
FAQs
Always at Your Service
Chopped Upholstery & Custom is not responsible for functioning airbags and heater systems after the completion of the upholstery service. The owner must ensure the airbags and seat heaters function correctly by having a professional inspection of these items.
How do we start this process?
Contact me via email or phone to initiate the process. We will discuss your upholstery project in-depth, the materials you will provide, the materials I will provide, labor, and the next steps. We will also discuss a timeline, so you know when to expect a finished product.
Costs & Billing
Each project at Chopped Upholstery is unique. Due to the custom nature of our work, pricing varies based on the complexity, scope, and materials involved. Labor rates begin at $103 USD per hour, with final rates determined by the volume of work, materials, and type of service requested.
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In most cases, an estimate will be provided to establish a working budget. While the estimate serves as a guideline, actual costs may vary depending on unforeseen factors or requested changes.
Chopped Upholstery will make every effort to stay within the agreed-upon scope and will communicate any adjustments as early as possible.
A materials deposit is required before work begins. Invoices will be issued monthly or more frequently, depending on the terms of the agreement. Payment is due upon receipt. Timely payments are necessary for continued progress on your project.
Chopped Upholstery will not release any completed items until all outstanding balances have been paid in full.
Service Fees and Consultations
Q: What are the service fees for on-site consultations?
Chopped Upholstery charges a service fee based on the distance from our location:
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$50 for locations within 25 miles
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$60 for locations between 26 and 50 miles
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For locations beyond 50 miles, an additional $6 per mile will be added
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Q: What does the service fee include?
The service fee covers travel time and the first 45 minutes of the consultation. This time may include evaluating interior components, discussing material options, and reviewing the project scope.
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Q: What if the consultation takes longer than 45 minutes?
An additional fee of $40 will be charged for consultations that exceed the initial 45-minute window.
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Q: Are these charges separate from labor rates for project work?
Yes. Service and consultation fees are separate from project-related labor rates. For detailed pricing on upholstery work, please refer to our Labor Rates section.
Airbags and Electronics
Q: Does Chopped Upholstery handle airbag repairs or electronic diagnostics?
No. Chopped Upholstery does not diagnose, repair, or modify airbag systems or electronic components. Our work focuses strictly on upholstery and interior restoration.
Q: What if the airbag light turns on after interior work is completed?
Chopped Upholstery is not responsible for airbag lights or related warning indicators. While we take every reasonable precaution during disassembly and reassembly, airbag systems are sensitive and should be evaluated by a certified automotive technician.
Q: Will Chopped Upholstery take care to avoid issues with airbag components?
Yes. We handle all components with care and make every effort to maintain system integrity during the upholstery process. However, we do not guarantee the condition or function of any airbag or electronic system once the vehicle leaves our facility.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an issue with the airbag system after service?
If you notice a warning light or believe there may be an issue with your airbag or electronic system, we strongly recommend taking the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership for a professional inspection.
Understanding Seat Damage and Repair Limitations
Chopped Upholstery provides custom work tailored to each vehicle’s condition. When evaluating seat damage—such as tears, holes, or wear—it is important to understand that automotive upholstery materials often cannot be patched or sewn back together. In many cases, the entire seat cover must be replaced to ensure durability, safety, and a clean finish.
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Repair options depend on the severity and location of the damage, the material type, and the condition of the seat’s internal structure. What may appear to be a small issue can sometimes require more extensive work than expected. We will assess each situation individually and provide a detailed explanation and estimate before proceeding.
Do I leave my vehicle with you?
Unless there is extensive work, I prefer the vehicle remains with the owner until the seats, doors, or other items are complete. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to do the work at the owner's residence based on the type of work being done.
Additional Costs Disclosure
During the upholstery process, Chopped Upholstery may uncover issues commonly found in seats, door panels, and interior components. These issues can include, but are not limited to:
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Frame damage requiring repair or rebuilding
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Broken or weakened springs that must be retied or replaced
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Insufficient or deteriorated foam padding requiring reinforcement
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Structural defects or wear requiring additional materials or labor
Any necessary repairs or enhancements beyond the original scope of work may result in increased costs. Chopped Upholstery will notify the customer before proceeding with any work that incurs additional charges. Approval and payment for these costs are required before continuation of the project.
Material Selection and Customization
We work closely with each customer to determine the most suitable materials for the vehicle’s intended use and offer full customization of style, seat depth, back height, cushion firmness, and other interior features.
Interior Item Pickup Policy
Q: How long do I have to pick up my interior items after service is complete?
Customers must pick up all completed interior items—such as seats, door panels, and trim—within 10 calendar days of receiving notification that the work is finished, unless a different timeframe has been agreed upon in a text message.
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Q: What happens if I do not pick up my items within 10 days?
Any items not picked up within the 10-day period will be considered forfeited, and Chopped Upholstery reserves the right to dispose of or repurpose the unclaimed property. No refunds or replacements will be issued.
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Q: Can I request additional time to retrieve my items?
Yes. Customers may request an extension prior to the 10-day deadline. All extensions must be confirmed in a text to be valid. Verbal agreements will not be honored.
Requesting a Quote or Calling for Information
When contacting Chopped Upholstery by phone or email, please be ready to provide the following details to help us better understand your needs:
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Vehicle make, model, and year
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Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
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Interior color and material (leather, vinyl, cloth, etc.)
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A description of the damage or the work requested
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Photos, if possible, for a more accurate assessment
Providing this information up front allows us to give informed guidance and determine whether an in-person inspection is necessary. For custom or complex projects, an on-site consultation may be recommended.
What about insurance?
Chopped Upholstery & Custom carries insurance for the equipment and building. In addition, we require the customer to have insurance on any vehicle (and contents in the vehicle) left at our facility.
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How long will it take for my car seats to be done?
The timeline for a project depends on the scale of work needed (customization, material orders, etc.) I will keep you informed of the process and any delays we encounter. Unfortunately, we are subject to the shipping delays the world is experiencing.
Refusal of Service or Cancellation Policy
Chopped Upholstery reserves the right to refuse service to any individual or entity for any reason, at our sole discretion.
In the event that services are cancelled—whether by the customer or by Chopped Upholstery—the customer agrees to pay all applicable charges resulting from the cancellation. These charges may include, but are not limited to, restocking fees, shipping costs, and any other expenses incurred up to the point of cancellation.
All fees must be paid in full prior to the release of any completed or in-progress work.
Replaced Item Return Policy
Q: What happens to the original items that are removed during upholstery work?
All original interior components removed during upholstery work—such as seats, door panels, and trim—will be returned to the customer at the time of pickup.
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Q: Am I required to take the replaced items with me?
Yes. Chopped Upholstery requires customers to take all replaced components at the time of pickup unless alternative arrangements have been made in writing.
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Q: What if I do not want the replaced items?
If replaced items are not picked up, Chopped Upholstery will assess a $30 refuse fee for the disposal of unwanted materials. This fee covers handling and disposal in accordance with shop policy.