Soam's Custom Upholstery - San Francisco, California

Jackie Bender

Soam helped me refurbish a mid-century chair with detached cushions that belonged to my grandfather. I'm leaving a 2 star review primarily because the quote I originally received was incomplete and the final project turned out almost double what I thought when I agreed to move forward. Had I known the final price, I likely would would have looked for another solution as the price is not worth the value.

First, the good:
- Soam is friendly, was on time for appointments, and helped me pick out a good fabric and color for the cushions. We discussed how to preserve the integrity of the chair while making it usable again.

What led to my two star review:
- Price: when I decided to move forward with the project I thought the cost would be $650, inclusive of the fabric/foam. Later I was told fabric and foam were extra, plus shipping (for the fabric?), and sales tax, which made the total $1105. I would not have moved forward with this if I had known the price would be this high. So for anyone looking to get work here, I strongly recommend you get a complete estimate with all the lines on his invoice form filled out even if it says they are estimates subject to revision.

- Communication: to my surprise, I was informed when I picked up the chair that the original cushions had been thrown away. I was not asked whether this was my preference, and indeed it was not as they had sentimental value for me given that this was my grandfather's chair. He suggested that I should have informed him of this preference (!!). I'm still shocked.

Also despite having discussed not wanting to make any new holes in the chair frame, I discovered two new hooks drilled into inside corners to which a protective cover was attached over the chair slats. I don't think the placement of them did any serious damage to the frame, but again I wish he had discussed it with me first.

- Design choices: I think the cushion are well made, but the design is not ideal. The shape and thickness deviated from the original cushions (thickness we discussed, shape we did not - again with assumptions), and ultimately it doesn't work as well as the original design, both for how they lock into the chair, and for the overall aesthetic. So you should be very specific with him about what you want, and also trust your own sense of design rather than placing complete trust in his opinion. Ideally you go to an expert to get advice and years of experience to inform your choices, but it doesn't always work out.

Patrick Ma

Went to visit this shop to get a quote. Unfortunately, it seemed that the owner seemed most interested in how much could squeeze out of the potential job. First straight off, asking me for what I did for work with the intent of determining some manner of economic status. Now I am all in for supporting local businesses and happy to pay good wages for a job well done, but being in the manufacturing business myself, I knew something seemed a little off when Soam quoted me $1200 for the leather hide. Working in sourcing leather for producing some of my own consumer goods, a full hide of around 55-60 sq ft of 3oz premium Italian cowhide retails (this is without discounts to the trade) for around $685.00. Soam quoted me $1200 for 40-45 sq ft. Then he quoted me $700 to recover one of my Emeco Navy Officer chairs (in overall very good condition) claiming this was, "one of the most difficult jobs to do". Again, it seemed he was trying to justify the labor rates based on "complexity". After he quoted the $700 per chair (x2), plus the $1200 for the leather hide, he then lost eye contact, looked away and down for a moment, and said the job was actually going to be $3000.00 for the job with a slight question mark, as if to see if I would bite. I could see it on his face that he wasn't being honest. Yeah know sometimes you just get that vibe, and Soam gave that off in spades. Perhaps he really did know something I did not about the Emeco chairs, can't say for certain, but working with all kinds of people in manufacturing, Soam just seemed off (very off) in his quotations and his demeanor. Your mileage may certainly vary with Soam, but mine was stalled at the starting line.

JaZ24

I had a wonderful experience with this establishment this past week. They had the exact type of foam I needed for replacement inserts for 2 custom couch cushions. They have to be cut to order but the wait is only a week. Best of all was the exceptional and personalized service and especially the kindness of the owner. I felt like a beloved family member was helping me and I was offered to have my pieces delivered to my home since I don’t drive. I highly recommend this upholstery store and please, support our local shops!

Suzanne Habley

This was the perfect place to have new sofa seat covers made. The fabric was as near to the original as you can get,the quality of the finished product was excellent, the interactions were fun, and the covers were finished before I had expected ! ?
Wonderful craftsmanship and super nice people!

Beth Silver

I had such a good experience having my sofa cushions refurbished. Excellent job and very nice person. Will definitely be back.

Benjamin Lewis

he's great. did a wonderful job putting new upholstery on a chair and is super nice. highly recommend.

Sockna Dice