Upholsterer invoice template

How do upholsterers usually invoice?

Upholsterers quote per piece with labour and fabric shown separately, because customers often supply their own fabric or choose from a sample book with a per-metre price, and take a deposit of around 50% when the fabric is ordered. The balance is due on delivery of the finished piece. Collection and delivery, new foam and fire-retardant interliners are separate lines, and the fire safety label fitted is noted for upholstery sold on.

Upholsterers in this example give the customer 7 days to pay, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £30 to £55. A full day is typically £220 to £400.

What should a upholsterer put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, upholsterers should:

• Show labour and fabric separately with the metres used and the price per metre.
• Take 50% when fabric is ordered; it is cut to the job and cannot be returned.
• List foam, springs and interliners as separate lines so the customer sees what was replaced.
• State that the piece complies with furniture fire safety regulations and the label fitted.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do upholsterers charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for upholsterers is usually “Repairing personal or household goods” at 10% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.