Making The Deci$ion To Have A Piece Refinished

So you have an heirloom or you just purchased an auction find that cries for refinishing. You see the value and are excited about the thought of having your new piece made brand new and functional. You’re a designer and have found a piece that a customer would love but they are picky and have a vision. Finding a refinisher in your area may be a little difficult so do your home work.  Technology is a wonderful thing and today most restoration companies have web sites and love to show their work. You can contact these people through these web sites and usually can get a rough quote on line. I know you own a cell phone and most now have cameras. Take a pic and send it to the refinisher because chances are this person is now doing a similar piece or just finished one and  the cost to do them is readily available. If you’re shy and don’t feel comfortable visiting the shop then most of the info you need to make a decision is usually on the site or gained through conversation. Due diligence, do your home work folks before deciding who you will have refinishing your valuables.  There is nothing wrong with asking for a reference. Ask for a reference for my work and I know I have the job it’s really that simple. If your refinishing specialist is not eager and confident then move on. If you have a chance to visit the shop then do so. I can bet there will be a piece on the table being restored and this will give you a better picture of the level of work being done and the skill of the refinisher. The price involves time and materials. Materials are usually minimal, it’s the labour that’s involved that drives the price of the job. Most of the work is done by hand rather than machine and there is a cost to this for sure and there is no way to hide it. It’s just very simple if you don’t see the value in the piece, and value isn’t always monetary, then just don’t get it done. If I don’t detect the customer’s eagerness to have the piece done then I’m doing it for the wrong reason, the same as the customer and would just decline. Get more than one price or opinion before making a decision and this is much easier than you think with today’s technology. I love when I am contacted by a customer who has done their homework and have a general idea of the cost and some understanding of the scope of work.

 It makes for a great relationship when someone is eager to have work done and the  refinisher is just as eager to show off their skill, so click away on your phone  cam and email or text me a pic of your piece, it’s just that simple!

Marco

 www.marco43.ca