What the customer is buying.
WHAT A QUOTATION SHOULD STATE
What is being made, described precisely Dimensions Materials and finish Hardware specified
What is included: delivery, installation, making good
What is excluded Price and payment terms Lead time Validity period
WHY DIMENSIONS SPECIFICALLY
Disagreement about size is common and it is unresolvable without a written figure.
WHAT TO CONFIRM WITH DRAWINGS OR IMAGES
The design.
WHY
Verbal descriptions of furniture are interpreted differently by everyone.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
A drawing, however simple, signed or acknowledged.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT FINISH
Colour, sheen and method.
WHY
Finish disputes are the commonest complaint after fit.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
A sample, on the actual material.
WHY ON THE ACTUAL MATERIAL
The same finish appears different on different timber.
WHAT TO STATE ABOUT TIMBER
That natural variation in colour and grain occurs.
WHY
Customers expecting uniformity are disappointed by solid timber.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CHANGES
That changes after work begins are priced and approved.
WHY
Changes to furniture in progress are expensive and frequently impossible.
WHAT TO TAKE
A deposit covering materials, at minimum.
WHY
Bespoke furniture has no other buyer.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Payment on completion, before delivery.
WHAT TO AVOID
Delivering before final payment.
