 sale. I think you are now older and wiser from your long ago past. Look at yourself in the mirror and smile, then convert your mindset that it is ok to progress through life and find you have more financial success! I'm not saying to be greedy, The better you treat your customers, the more money they throw at you. I think you will do just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@adrielrowley]

Interesting, thank you for sharing. I also grew up the same and been uncomfortable with prices. So as someone who sees more black and white than shades of grey, could you please define what razor thin is? 1 percent, 5 percent?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@adrielrowley Hello Adriel, I don't want to make $1 by spending $99 or $5 by spending $95. I would rather make $95 by spending $5. Please keep liking and watching!

[@hankclingingsmith8707]

EXACTLY, AND A TRUE PROFESSIONAL KNOWS THEIR WORTH

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Hank, Hear here! Please keep liking and watching!

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

It can be very hard to price yourself when starting out ; you just want any old work . This is very good advice for everyone .

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello David, Maybe we should be telling the newbies, they don't have to wait so long to give themselves a raise! Please keep watching!

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery Yes Rudy I will give it a try, nothing to loose ! Regards .

[@steveyackel5533]

A craftsman knows what his work is worth. I never go with the lowest estimate: great video Rudy.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Steve, I tell customers who are shopping around to read the 1 star reviews first of the upholstery shop to see why they are hated before you go. Going with the lowest estimate is so scary! By the way, I don't give estimates, I give total amounts. From then It never changes. If it takes longer for me to do, that's ok with me. I love happy customers! Please keep watching!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery I agree, I gave a price and stuck to it, win lose or draw. I have never dealt with anyone that doesn't know their trade well enough to give a price for a job, I strictly avoid people that charge by the hour and won't commit to how long it will take

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@seymourwrasse3321 Hello Seymour, You're right, don't charge by the hour, charge by your worth. Please keep liking and watching!

[@davidgold5961]

3:59 I always adhere to a “NOT to EXCEED” price strategy. The client knows he won’t pay a penny more. This is one reason I always have all 5-star reviews.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello David, You are right, this works 100% of the time it's tried. Please keep watching!

[@maryinthemaking7211]

Thank you for the confidence booster. Keep the videos coming. 👍

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Mary, You are so welcome, I hope this will be helpful to you. Thank you for watching!

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

REALLY REALLY good advice , I only wish my bank manager had told me this 50 years ago ! or anyone else for that matter , here in England it seems as though it’s almost rude to talk about money ! . When I first started out I had no idea and no one wanted to advise me , stupidly I charged customers what I actually wanted to earn per hour ! now I ‘ guesstimate ‘ at four times what I want to earn per hour and this works out fine most of the time , and surprise surprise sometimes I also get a tip as well ! ALL NEWBIES TAKE NOTE OF THIS GOOD ADVICE AS OTHERWISE YOU ARE DOING HANDWORKERS A DISSERVICE .

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello David, It's funny how we learn from our experiences, good or bad. You should try at 6 times and you might be surprised! Thanks for watching!

[@adrielrowley]

Wow! Never thought of charging low as doing a disservice, now it is clearly obvious, then folks expect a low price. Trick is then knowing as a newbie how much to charge, compared to someone with 40 plus years of experience like Rudolph.

[@loribolden6154]

This is very valuable information for certain, I am 7 years into upholstery and for the most part I have given my work away, I have learned the " I feel sorry for you " rates do not keep the bills paid

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Lori, If you feel your skill and experience level can justify higher prices, try to get the mindset that you are worth the higher prices. Get away from being the person who is the cheapest and convert your reputation for being expensive. Your financial future will love you for it! You may have to raise your prices anyway because of the high cost of materials. You might as well give yourself a raise while you're at it right? Look in the mirror and smile, build up that confidence, it's a real thing. Sometimes even after the customer is satisfied with their project, they will still give me a large tip. Please keep watching!

[@loribolden6154]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery I agree with everything you said 100%.. I am in a small town as well, but demand has become quite intense as well as word of mouth is rampant! I pay great attention to detail (another reason I love watching your videos) as it is my nature. I want more equipment to make my projects easier for me at 62 with RA. Now I do pick and choose my projects. I am in SW Washington across the Astoria bridge a few miles in a small town, but it does not seem to matter they WILL come to you! & Most definitely never phone quote ever is my best advice to everyone. Have a wonderful sunday!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@loribolden6154 Hello Lori, It seam we have a lot in common. I think a bad reputation in a small town would be the death knell of a business. I too find that my customers travel to get to me from neighboring towns, sometimes a 2-hour one-way trip, Texas is huge. Thank you so much for hanging in there for me! Please keep watching!

