Auto Trim

Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

October 27, 2013 by Fred Mattson

Giving fair price estimates is one of the most important skills that an independent auto trimmer needs in order to succeed. While over charging isn’t good for customers, under charging isn’t good for shops. In effect, estimates can either make or break an auto upholstery business. … [Read more...] about Estimating 101: What You Need to Know

Photo: Six-Shooter Motorcycle Seat

October 25, 2013 by Naseem

I've seen motorcycle seats decked out in skulls, flames, dragons, snakes — you name it. But this elegantly handcrafted saddle seat is by far the most bad ass of all. If John Wayne rode a steel horse, it would definitely have one of these. … [Read more...] about Photo: Six-Shooter Motorcycle Seat

Levi’s Gremlin: With Seats of the Pants

October 23, 2013 by Nadeem

Here on The Hog Ring, we've written a lot about the fusion of auto upholstery with fashion, but it's certainly not a new concept. In 1973, the AMC Gremlin was offered with an optional Levi's interior. Real jeans weren't used though. Because fire-safety regulations prohibited the use of denim, the automaker spun nylon to look like the genuine article. … [Read more...] about Levi’s Gremlin: With Seats of the Pants

Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?

October 22, 2013 by Marc Fisher

What follows is a touching personal account by Marc Fisher of Auto Trim by Fisher in Lubbock, TX on how he got his start in auto upholstery, as well as a few of the lessons he learned along the way about how to compensate employees. These are the types of stories and life lessons that only true veterans of the craft could share... … [Read more...] about Paying Staff Hourly, Salary or Commission?