TMC Restoration Keep adding Zeroes Brampton Ontario

Like most of the folks filing reports on this company, I discovered TMC Restoration at a weekend homeshow and signed up for a free estimate on having my two wing chairs reupholstered.  I have done my own upholstering in the past, so am familiar with the time and materials involved.  However, I was not sure what the fees are for having it professionally done.  So this seemed like a great opportunity.

The TMC Rep arrived a day early, which was fine as they called to ask first.  "Joe" immediately complimented me on my small collection of older furniture and started rattling off their "restored" values as I asked what type of wood one was made of, how the interest was for pieces like this, etc.  It was fun!  

Then we looked at my chairs.  He reviewed their condition and we agreed on the work they would be needing.  Then he sat down and put together not one but three quotes for me: the standard quote, the company quote "for groups that are doing a lot of work," and an employee quote.  I was unpleasantly appalled when he flashed me a low quote of $5,331 for having two chairs redone, with my OWN fabric I already had!  

The sad part is after his lengthy presentation on various work they have done, along with before and after photos, a huge book of testamonials including the Royal Ontario Museum and Casa Loma, I was thinking maybe I needed to adjust my reality!  So I agreed to it, and within ten minutes of time to myself did a complete reversal.  Upon calling to cancel the pick-up, he called back to say the boss told him they could do it, "Break even price," for $3,595.  I told him I would think it over for a night. "Nononono" was the basic retort.  "We have a truck coming up to your area tonight, if you don't use that shipment we'll have to charge you $160 shipping one way."  Resolute, I told him I'd take my chances and would like to price out a few local businesses to make sure I would be supporting my local community.  I could hear him deflate on the phone.

Why?

Why indeed?  A darling local upholsterer and his wife came out the next day.  I'd gone to their shop years ago and was impressed by how clean it was and his helpful attitude.  They quickly reviewed the work needed, explained to me what would need replacing, and that it would take a fair amount of work.  OKay I said.  

So the price? $450 for each chair, $900 total.  Indeed!

TMC will use every pressure tactic in the salesman books to push you into jumping in NOW, only because as soon as you come up for air and look around, you'll find they're over-charging by at least 1,000%.  "Well, we have skilled European craftsmen, they take their time and do it right," they'll tell you.  In my case, I'm also getting the work done by a skilled European craftsman. He's also semi-retired, but if he likes the project and the fabric, he does it for the enjoyment it still gives him (could be sales pitch but he told me that as they were driving away with my project ;-)  

TMC may specialize in refined work, but I have to say they really specialize in taking advantage of the growing ignorance of this line of work.  There are very few people left who can really do the job the right way, but they will charge you a reasonable price for materials and labor.  TMC is all about financing their hugely inflated marketing plan.  

Wear garlic, put on a crucifix, do whatever you want to avoid being trapped in this sales scheme-if you're only looking for a free quote, don't bother.  It won't even be in the ballpark of what a quality shop will charge you.