[@michaelprice3182]

Great informative video as always. I think also what the deposit does for the upholsterer is you get the customer to commit to the job. That way you don't order materials and supplies and then they leave you standing at the altar.😂

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Michael, Yea, right! Long ago, I invested in time and materials and the customer never picket the item up. What was I going to do with it? Thanks for watching!

[@russdavis1960]

NOT upholstery but paint jobs for me. Waaaay back when I was doing it as a side gig I started out at $20....raised to $50....then $100.... This was a complete paint job... they had to have the body work done, sanded etc. and provide the paint I told them to get. I made a LOT of extra money and paid for the shop I put up JUST for providing labor to paint cars and trucks.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Russ, I am so glad to hear you are progressing through life. I believe this principle works for any self-employed. Just keep going! Thanks for watching!

[@buickgeorge]

Very helpful, the half down for deposit is golden

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Buick, yep, it always works beautifully for both me and my customers. Please keep liking and watching!

[@roller9158]

Thanks!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Roller, Thank you so much for your support! I really appreciate it as you know, I don't seek out sponsors. Please keep liking and watching!

[@jayescreations489]

I have done a few motorcycle seats in my day as well, undercharging. Wish I could sell my quilts using your expertise.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Jayes, I think you can do it! Just try. Please keep liking and watching!

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

🤑 Awesome!!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Unfinished, Thank you so much for saying so! Please keep watching!

[@MalcolmProductions1]

Very useful, thanks for posting.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Malcom, You are so welcome! Please keep watching!

[@brianhaddock2020ICU]

Keep up with the good advice. We're loving it' Top man..

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Brian, Thank you so much for all the kind words! Please keep watching!

[@WilliamLaakkonen]

Giving a price without seeing the project is like a Doctor diagnosing a patient and dispensing meds without giving an exam first- it is malpractice- and you wouldn't want to work with that sort of person, would you? Thanks for your tips, Really enjoy hanging out as you complete you projects and share your knowledge Rudoplh.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello William, That is what I am saying. Thank you so much for hanging in there with me! Please keep liking and watching!

[@bobolsen7921]

real helpful...that is what a past customer just asked me...ball park amount for a complere 56 chev redo...he says 5000...10000.. i really want the job but i told him too many varytables...and he should know cuz he owns a auto repair business! bidding is very hard.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Bob, Check out this latest video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbKqKNql9Ofr6c Bidding is not hard, you make what you want. Please keep liking and watching!

[@silvergrizzly316]

I wished I lived closer to you Rudy, I'd have you do the front seats in my truck. Thank you for sharing your knowledge my friend! Jay.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Silver Jay, You are so welcome! I'm sure someone in your area can help you. Thanks for watching!

[@CustomClassics77]

Great timing on your video .. I just picked up a 49 Cadillac limousine project and I’m going this week to look at the interior and give the customer a price . I have a ball park material price in my head and will see what is involved to price this project.. thank you again for some sound advice 🙋‍♂️

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Joe, You are so welcome! Go get 'em! Bid high, you might be surprised if they accept it! Then if not, you can always give a further discount. Good luck! I hope you get the job. Thanks for watching!

[@davidgold5961]

6:42 I tell my clients that the 50% deposit is to reserve their “Creation Day”, in other words, that block of time is reserved for me to work on, to create THEIR project.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello David, yes, puts them in the schedule. Thanks for watching!

[@tammybrown9740]

I like that 'creation day'. Gonna use this!!!

[@coursehome]

Thank you. I need this information. Mark Tennessee

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Course, You are so welcome! Please keep liking and watching!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Great comments and experiences here! You should read some of these, I recommend it!

[@ebijimiRapheal]

Thanks for your great advice I really appreciate

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Ebi, You are so welcome! I hope my videos are helpful for you. Please keep liking and watching!

[@OldRocker181]

Thank you for the valuable insight buddy!!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Old Rocker, I hope this can be helpful to you! Please keep watching!

[@jayescreations489]

I attended Upholstery school back in 1978 in Idaho. I did a few projects over the years. I worked at processing plants and as a truck driver for the benefits. Now retired and son and I are working on a 97 Dodge. Mom gets to do the headliner. I am wondering about the fabric you choose , fabric on foam. would that fail like the originl did. seperating and falling down?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Jays, I use headliner material that I get from my upholstery supplier. It already has the foam backing. I believe that the foam is better than it used to be. I think you will do just fine with your 1997 Dodge. Please keep liking and watching!

