Leather Restoration and Repair Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed pre-service assessment documenting the item’s current wear, pre-existing structural damage, and any previous low-quality repairs.
• A precise description of the restoration techniques, dyes, conditioners, and replacement materials to be used during the project.
• A clear disclaimer explaining that natural leather reacts uniquely to pigments and treatments, meaning exact color matching and texture uniformity cannot be guaranteed.
• A liability clause capping your financial exposure to the total cost of the service provided, especially crucial when handling high-value designer or antique items.
• A protocol for handling hidden damage discovered mid-process, requiring written client approval and extra fees before proceeding with additional repairs.
• Specific timelines for project completion, storage fees for abandoned items, and the deadline for final payment upon pickup or delivery.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on verbal agreements for high-value items, which leaves you vulnerable to disputes over subjective aesthetic expectations.
• Failing to take high-resolution "before" photographs, making it difficult to prove that certain scratches or tears were already present.
• Guaranteeing an exact color or texture match, which ignores the unpredictable way aged, organic hides absorb new pigments and finishes.
• Neglecting to include a clause for unclaimed items, leaving your workshop crowded with finished work that clients delay picking up.

Frequently asked questions