Bookbinding is a bit of a touchy subject - not everone has the same idea as to what the results could possibly be. Also, they may have seen "lesser" efforts and so might be afraid of the possible results, or it could be that they've seen some of the really exceptional works of art binding and want something really special.
At No Bar Code, we always work with the client to find exactly the right materials and to execute the project with the client's ideas in the forefront, backed up by ten years bookbinding experience and competent problem-solving.
A book may be bound (as in, it was never before bound or was only just recently made into a book); it may be re-bound (the old binding is lacking and cannot be repaired, or is no longer aesthetically desireable); or, it may be artistically bound (it is a limited edition for which the client desires special treatment).
We always use archive-quality bookbinding leathers for bookbinding projects, unless cost and time are really important factors and the client specifically demands locally-available leathers in the shortest delays. All of the other materials we use are of archive-quality as well : glues, papers, cloths, threads and are obtained locally whenever possible.
See also the sections on repairs - for those bindings you wish to give new life to - and containers and boxes - to help protect a precious book or object.