Professional Invoice for Upholstery Projects

What a good one includes

• Break down the specific restoration steps, such as stripping frame, spring tying, padding, and final fabric application, rather than listing a single lump sum.
• Clearly state the fabric name, pattern, colorway, and exact yardage used, including any surplus required for pattern matching.
• List all ancillary materials like high-density foam, dacron wrap, webbing, welt cords, and decorative nails with their respective quantities and unit costs.
• Document any unexpected structural repairs, joint gluing, or wood refinishing completed before the upholstery work began.
• Clearly display the initial deposit paid, the remaining balance due, acceptable payment methods, and the payment deadline.
• Include a separate line item for transport services if you handled the logistics of moving the furniture to and from your workshop.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Grouping labor and materials into one vague price, which makes clients question your pricing and overlooks the high cost of luxury fabrics.
• Failing to invoice for the extra yardage required to align complex patterns or stripes across cushions and frames, which eats directly into your profit margins.
• Neglecting to explicitly show the subtraction of the initial deposit, causing confusing payment discrepancies and delaying your final payout.
• Leaving out a clear policy and fee structure for late furniture pickups, which can turn your workshop into a free storage facility at your own expense.

Frequently asked questions