The present position of the upholstered furniture industry, its problems and recommendetions

The purpose of this study is to identify the structural features of the upholstered furniture industry in Turkey, its analysis, determining its problems and providing recommendation as to their solution. For this reason, first the problems faced relating to upholstered furniture by consumers according to demographic characteristics and second the type of problems encountered by manufacturers according to their corporate structure have been identified. For this study, 325 consumers and 90 manufacturing establishments were selected using questionnaires and observation-discussion methods.Among demographic variables the complaints voiced the most were: ?fabric aging?, ?sounds and creaks? and ?constructional cracks in joint parts?, while the least complaint was ?peeling of paint and varnish.? Among consumers, the first reason in replacing upholstered furniture was, ?completed its expected life.? The second reason was ?changing homes.? Another reason for changing was ?marriage and change in social status? and consequently the need for new furniture. On the subject of upholstered furniture, when taking into account complaints by consumers and the reasons for replacing upholstered furniture, when analyzed against all demographic variables, it can be concluded that there are similar complaints and reasons for replacing.According to the corporate structure of enterprises (size of enterprises, its provincial location and legal situation), results such as, ?the high cost of manufacturing expenses?, ?untimely delivery of raw materials? and ?obtaining skilled employees? were among the leading issues encountered by the enterprises as it related to manufacturing.In the problem relating to ?the high cost of manufacturing expenses,? the main reason can be said to be the costs of materials and labors. Due in general to the labor-intensive nature of the upholstered furniture industry, hand craftsmanship has an important place and makes up the largest part of product costs. The ?untimely delivery of raw materials? can result in the stoppage of the production line. The problem of ?obtaining qualified employees,? addresses the weakness of professional education which is given by the enterprises for their own workfore. The importance of occupational technical training in obtaining qualified manpower is once again evident in this industry.In resolving the problems faced by the enterprises, one-side efforts looking for ways solving the problems related to Enterprises may not be enough. The government side should also look for ways and foster to increase the productivity and competitiveness of upholstered furniture industry within the country and in world trade.