Most idle time is not due to a lack of parts, it's due to a lack of knowledge
Pat Blank, Director of Training for Furniture Answers

To learn how to do simple repairs on upholstery items and wood case good furniture, visit Furniture Answers website - www.furnitureanswers.com.

Furniture repair training is not just about repairing furniture."  So says Pat Blank, director of Training for Furniture Answers. "In fact it's not even about furniture. It's about adopting a whole new mind set as to how one should look at things."

Damaged furniture is still an asset
Managers should not be looking at damaged furniture as an "expensive problem". "It simply doesn't need to be that way," said Blank. "For less money than it takes to get a cup of coffee each morning, a staff member can be trained to handle 90% of the repair problems right in the store, or even in the customers' home."

Blank explained, "In my experience, once most people have an introduction to repair, they begin to develop a new way of looking at damage. Most idle time is not due to a lack of parts, it's due to a lack of knowledge. Once the knowledge is in place, the question changes from 'I don't know what to do here' to 'How can I get this done'."

Documentation
According to Furniture Answers, once managers start keeping track of the amount of time and money not spent on out-sourcing repairs or discounting rental rates, they tend to get a lot more aggressive about having their do repairs. The more simple repairs completed, the sharper their skills get, and the array of tasks they are comfortable handling grows.

"Another good motivator for staff is certification," added Blank. "Managers are picking a few people who seem to have the aptitude for handling a little more responsibility, giving them a new title, and getting them certified in various types of repair. The investment pays dividends immediately, and continues to do so for as long as there are things to be fixed."