When we pass on custom upholstery even if it’s cheap
Why a low buy price isn’t enough on custom pieces without brand signal—and how we decide when to walk away.
Custom upholstery without a recognizable maker forces you to sell the design itself. If the shape is dated or the fabric is loud, we assume a longer hold and lower ceiling.
We skip anything with unclear foam quality or wavy deck support unless the frame is clearly high-end (eight-way hand-tied, solid hardwood, branded hardware).
If the bones are good but the fabric is wrong, we only buy when the cost plus reupholstery quotes leave healthy margin—and when we have a local upholsterer who can turn it fast.
Cheap isn’t cheap if it sits. When in doubt, we’d rather buy a cleaner mid-tier brand with known comps than a mystery custom piece with unknown hold time.
Takeaways
- Lack of brand signal means the design must carry the sale.
- Factor reupholstery lead time and quotes before you load it.
- Passing quickly frees capital for faster-moving inventory.
Resources
More notes and restorations
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