[@Anial8tor1]

thanks good info

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hell Anial, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate you. Please keep liking and watching!

[@eddieperez43]

Thank you so much for all these nice videos !! I'd like to meet you some day !! I have a shop here in Taylor Texas.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Neighbor Eddie, You are so welcome! Who knows, maybe someday our paths will cross. Please keep liking and watching!

[@michaelcox8702]

You are a very nice man, thank you

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Michael, Thank you so much for saying so. I really appreciate you. Please keep liking and watching!

[@tangwoo1]

Thank you for all advices it is very helpful and well explained when I started upholstery I didn’t know I still don’t know how much to charge but little by little I have learn some prices thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Tang, You are so welcome! Remember to bid high. You can always give a discount after that, but you can't raise your price. I think you will be just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinstill1]

Awesome advice

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Kevin, I hope my videos can help you somehow. Please keep liking and watching!

[@juniorcharles8493]

Hi your advice is very helpful to me I make doses mistake already people are looking for the lowest possible price but the work is hard.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Junior, I know there are a lot of people looking for the lowest price and there will always be someone cheaper than you. That is not the customer you want. Set your standards high and people will be throwing money at you. You will thank me later. Please keep liking and watching!

[@deltajohnny]

Great advices! 👏👏 I do not have an upholstery shop, or deal with clients, but I always enjoy listening to professionals 👍👍👍

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Delta, Thank you so much! I think this works for all self employed. Please keep watching!

[@AdrianRamirez-kv9ys]

Thanks for the advice. Can you make a video on what thread 🧵 you like to use. For car and furniture upholstery, and for marine as well. Or if you use the same for everything. Thanks I’m advance

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Adrian, Thank you so much! I use T-90 thread for everything. Please keep liking and watching!

[@johnmccoy1478]

❤ thanks. Been struggling with pricing I’ve been under pricing for years.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello John, Free yourself from the bonds! I hope you will improve your life for you and your family! Please keep liking and watching!

[@bobolsen7921]

thanks so much. i want to retire from my day job and do upholstery. im retirement age. wifey and i have a few prodjects under our belts and in a possition to charge more. its hard for me to do but i cant work for nothing helps build that confidence watching your vid.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Bob, You are so welcome! This is a great way to make money during retirement. Also if you don't stress yourself, you can enjoy. Think of that extra money for your trips right? You can do it, just go for it. Please keep liking and watching!

[@sunshine_2232]

Thank you for all the helpful videos!! I’m trying to watch all of them. I’m curious if upholstery shops offer any warranties?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Sunshine, Wow, I really do appreciate your watching all my videos. I couldn't ask for any more then that! I have never had an official warrantee. Very rarely do I get asked by a customer. I say "No I don't but, If you ever have a problem, just bring it back and I'll fix it". Luckily I very rarely have any come-backs. Please keep liking and watching!

[@sunshine_2232]

Well thank you so much!! You are giving me the pep talks I need in order to start an upholstery business! I will keep watching and smashing the like button! Take care!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@sunshine_2232 Hello Sunshine! You are so welcome! I think you will do very well in your new upholstery business! Please keep liking and watching!

[@massoudzadeh3394]

Thanks so much, I should do this in my business. People say I undercharge! I should be charging more!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Massoud, You are so welcome! You will be doing your income and your family a huge favor by increasing your confidence. Please keep liking and watching!

[@BrandonIrvine-xr2dy]

Enjoying your videos! I have to ask though what does your sign say behind you “If you or somebody else starts the job…”

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Brandon, Thank you for being there with me. "I should charge extra for this somehow... " Hehe Please keep liking and watching!

[@JNet-fv9dt]

“Oh ok i wont tell my husband” lol lucky guy

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Jnet, Yep, a good customer to have. Please keep liking and watching!

[@CoroPlanesLLC]

I know what I am worth per hour, and that's how I bid on jobs. I did a job that I thought was going to be a nightmare. It turned out to go very smoothly, and I did the job in about half the time I thought it would take. I took $200 off the job and got 3 referrals from that customer. That $200 earned me 10 times that over the next 6 months.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Coro, sounds like that could be a good strategy, but. What I would have done is keep the $200 and still get the 3 referrals. I never count hours, I only bid by the job. I don't trade my time per hour for money, we only live once. I wouldn't put a worth of my life by the hour. Just sayin'. You should try it. If you bid $500 and you find it only took you 1.5 hours, Just move on to the next job. Remember, if a customer agrees to your ridiculously high price, there is nothing wrong with that because they might think it is a good deal. Different people have a different value of money. I have bid what I thought is a very high price and the customer responded, "Is that all?" I have been doing this for 45 years. If you follow my advise, your financial situation will explode and be great for you and your family. You can see 45 years of my work at: Rudolphsupholstery.com I hope I have been helpful, and if I have, let me know the good news in a year from now to tell me the result. Please keep liking and watching!

