We all want our interior design clients to love us and spread the word on how great our business is. And the good news is that it really takes just small efforts to create a business that wows clients and that in turn, helps client retention, smoother projects, greater client loyalty, more referrals, and helps you stand out from the competition. Plus clients want to know they’re an integral part of your business and you appreciate their patronage.
Read MoreYou’ve probably heard that we apologize too much. We often apologize when we shouldn’t or when it’s not necessary or authentic.
Maybe you apologize to the chair when you bump into it. Maybe you apologize to your cat when you move it off your keyboard. Perhaps you apologize in your automated out-of-office replies. Maybe you’re saying “sorry” in most of your outbound emails.
Read MoreSo many times after a project sours designers tell me that there were red flags from the get-go. So the good thing is that potential clients will usually reveal from the start that they're not the right clients for you.
Too often designers, especially new designers, are so eager for work and to get hired that red flags are ignored or they don't know what to look out for. In the beginning, there are a few areas that you should consider before accepting and moving forward with a project.
Read MoreI see this question a lot. So I'm going to share with you how I handle returns. Remember, this is how I do it, that doesn't mean that it is the right way to handle it for your business. It's just one way to do it.
The first thing you need to do is accurate set up your client's expectations. This means that you put a refund policy in your contract, not only for product and orders, but also for the markup on that product, for your time procuring and expediting that product, shipping and freight fees, install costs, and restocking fees.
Read MoreDo you ever find yourself venting about your clients? Do you find yourself complaining that they found that chandelier cheaper after you emailed a tear sheet? Have you ever lamented that they changed their minds after touching, approving, paying, and installing the rug?
While client woes are all part of the job, there is a fine line between normal complaints and downright hostility.
And lately, I have seen too much hostility towards clients and what has started to feel like a battleground.
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