Capture the shape before shopping
Photograph the molding straight on, at an angle and at an exposed end if one is already accessible. Include a ruler for height and projection. Record where it changes at door casing, corners or floor transitions. Do not remove sound material just to obtain a sample; a loose offcut or an existing exposed edge may be enough for an initial comparison.
Decide where a match must be exact
A repair in the middle of a long visible run exposes small differences more than a complete section ending at natural breaks. Discuss a close stock profile, a custom reproduction or replacing a whole run. Each has a different balance of material sourcing, labor and consistency. A sample held beside the original is more useful than a product name alone.
Include the finish boundary
Paint sheen, accumulated coatings and wood grain can make a profile match look different after installation. Define whether finishing stops at the patch, a complete board or the room. Ask for damaged backing or moisture to be addressed before the new trim goes on. For a quote, send the measured length, profile photos and the visible endpoint you want the repair to reach.