Upholstery kits vs Professional job

[cairopd1069]

If any of you have looked at my restoration thread, you will know that I have a long way to go, but I like to find out all the info I can. What is the advantage of buying a seat upholstery kit from a supplier vs having a local upholstery shop sew and install new seat covers etc? I plan on putting tweed in the center of the back and bottom and vinyl along the edges, not concerned with originality. I have not got a price and I have never had any upholstery work done. If anyone would be willing to tell me what they paid for a local upholstery shop to recover their seats (nothing fancy, just vinyl and cloth), I would appreciate it, that would give me an idea of what to expect. I will take mine to get an estimate as soon as I get an idea of what experiences members have had.
66 Coronet 440; 2dr HT; Bench seats

 

[soundhd]

Aftermarket kits are for those willing to keep that "original factory" look...........custom shops can try and duplicate original seat and door panel patterns but will cost a lot more and they usually cannot duplicate the "pressed" patterns you find on door panels. What custom shops can do is make really nice custom work using a variety of materials, patterns, ect.... Really depends on what you are trying to do.....