Custom Upholstery and Soft Furnishings Proposal

What a good one includes

• A detailed scope of work specifying the exact furniture pieces or windows, including dimensions and structural repairs like spring tying or frame stabilization.
• Fabric and trim specifications, including pattern-repeat details, yardage estimates, and whether materials are client-provided or sourced by you.
• Clear definitions of cushion fill types, foam densities, and inner supportive materials to manage comfort and durability expectations.
• A realistic project timeline that accounts for fabric lead times, workshop scheduling, and final installation or delivery dates.
• A transparent pricing breakdown separating labor, materials, and pickup or delivery fees, paired with a structured deposit and payment schedule.
• Client responsibilities and terms, such as guidelines for Customer's Own Material (COM) and expectations for room preparation before installation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to specify extra yardage requirements for patterned fabrics, which often leads to costly shortages due to pattern matching.
• Failing to explicitly state whether pickup, delivery, and professional installation fees are included in the estimate or billed separately.
• Neglecting to define the lifespan and natural behavior of chosen fibers, leaving clients surprised by natural stretching, shading, or fading over time.
• Omitting a clear expiration date on the proposal, forcing you to honor outdated fabric and foam wholesale prices months down the line.

Frequently asked questions