16/01/2024
👆👆This is something that I think most new Interior Designers struggle with their first year in business.
I know I did.🙋♀️
🙈🙈That shyness when asking for money for your services - wanting to go the extra mile to just keep a client happy. Telling yourself if you make your Client happy, no matter what, it'll stand to you in the long run with a good review or a great photoshoot for your portfolio!🤷♀️
🙏🙏Well that's all lovely. But it's no use to you or your happy clients if you go broke and your business fails!!
🙇♀️It's also a sure-fire way to lose the respect of your clients and have them walk all over you. 😬😬
💫💫So how do you break this cycle early in your business and start commanding your true value?
👋👋Well, I'm here to tell you that asking for payment is what your clients expect. It's part of the process!!
💰💰Here are 5 things you can do to avoid awkward money conversations and ensure you get paid properly;
1️⃣ Package your services as modules that clients can purchase and add on as they need them. Eg - package 1, the drawing set, package 2, specification and sourcing package, package 3 construction management etc
2️⃣ Charge upfront for your services or 50% on commencement of each phase and 50% close to delivery or on a specific trigger date.
3️⃣ Track your time meticulously using a time tracker for any services you offer by the hour, such as shopping trips, project management etc.
4️⃣ Make sure your client knows the phases of work in advance and the trigger dates for each payment as well as clearly understanding how your hourly rates work. Offer hourly packages in advance - eg buy 10 hours upfront.
5️⃣ Detail the scope of work to be performed clearly at the start of the project and get signed agreement on that scope. Make it known that any scope creep will add to the cost.
👋👋If you're new here, Hi 👋 I'm Caroline. I'm an Interior Architect running a busy Design Business.
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👩💻👩💻Want to learn Sketchup? DM me the word Sketchup or Click the magic link in my bio 💫💫💫
