Over the past few years I’ve had some fun developing saddle restoration ideas, born from not wanting to pay California prices for NOS/NIB saddles but still wanting something “Show presentable” and or still rideable.
Happy customers during this time (off the top of my head - sorry if I’ve forgotten/missed someone)
Include
@Hotwheels. @Joe*Pro @Repacker @Once A Hero
Now up till now I’ve been quite happy doing this for the pleasure with a mates rates charge which tbh normally works out at below minimum wage as an hourly rate, which is not a problem if I’m doing it for the brotherhood, like I said I genuinely get a kick out bringing a Flite or a Pro-long back to life.
But… if I was to take the next step an offer a service via the many Facebook groups and maybe make a dedicated FB page I’d need to up the charge to make it worth my time.
So the question is do you think there’s a market out there?
For a price example a typical refurb includes;
1. clean of the plastic under side
2. Prep/re-spray rails black + lacquer
3. Re-glue skin to underside
4. Glue & fill cuts & splits
5. Deep clean leather surface
6. Re-dye leather (multiple coats sanding to 800 between coats)
7. Detail/freshen up text with leather dye
8. Multiple coats of flexible leather lacquer
9. Dress underside plastic
I normally charge around the £30 mark depending on how bad the saddle is and will only advise on the suitably of the saddle being fit for riding or “show only” once I’ve inspected the saddle first hand.
If I was doing this on a bigger scale I’d need to at least double this to £60 or even £80.
I’m wondering if this is starting to get into the replacement budget ballpark?
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