[@michaelprice3182]

I would like to see a video with you showing various jobs and how much that job would cost . Thanks again enjoy your videos and am learning a lot. Another question, have you ever done many tufting jobs?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Michael, If I showed you various jobs and their cost, It might not be representative of your area or upholsterer. I am glad that you are learning her, but remember, learning is doing! I have done many tufting jobs over my 43 years. Thanks for watching!

[@chrishowell9499]

Great video. I have been doing this since I opened shop a year ago. I would add that this is a skilled labor. Every area is a little different on pricing structure. I would look around in your targeted market for labor rates. If you plan to work on cars go to auto repair shops and see what there labor rates are, If you plan to work on boats do the same for the local marina or boat yard. Also some commercial customers will want a wholesale rate. for example if your rate is $130 maybe offer $100 to the shops.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Chris, Highest labor is for aircraft, then marine, then autos, then motorcycles. I never do dealer work because making less money for the same work never made sense to me. All shops and dealers get the retail prices. Thanks for watching!

[@johnlowry1385]

Great video and info now I feel so much better about priceing I work out of my house and people want me to be cheap drives me nuts

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello John, If someone trys to talk my price down, I always say, "Your asking me to make less money?" Works every time... Please keep liking and watching!

[@D4x4Bronc]

So I guess I'm doing things right even though sales are slow

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello D4, Yep, valedation for you! I know it can be tempting when you don't get the deal, but there is always that last chance of giving a further discount. Sometimes I have tried this and it still wasn't cheap enough for the customer. We can't please everybody now can we? Thanks for watching!

[@raymartinez19]

much respect,may I ask if there is such apprenticipe program to learn upholstery?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Ray, Thank you! I have no idea about that. You can just dig in and do it like I did 43 years ago. Learning is doing! Please keep watching!

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

Hallo Ray , I’m sure you can find lots of stuff on the internet and if you have an upholsterer near you they will give you tips and help if you ask nicely and show a genuine interest in what they are doing . May not be an apprenticeship but it’s a start , good luck .

[@davidgold5961]

2:28 Never sell out of YOUR wallet - you don’t really know what the client can afford. Also, raise your prices 10% per year and let the low-paying clients fall off the bottom.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello David, Also work in price increases because material cost is constantly going up. Thanks for watching!

[@earthelder2065]

You don't get paid what it is worth as it is! You should get paid good for your hard work. Thank you for the good advise!

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Earth, I agree with you 100%. Bidding high is where to start. Sometimes we don't get every job. Building a reputation for being the expensive guy will be very lucrative for your future! Thank you for watching!

[@bigbirdpukindog]

How much do you try to net per hour?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Big, Oh, that's easy. As much as you can! Some people think it is ok to spend $90 to make $100. That never made sense to me. Now Making 100% without material cost is golden. Try it, you'll love it. Please keep liking and watching!

[@mttmg]

Some good information, if you do good work charge for it. Some folks never really master this trade so they end up doing subpar work and charge accordingly. I'd add never get into a price war, the customer wins, you don't. Folks will tell me so and so will do it for this much, I suggest that they get them to do it, and often they will still want us to do the work. Pricing can vary depending on your overhead, how much competition you have and as mentioned your skillset. Do the best work you can, maybe through a little extra for no charge that makes a difference too. It's always better to get more then you expected than less. We do accept credit cards and I generally just figure that into the estimate. So many folks just don't use cash or checks these days it's almost a requirement. Plus in some states you can't charge an extra fee.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Mttmg, You sound like a person of experience. I never ever price match. As you said, there are too many variables. One thing I do is, I always give the customer more than what they think they are getting. I do let them know about the extras when they pick it up. Then I ask them for a favorable review! Thanks for watching!

[@carlosnj101]

I'm in the same biz you can tell sometimes if a customer is not gonna like the price

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Carlos, Yep, I just had that happen to me today. My price was way more than he thought it was going to be. He wanted it done right away, and he had nobody that could do it. I was patient while he made his decision. So he agreed in the end. Please keep liking and watching!

