Upholstery business owners mix craft and care to earn solid income while saving old furniture from landfills. A clear plan, fair prices, and smart marketing keep profits healthy—even for small, home‑based shops. Below is a quick, step‑by‑step guide that shows start‑up costs, tools, pricing, and growth tactics, all in plain English. Use it to launch or level‑up your own shop.
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1. Know the market
The U.S. furniture‑repair & reupholstery sector sits near $2 billion in 2025.
Owners report 10‑20 % net profit on steady jobs.
Global demand for upholstery fabrics is rising 7 % a year.
2. Budget your start‑up kit
| Item | Low‑cost setup |
|---|---|
| Pneumatic stapler + compressor | $250‑$600 |
| Walking‑foot machine | $800‑$2 500 |
| Hand tools | $150‑$400 |
| Initial fabric & foam | $1 000‑$3 000 |
| Legal, insurance, permits | $300‑$1 200 |
| Total | ≈ $3 000‑$8 000 |
3. Check rules
Forty‑two states have no license for upholsterers; remaining fees run $25‑$420 with no exams.
Form an LLC ($50‑$300) to guard personal assets.
4. Price for profit
Average shop labor runs $55‑$95 an hour, plus a 2× material markup.
Aim for jobs that leave at least 10 % net after rent and supplies.
5. Gear up a workspace
A bright garage or 400 sq ft studio with a 220 V outlet works fine.
6. Market with proof
Post weekly before‑and‑after reels; they drive high shares and trust.
List yourself free on Asherfield’s upholsterer directory to catch local leads.
7. Diversify revenue
- Repair chairs for designers.
- Offer weekend DIY classes.
- Sell finished flips on the Asherfield marketplace for extra cash.
8. Track simple KPIs
Jobs per month, average ticket, material waste %, and five‑star review count keep growth on target.
Smart channels that convert
| Channel | What to post | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok, Instagram | 30‑sec makeovers | Social proof & virality |
| Google Business | Hours + photo updates | Shows in local map pack |
| Asherfield directory | Free profile + details | Ready buyers search here |
| Designers & movers | Trade discounts | Repeat big‑ticket jobs |
Money outlook
Solo owners earn $30 k‑$100 k a year, depending on size and upsells.
Break‑even often lands in 6‑12 months if overhead stays below $1 200 a month.
FAQ
| Question (longest to shortest) | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Starting an upholstery business | Plan $3 k‑$8 k for tools, fabric, and permits; follow the eight‑step plan above to launch. |
| How much does an upholstery business make | Many owners net 10‑20 % profit and pay themselves $30 k‑$100 k a year. |
| How long does it take to become an upholsterer? | Trade programs run 6‑12 months; mastering sofas can take another year of practice. |
| How do I get clients for upholstery? | Post before‑and‑after reels, partner with designers, and create a free profile in the Asherfield upholsterer directory. |
| How much does an upholsterer charge per hour? | Shops in 2025 average $55‑$95 per hour before materials. |
| Is learning upholstery hard? | Small chairs are easy; sofas take patience, but many DIYers learn in months with online videos. |
Next steps — link map for readers
Next step: claim your free spot in Asherfield’s directory and start selling your finished pieces on the marketplace—your first sofa flip could fund the next tool upgrade.
- See the big picture in reupholster a couch ← pillar
- Check real prices in cost to reupholster couch
- Follow the DIY couch guide for step‑by‑step help
- Go premium with a leather couch redo
- Pick fabric fast with types of upholstery fabric
- Not sure? Read is it worth reupholstering?
- Learn basics in what is upholstery?
- Claim your free spot in the upholsterer directory
- List your finished pieces on Asherfield
Authoritative external read
For deeper industry data, review the latest IBISWorld furniture repair & reupholstery report—it breaks down demand, wages, and future growth curves.
