Leather, or is it an Imitation?

This is an imitation.

So you are interested in using leather for your upholstery, but not sure what to look. This blog post is a summary of the full article that is on our website, have a look for a more detailed discussion. 

There is leather and then there are a lot of products that are imitation leather, such as:

• Bi-cast, 
• Split leather
• Faux leather 
• Pleather reconstituted leather
• Bonded leather 
• PU coated leather

Reupholstering vs Replacing

I get asked quite a lot "is it better to re-upholster or replace?"

First of all, if you haven't read this article about imported furniture, then I urge you to do so!

But apart from that issue, what is the best course of action?

It depends! Don't you love that kind of answer? Well it truly does depend on the item(s). Do you have theatre seating that's a safety hazard? Or do you have worn and torn vinyl booths in your restaurant? If it were me, I would probably want to replace the theatre seats (mind you, we might be able to fix them), but when it comes to the vinyl, reupholster it! 

So when would I Replace an Item?

Look at the piece or the pieces and see if it is structurally sound? Is the frame wobbly when you grab the back, do the legs look like they are about to fall off? When you sit down are you practically touching the floor? If the piece is structurally unsound, it's probably better cost effective option to replace. 

Looking After Your Upholstery

You spent good money fitting out your business with fantastic looking upholstery, but how do you look after it and make sure that it stays looking as crisp and clean as the day it was 'upholstered'?

First of all you need to look at the furniture, is it leather or vinyl banquet seating, fabric upholstered chairs, or the couches in the lunch room?  Each of them need to be treated differently. 

The following tips can be passed onto your cleaners, posted in your lunchroom or sent out to individual branch managers or franchise owners.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What First Impression Are You Giving?

Just imagine you are driving down the road and you see a banged up car in front of you. It has dings and scratches, the back has seen better days and you'd be lucky to even open the door. Now, you see the signage on the car: "Bob's Panelbeating." What thoughts go through your head?

Do you think: 'Wow, they are professionals, look at the fine workmanship on that car!' Or do you think more along the lines of: "If they can't take care of their own vehicles, why on earth should I take my car there?"

I'm sure some would think that it's a 'demonstration model' and it's either designed to get attention or for the panelbeaters to practice on. (Either way, 'Bob' needs to make it clear what he's trying to achieve.)

Why work with Upholstery Fit Outs?

This is a great 'after' photo of one of our fit outs. Happy Client.

I get asked "Why should I work with you, rather than with upholsters directly?"

Well, UFO has created a nationwide network of upholsterers who uphold a similar business ethos, provide a quality customer service are extremely skilful in their trade of upholstery. So by signing on with UFO you know that the work will consistently meet high industry standards thought New Zealand. This is especially important when you have a franchise business or your business has multiple locations.

But if that is not enough of a reason to work with us, then maybe some of these are:

EASE OF BUSINESS

• An efficient booking system by email.
• Ongoing notification of where the job is at.
• An efficient system where UFO will identify how best to work that benefits both you and your staff.
• Access to a network of upholsterers through out New Zealand, which creates a sustainable business and excellent ongoing service.
• Full quotes for fit outs off plans, maintenance and repair.