Auto upholstery shop for owners and dealers

Used car dealers, collision and body shops, classic and custom car owners, fleet and rideshare owners, and everyday drivers.

Quoted price per job plus materials. Repeat trade work from dealers and shops adds steady volume, while custom interiors bring higher-value jobs.

• Professional-level upholstery and sewing
• Pattern making and fitting to vehicles
• Quoting and job scheduling
• Building trade relationships

• Local business license, zoning and any fire or occupancy requirements for the unit, check with your city or county
• General liability and garage keepers insurance for customers' vehicles, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Lease commitments: make sure the unit costs fit a slow first few months
• Chemical storage, adhesives and foam waste rules, check with local fire and environmental offices
• Late-paying trade accounts, so agree payment terms upfront

Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on your unit and lease, equipment, materials and insurance. These are estimates. Make sure the unit's costs can be covered during a slow first few months.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your mix of dealer, body shop and private work and your pricing. These are estimates, and a shop usually needs at least about 35 hours a week.

Check your local business license, zoning and any fire or occupancy requirements with your city or county. Also check general liability and garage keepers insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, and rules on chemical storage and foam waste.