[@MarioGarcia-uu9lk]

Thank you that is one of my problems. But I also have the problem that people want to come to help me to do their car

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Mario, Don't forget your the boss, your business, your policy. You have to make the rules to make the money. Please keep liking and watching!

[@starnet36]

In your video, you say you let people know they have to bring in the item they want worked on before you can quote them a price. If they email you a photo of the item for a price quote is that acceptable?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Starnet, I tell them that photos by email or text are a good place to start, to get an idea of what they are working on. But there is no better way than to examine the item personally. Even with photos, it is impossible to see how something is put together. Thanks for watching!

[@charlescampbell1319]

Good way to operate Sir.... WhatsApp pics helps me to filter out work I may not want to do...that way I don't waste time meeting the client ....I'm kinda fortunate I can cherry pick at my age....good $$$$ can be earned after a few years experience which brings confidence (and clients can detect that confidence in you which also makes them confident they'll get a good job done)....MOST important requisite to getting a good price imo is not to need the job in the first place!!!!!! because if you're anxious to get the job you'll be scared to quote sufficiently in case the client walks away......

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Campbells, You're absolutely right! You can't win them all, but you may not want them all either. I try to prequalify my customers from their phone call. Show them your work. I show my customers my website, rudolphsupholstery.com of which I have hundreds of pictures of my work over 43 years so they will be confident that I can do their job. You sound like a person of experience! Thanks for watching!

[@charlescampbell1319]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery ...your website looks great....you must have anticipated social media back in your youth.... hence all the youthful pics👏🏻👏🏻our game is mostly domestic reupholstery.....

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@charlescampbell1319 I know, the young guy huh? There were also hundreds of more pictures that disappeared during a divorce. Also, I didn't take pictures of everything I did. To think I did it all myself without any help. I feel like that is my superhuman life. Please keep watching!

[@charlescampbell1319]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery 🤙🏻👊🏻✂️✂️✂️✂️lets keep those scissors moving😁

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@charlescampbell1319 Oh Yea!

[@wadecashman4466]

Thank you for your Videos I've learned alot. I'm thinking I'll give a 4% discount for cash. And price for credit. That way it looks like your getting a deal.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Wade, Yep, you can do that. It's all about how you will service your customer. Please keep liking and watching!

[@smoovesax1]

What's your current shop rate per hour?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Smoov, My labor rate is posted on the wall behind me in the video. You can either watch it again, or I could just tell you. $125 Thanks for watching!

[@ferdiemirabueno9255]

Where’s Your place located at?

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Helo Ferdie, I am a proud resident of East Texas! Yeeha! Please keep liking and watching!

[@jeffcoleman5160]

We have our upholstery business in Kentucky .Can't believe how busy we are .I give a high and a low price .I use that to cover me .We only do furniture and cushions .Some of the companies around here are a year out on work.Not sure how to do this with phone .and Text messages with giving estimates and how far out we are .I have no idea .

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Jeff, I feel for you.... Not enough work 'eh? I think pricing out in the future is risky given how fast the increased prices of materials. I think you are going to be OK. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffcoleman5160]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery new couches run$4000 and chairs run$2000 for new

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

@@jeffcoleman5160 Yep, That's what I hear.

[@jeffcoleman5160]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery I found some pliers in Arizona 20 years ago that pull staples right out of the wood .I talked my supplier into selling them and they have blown up .My supplier comes out of Cinnci and delivers right to my shop.Shops in our walkout .I have all kinds of secrets I would love to share with you also.Will send the name of pliers later.Please try and order them

[@jeffcoleman5160]

@@oldschoolautoupholstery pliers are called Xuron Maxi orange handles pliers .They work great on pulling staples .I have used them for over 20 years.I have learned to put string in the handles to hold them on also .Send me your business cell number and I can text you info.

[@patchadams4me]

Sadly, that "trick" up charging at pickup is common everywhere. We don't do it either. I think it's dishonest. Thanks for the videos.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Arm, I'm with you! To try to add a few extra bucks, is paying to ruin your own reputation. Please keep liking and watching!

[@RodriguezSteve]

why didn't i find your page sooner

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Steve, Well, what's important is you found me now right? Thanks Pal! Please keep liking and watching!

[@ShadowsOnTheScreen]

Your videos are much appreciated by me. I hate to criticize at all, but the car slide show in the background distracts me from what you are saying. I hope this comment does not cause you offense.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Flickers, I am not offended, I know that people react differently to everything. The good news is, you can always tape a piece of paper over my computer and watch it again! Thanks for watching!

