“COM” and “COL”: What Does it Mean in the Furniture Industry?

October 12, 2023 by
“COM” and “COL”: What Does it Mean in the Furniture Industry?
Clemens Rudolph

In the realm of furniture design and manufacturing, the abbreviations "COM" and "COL" play a significant role. These acronyms stand for "customers’ own material" and "customers’ own leather," respectively. In the context of custom furniture orders, a clear understanding of these terms is vital for both buyers and sellers. These acronyms denote the option for customers to supply their chosen materials or leather, contributing to the uniqueness and personalization of the final piece of furniture. However, while COM and COL offer distinctive and tailored results, several crucial factors need to be weighed, including cost considerations, lead times, quality control, and implications for warranties.

Demystifying COM (Customers’ Own Material)

COM fabric, an abbreviation for "customers’ own material," signifies the use of materials provided by the customer in the manufacturing of furniture. These materials encompass a wide array of choices, from upholstery fabric and outdoor fabrics to leather and more. The allure of COM fabric lies in its capacity to empower customers to handpick materials that resonate with their preferences, making it an ideal choice for those seeking truly unique furniture pieces.

The advantages of COM fabric are manifold. First and foremost, it grants customers access to a diverse selection of materials and textures that might not be found in the manufacturer's standard offerings. This encompasses premium fabrics, specialty materials, and even vintage or antique textiles. Additionally, using COM fabric can often be a cost-effective choice, as customers can frequently procure materials at a lower cost than what a manufacturer would charge.

COM fabric is prized for the individuality it bestows upon custom furniture. It offers an opportunity to create pieces that are a true reflection of the customer's style and preferences.

Unpacking COL (Customers’ Own Leather)

COL, which stands for "customers’ own leather," mirrors the concept of COM but relates specifically to leather. Much like COM fabric, COL allows customers to provide their preferred leather for use in furniture manufacturing. It is an ideal choice for individuals seeking unique, high-quality leather in their furniture pieces.

One of the key advantages of using COL is the wide spectrum of leather types and colors available, often beyond what is offered in a manufacturer's standard catalog. This includes premium leather, specialty hides, and even vintage or antique leather. Just as with COM, using COL can prove cost-effective, allowing customers to procure quality leather materials at a lower cost.

The Practical Application of COM and COL in Custom Furniture Orders

When customers opt to integrate COM or COL into their custom furniture orders, they typically provide the materials directly to the manufacturer. The process may vary based on the manufacturer's specifications and the materials or leathers chosen.

For instance, when a customer provides their fabric for a custom sofa, the manufacturer might stipulate the quantity of fabric required based on the sofa's dimensions. The customer would then purchase the requisite amount of fabric and send it to the manufacturer. The manufacturer, in turn, uses the provided fabric to upholster a made-to-measure sofa in accordance with the customer's specifications. A similar process applies to COL, except that leather is the material of choice. In this case, the customer furnishes the leather, which the manufacturer uses to cover the furniture piece.

It's important for customers to bear in mind that the incorporation of COM or COL might entail a longer timeline compared to ordering a standard piece of furniture. This is because the manufacturer must adapt to and work with the provided materials or leathers. Furthermore, customers should be aware that using their materials or leather can make it more challenging to control quality and ensure the longevity of the item.

Despite the potential challenges, COM and COL are immensely popular in the furniture industry. Their appeal lies in the opportunity to create truly unique and personalized pieces that reflect the customer's style and taste.

Key Considerations When Using COM or COL

Choosing to use COM or COL in custom furniture orders necessitates thoughtful consideration of several important factors:

1. Cost: Although using customers’ materials or leathers can be cost-effective, it's essential to account for the price of these materials and any additional expenses related to their shipment and handling. The cost of using COM or COL may also include longer lead times, further contributing to the overall expense of the custom order.

2. Quality Control and Durability: Given that manufacturers may have limited control over the quality of materials or leather provided by the customer, it's crucial to ensure that these meet the manufacturer's standards for quality and durability. Customers should also acquaint themselves with the warranty and return policies for custom orders, which may differ from those for standard orders.

3. Pattern Considerations: Many fabrics and leathers feature patterns, each characterized by a "repeat" where the pattern cycle begins and ends. Customers opting for patterned materials should provide the manufacturer with specific details, including the size of the pattern repeat and the desired direction (vertical or horizontal). Additionally, it's prudent to supply extra material to ensure seamless pattern alignment.

4. Realistic Expectations: Customers must maintain realistic expectations about the final product when using COM or COL. It's essential to understand that the outcome may not align precisely with the manufacturer's standard offerings, and variations in color or texture might arise from the materials or leathers employed.

In Conclusion:

In summary, the utilization of COM and COL in custom furniture orders has the potential to yield unique and personalized results. COM fabric enables customers to choose their preferred materials, while COL offers the same opportunity with leather. These choices enhance the individuality and uniqueness of custom furniture pieces. However, the decision to use COM or COL necessitates a thorough assessment of cost, lead times, quality control, and warranty implications. While these factors require careful consideration, the use of COM and COL can result in furniture pieces that genuinely reflect the customer's personal style and taste.

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