FAQ
As you explore SlingMasters for your patio refreshing needs, please familiarize yourself with our process by reading this FAQ.
Once you place an order, I hand select your choice fabric, cut it to your customized measurements, and sew it myself on a SAILRITE 111 Industrial sewing machine. I print your packing slip and mail it to your shipping address directly through USPS.
I mention this because, quality and direct care are principals of our business model. When you call to inquire about your order, I will 99% of the time be able to directly place my mind on the step in the process your order is in. You'll never hear "I don't know, I'll have to get back to you." This streamline business t customer relationship is what has built SlingMasters from our beginnings in 1989 to where she is today. The drawback is, alas, I am only one man.
"Management is, above all, a practice where art, science, and craft meet" - Henry Mintzberg, Mechanical Engineer and business lecturer
My solution was to devise this FAQ to better meet your needs, let you in on some valuable questions I've recieved over the season, and allow you to come to an informed place in our customer relationship so that I may stay attentive to all customers throughout the day. My intent is that, I can focus my attention to my craft on the SAILRITE 111 and let this FAQ do some of the explantion for us.
How do I use this website?
https://www.slingmasters.com/ordering/
Are taxes included? Yes.
Where's my order? UPDATE 6/29/2020: Please expect jobs to be shipped 4-6 weeks after ordering. We will send you an email tracking update when your item has shipped. Please call us only after 6 weeks have passed since you placed your order. We STILL have the quickest turn-around time, beating our competitors.
How late are you open? I'm in EST. I'm usually up around 6am sewing. In the afternoon, placing orders from our suppliers. After lunch, typically I'm sewing or in the cutting shop. The best way to reach me is by email with a concise question and I'll get back to you when I'm wrapping up at the end of the day. 10a-4p is the best time to email. Please call only if you need help ordering or if your item doesn't arrive after 6 weeks post order.
What size spline? Most chairs need a spline of Medium. However, denser fabrics may need Large spline. Small spline isn't common, but is available in bulk or small orders and used for many Chinese brands.
What are the grades of fabrics? Do any fabrics get too hot in the sun? In order of durability: FP. FX. FT. FS. FL. However, we guarantee all of our fabrics as being outdoor weatherized. Black fabrics get hotter, but not intolerably.
How do I measure? https://www.slingmasters.com/videos/. Scroll down to the video on our preferred measurements instructions. Make sure you have a pen and paper! You'll be prompted to enter the measurements as you complete your order, which can be entered as a fraction or a decimal. ( i.e. 18.5" or 18 1/2 in)
"I feel like this will never fit." we guarantee our materials stretch to fit your custom dimensions. That said, I understand first hand how difficult it can be. Please check out our videos on the subject. https://www.slingmasters.com/videos/ and know that many happy customers once had the same dilemma. Our spreader tool can be a miracle product, in this instance.
What else, if anything, do I need to buy? https://www.slingmasters.com/spreader-tool/ With nearly 70 reviews, our handmade spreader tools made locally bring ease to the installation process. Add one to your order to avoid any difficulty with the process.
How do I install? https://www.slingmasters.com/videos/ Check out our video on this subject. Follow up with any questions.
I need help completing my order. If you're truly needing assistance, please call me between 10a - 4p EST. I can help you place an order over the phone. You'll still need the measurements and to decide your fabric choice. Please have a loved one help you as much as necessary.