[@tomvoncharon6359]

Check? Lol Yes, I take them too. Still don't like being stuck in the grocery line behind THAT lady.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Tom, It's been decades since the last time I wrote a check. But everyone in my small town writes checks... Please keep liking and watching!

[@starbailey-fox5237]

Why upholstery not a licensed trade

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Star, Oh, Should it be? I am not sure it affects our health. Please keep liking and watching!

[@make749perday]

"If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less_than_excellent work." _Thomas J. Watson

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Yup Yup,

[@roller9158]

Have customers take a picture or video and text it to you.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Roller, If you go to my website homepage slideshow, you will see many happy customers giving the "Thumbsup". Please keep liking and watching!

[@acurtis7]

Customer here... watching for how to get charged less

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Acurtis, That's easy. Just don't as for so much to be done. Hehe Please keep liking and watching!

[@Spiritualwarfare587]

Wow 4% for using card . I live in sweden here is no cash and card payment is free

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Swedish Spiritual, Yep, that what we do in the USA. Please keep liking and watching!

[@2010bigfathen]

Everybody needs to get paid for their work, if I give a price and they offer less, I show them the exit

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello 2010, I will usually ask them, "So you want me to make less money?" Then they always have the same embarrassed look on their face. Hehe. Please keep liking and watching!

[@tomvoncharon6359]

Adjusting prices is always difficult for me. If course we have to cover costs. All costs. But the padding it, capitalism part is hard for anyone who comes from a "poor kid" background. That takes practice too.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Tom, I have been broke many times. Making money is much better. Your wife and family will enjoy a better life if you charge your worth, Skill and experience. Remember, your worth is not by the hour, but by the job. If you bid the job $1000, but it takes you 3 hours, what's wrong with that? Now, if you charged $125 per hour, now you would have made $375 for the same job. You see the difference? You'll thank me later. Please keep liking and watching!

[@jjsoundguy]

I have held to the thought that you are priced exactly right if you win half of all the bids you put out. If you win 100% of the bids you are obviously underpriced.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello JJ, You sound like a person with much experience! That is good advice. Once I show my website rudolphsupholstery.com with pictures of 44 years of my work to give them the confidence I can do their job, and a high price, I usually get the customer about 90% The rest can't afford me. Please keep liking and watching!

[@TimothyDalton-rk1ve]

Don't say it's customary, say it's policy.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Timothy, I use customary so there is no descent. Please keep liking and watching!

[@randylester8274]

Yep keep charging more and more and you get less and less business... No wonder most Upholstery shops are out of business within the year or 2

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Randy, You made my point. Less projects, more time and money. Why spend double the time for less money? Doesn't make any sense. That is one way to stay poor. I am going on 45 years. Please keep liking and watching!

[@elite_fitness]

That sounds pretty bad that you're trying to get every single dollar out of your customers that you can lol I would work in that 4% credit card charge into the price. Y'all accept checks? Not many people accept checks even though this is a year old video

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Elite, Why is it bad if the customer agrees with the price? Sometimes, I have even heard, "I thought it would be more". Different people have a different value of money. What some people think of as expensive, some other people think the same price is cheap. Making the max means a better life for you and your family. Not disclosing a fee is deceitful. I am upfront 100% with my customers. Before I moved to my small town, everything was credit or cash. Now most people where I am pay by check. Please keep liking and watching!

[@davidalexander843]

I grew up without any male role models, and Rudy is like the uncle I always wish I had.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello nephew David, Now you do! Hehe. Please keep liking and watching!

[@seymourwrasse3321]

my father had two rules in business when making a deal, He who speaks first loses, and you can always lower your price, but you can't raise it

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Seymour, A wise man. I have a work around rule #1 to work in my favor. I have stated rule #2 on a number of occasions. Please keep liking and watching!

[@Mobev1]

Those who charge more don’t make more. I worth 23 million for a reason.

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello Mobev, It's not always money that is more value, but it is time. You can charge little and work 24 hours, or you can charge a lot for the same work and only work 4 hours. Now you have 20 hours added of life you can enjoy with your family and live no stress. Just sayin'. Please keep liking and watching!

[@oasfour1238]

Love yiur videos and your KZbin channel. I would like to get in touch with you if that is possible. Either by phone. Emails....etc. Sam

[@oldschoolautoupholstery]

Hello O, Thank you so much! Most people as their questions here, and I answer them. I really do not have a spare minute as I am like a freight train working all day. I don't answer out-of-state phone calls because it ruins my workflow. Please keep watching!