Asking The Client Details Now, as far about about how I price. When someone calls me, I usually just give a quick "ball park" phone quote. To give this, I usually ask the client some details, such as:

• How old is it (this will help me know an approximate style and condition?)
• How many cushions
• If it is a sofa, how long long is it?
• Any buttons? (followed by, are they pulled in deep? Are there any folds between the buttons, etc.)
• Are the seat cushions in good shape?
• Does it have a skirt?
• And whatever other questions I think of at the time.

Figuring the Phone Quote

Then I quickly review these details, I estimate the yardage in my head, then multiply approximate the yardage by $55 to $80 per yard. (This would break down to aprox $35 to $40 dollars per yard for labor, and aprox $20 to $40 per yard for fabric, plus about $3 to $5 for average supplies) For instance, a plain 7' sofa, with loose back cushion, no skirt, 3 loose seat cushions, 5 large throw pillows used as back cushions, I'd estimate like this: I'd estimate it at about 15-16 yards in a plain fabric, possibly another several yards for some matching. Price Range Low Side High side Yards est. 15 yds 16 yds Combined Total Per Unit X$60 per yd X $80 per yd Total est. cost $900 $1280

Telling The Client

I usually round everything off and do some quick calculations. I'd tell the client that the job could run somewheres between $900 and $1300 in a plain fabric. I also follow up all my phone quotes with a disclaimer, something like. "The actual price could be higher or lower, depending upon the actual style and condition of the sofa, and the fabric that the pick out."

Having a Quick Reference Card

As I've explained all of this, it has reminded me that in the past I've had a "Quick Reference Card" that has the basic costs already figure out for some basic furniture styes phone. But it became out of date, and I have not yet made another one. Writing this out has reminded me that I need to make up some quick reference cards that I could used on the phone, and also that my wife could use as well. For the Quick Reference Card, I would have the basic furniture styles, with yardages, labor, and extra costs already figured out. I think I need to start working on that.