How to Undertake an Upholstery Job in a Busy Restaurant?

So you are a restaurant or franchise owner, and you need some furniture redone. How do you time the project so as not to produce too much downtime and loss of revenue?

Timing

This timing is vital in terms of maintaining business and getting the work completed as fast and efficiently as possible. Firstly, we will always do our best to work around your schedule, when you are slow or closed, to have minimal impact on your bottom line.

Common Mistakes in Restaurant Design

We work with a lot of cafe/restaurant businesses, so I've seen a lot over the years. I'm not a designer as such, but you might want to keep these in mind if you are creating a restaurant, or redesigning what you already have.

Copy Cat

Don't follow the trends. If it's a trend, trends will change and date your restaurant fast! If you and 6 other restaurants in the area are all going for the 'recycled rustic modern' look, then you will not stand out. Create your own personality that stands the test of time. It will save money in the long run (you won't need to update in 2 years), and will mean that people will focus on what they really have come here for  - the food. Getting basic upholstered pieces means that you can refresh the look with other unique items. 

Choosing the Right Fabric

There are many factors that you need to think about before deciding on the right fabric for your business. First of all we need to determine what business you are in. Are you in a Law office, a high traffic fast food franchise, or a 5-star restaurant? Once we know that then we can get to the next steps.

Durability

• This may be the key factor in selecting fabrics for a business. If you run a restaurant, then you need fabrics that withstand a good amount of abuse. In an office environment you also need durability, but you will have more choices, because the traffic won't be as high. 
• You want to minimise the number of rips and tears that the seating will endure, this is can be a common occurrence in restaurants. This is the key to minimising ongoing maintenance costs.

To get the 'Perfect' Result, Ask Yourself these Questions

You need some upholstery work done, fantastic! Before you call or email us it's helpful  - well in fact it's vital -  that you know the answer to at least most of these questions. 

We can't read your mind, sorry. We can't create remarkable results if you can't tell us what you want. If you think more along the lines of - "I don't know what I want, but I will know it when I see it', you will spend a lot more money and time - which everyone is in short supply of these days. 

Of course we will advise and suggest things for you to look at, but we need to start somewhere, and the clearer you are, the easier it is for us to give you want you want.

So spend some time planning and thinking about the following:

What do you want done and how do you want it to look?

Are you adding seating? Are you undergoing a complete overhaul and you need us to work with your designers? Is it just a few tears you want us to look at? 

What is it you exactly want? Have you looked at examples of what you like? Do you have an idea of colours, textures and durability? 

Are you are franchise and you need to keep to 'company colours'? Are you revamping several of your franchise businesses? 

All these are vital.

3 Reasons Your Business Could Benefit from an Upholstery Spruce Up

Would this office inspire your employees or your clients?

You may not realise the benefits of upholstery (or reupholstery) in your business. It may initially seem like an extravagant outlay of funds. There are however, very valid reasons to 'upgrade' your business with upholstery and maybe a few other changes - such as paint and furniture rearrangement.

1 - Update a tired style

Many offices have been in business for a long time; worn carpet, 80's chairs and dull paint do not make a welcoming impression on your clients (and employees). By bringing a new colour on the walls and some interesting and hard wearing fabric for furniture, the whole business will feel refreshed and modernised. 

Choosing an Upholsterer

You've decided you need some upholstery work done for you business. You know it will make a great impression on your clients, but where do you find a reputable, reliable and quality upholsterer? Once you've found one, then what do you need do?

The easy option is to call us 0800 698 746 and we will make it happen no problem, but if you are more hands on than that, here are few things to consider.

ASK AROUND

First of you need some names and recommendations. You wouldn't let just anyone pack your parachute, so make sure you don't just let 'anyone impact your business. I know we're talking about furniture, but it can be the critical first impression for your clients. 

How do I know if it's Quality Furniture?

The last article I wrote talked about the 'Master Seal' and this is a great way to check to see if the piece of furniture that you are interested in, is a quality piece. But you might be interested in taking the next step.  

You need to really look 'under the hood' to really see if the piece is of good quality. By quality, I'm talking about it lasting! Not just lasting  2 years before breaking, more like 20+ years. Can you buy furniture that lasts that long these days? Yes you can.

To see if you are buying a quality piece look for these things:

The Furniture Master Seal

Upholsterers come under  'Master Furniture Finisher'

No doubt you have heard of Master Builders, Master Plumbers and Master Electricians but have you heard of a Master Furniture Maker?

Well now you have. If a company has earned it, Furniture Makers can display the Furniture Master Seal, but there's not just one seal there are 4! 

• Master Cabinet Maker
• Master Furniture Finisher
• Master Furniture Maker
• Master bedding Maker

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.