Upholstery and Interior Design Partnership MOU

What a good one includes

• A detailed scope of work specifying exactly who handles frame repairs, spring tying, cushioning, and final fabric application.
• A clear Customer's Own Material (COM) policy outlining who inspects incoming fabric for flaws and who is responsible for yardage shortages.
• A structured payment schedule requiring a deposit to secure workshop space and final payment prior to delivery or pickup.
• A realistic production timeline with specific deadlines for fabric delivery and client approvals to prevent backlog in your shop.
• A storage fee clause outlining daily rates for completed furniture that is not picked up within an agreed timeframe.
• Intellectual property terms that grant you the right to photograph the finished work for your professional portfolio and social media.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming the designer's measurements are perfect instead of specifying that your workshop must verify all dimensions before cutting fabric.
• Failing to define who pays for extra yardage when complex patterned fabrics require precise pattern matching.
• Accepting verbal agreements on design changes instead of requiring written or digital sign-offs for extra labor and materials.
• Omitting a clear policy on liability for vintage frames that reveal hidden structural damage during the teardown process.

Frequently asked questions