Recommendation for Upholstery shop

[PerryBpilot]

I am trying to get "in line" for winter upholstery project.
I am in Central Kentucky and willing to deliver (trying to stay within 300 miles) my 2000 230 Maristar to the "right" shop.....
I prefer a shop familiar with MasterCraft products and owner expectations
I have researched and read a lot about Viper, really afraid of there MC reputation.... I also reached out to Top Performance Marine had a pleasant and helpful phone conversation, then emailed photos not just once, not twice but you guessed it THREE times with no response. Leaning towards strike 3 youre out.....
Any other recommendations?????

[bturner2]

Well you hit the top 2 that I've heard of so you're kind of running dry on the high end shops.

As to responses...... None of these shops seem to have that great of customer service, well at least not the "bend the knee, kiss my butt, spend endless hours answering questions and responding to Emails" kind of customer service we've come to expect. Most are smaller shops owned by the craftsmen that do the actual work or have built the shop up starting from the shop floor. They're not paid by a corporation and only make money when work is completed and sent out the door. This is their very busy time seasonally speaking for them just as it is for all the boat dealers and marinas. The truth is your "potential" business is a bird in the bush while they have 10 in their hands. So tell me which customers would you put on the back burner and which would you focus on?

Don't get me wrong, I get it you're going to be spending a ton of very good money on a project and want to be sure it's going to be done right and on time. I also think expecting some kind of response in a timely manor and some level of customer service is an indication of professionalism but again I would temper that with seasonal awareness. Heck I've more than once worked on a friend of a friend's boat after the local dealer laughed at them when he asked about getting it in for some service in the next 2 weeks and were told they could bring it in but they may not get to it for 3.

If you really want to have a conversation with a couple shops I would suggest a making a road trip and talking to 2 or 3 shops in person. Try calling ahead to make an appointment and be prepared with pictures of your boat, the scope of the project as you see it and any ideas you have about interior design or additional work you want done. I've done this when shopping for boat covers and the difference in response from the business owner is stark.

In these days of Internet shopping, shops like this can be inundated by tire kickers and lonely Email shoppers with endless questions, which small businesses like these have little time for. Nothing says I'm serious about doing business like taking the time to be there in person.

Best of luck with your project.

[PerryBpilot]

Thank BTurner, I appreciate your perspective. I am a small business owner and agree with your insights. But lack of communication or response indicates to me a lack of interest in my job either I am too busy or your job is too small. Just my 2 cents and I may be over charging.
Very simply, I am looking for quality work at a fair price which in my book is great value. The project has to be mutually beneficial!

[neil.anderson63]

Sent you a PM

[PerryBpilot]

Spoke with Johnathon at Top Performance Marine today.
Starting the process with them, will advise.......

[waterlogged882]

Spoke with Johnathon at Top Performance Marine today.
Starting the process with them, will advise.......

Take Neil's advice and tip. Been there...both places.

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[Wheelin98TJ]

Take Neil's advice and tip. Been there...both places.

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Don't make him too busy, I need his services this off season.

[waterlogged882]

Don't make him too busy, I need his services this off season.

You know I get commission, right?


Not...


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[PerryBpilot]

Took Neill's advice also......

[Coach Mike]

If you're interested in going further, check out C&E in Eagan, MN. Tom was amazing to work with and our then 2000 Prostar 190 interior turned out great. I pulled the skins, sent them to him to redo in all new MC materials (updated stuff not just direct replacements). We then drove the shells to him and they put them all together in a day. Drove it all home and I put them back in the boat. I have a post from our project a couple of years ago - did it over winter too.

https://www.candeupholstery.com/