There’s nothing more frustrating than a customer who won’t pay a bill on time. It’s inconsiderate at best and financially stifling at worst.
While there’s no sure way to avoid tardy customers, you can take steps to limit the problem. Below are five of the best ways auto trim shops can get paid on time.
The craft of auto trim is usually learned through a vocational training program, long-term apprenticeship or a combination of both. It’s rare, however, that either track teaches those elements of industrial design – like illustration and 3D modeling – that automakers use to build modern interiors.
Of course, having a background in industrial design isn’t necessary to be successful in the field. Some of the best and most-innovative custom trim shops never touch a computer. But if it’s something that you’re interested in pursuing, Coventry University is the place to enroll.
Decades ago, American convertibles ruled the roads. But lately it seems that fewer ragtops are rolling through my shop; and the ones that do are all made overseas. Curious as to why, I did a little research and was shocked by what I found.
His name is Dr. Cranky and he’s a professional auto trimmer… for car models.
Funny enough, most of the tools he uses can be found in any elementary school student’s pencil case. However, the tips and tricks he offers are anything but elementary (can you sense the sarcasm?).
My favorite tip comes at 9:29: “Remember that most towelettes are FREE at the BBQ joints in most towns!”
Thanks for the tip Dr. Cranky!
Voris Upholstery and Randy’s Trim Shop of Whiteland, Indiana suffered a devastating fire on Wednesday that left one man hurt – with burns to his head and leg. No word on what caused the fire.
If you find that your car seat offers way more lumbar support than ordinary home furniture, you’re in luck. David Clark Designs (DCD) has unveiled a line of automotive furniture that brings the experience of sitting in the driver’s seat into your living room (or man cave).
Installing convertible tops should always be left to professional auto trimmers. But sometimes even the pros can use some help. Unlike mechanic shops, we can’t reference Chilton repair manuals for tips and advice, but if you look hard enough you may just find what you’re looking for.
After 40 years of doing automotive upholstery, Don of Porter Auto Trim in San Francisco, California closed up shop and moved to Alabama with his wife.
“Leaving a Legacy” is a short – 1.25 minute – documentary on his life story and career.
While no one’s life can be summed up only in a minute and a half, this short story is inspiring.
We wish Don and his wife all the best.
Are you an out-of-work auto trimmer? Fear not. We’ve scoured the internet for the latest employment opportunities in the field of auto upholstery and posted them on our jobs page. Best of all, we’ll continue to do so every week – so check back often!
Check out the convertible top on the all-new Mazda Miata MX-5 Spyder Concept. Instead of a standard folding soft top or retractable hard top, Mazda fitted this roadster with a lightweight canvas cover similar to what can be found on the Porsche Boxster Spyder.
