How can you help clients refine their tastes?
1) Ask them to do research by going through magazines etc to find styles they like and dislike.
2) Guide clients with choice of magazines
3) Suggest they go through magazines before next meeting.
Managing budget expectations. How do you start?
Despite client giving budget number, come up with own plan that achieves the look/style and standards client wants and present them with number you think it will cost to achieve that look. Client can always cut costs on certain items along the way.
If client wants a less expensive option, what do you say/do?
Agree with them and go back to the drawing board. "While I can't guarantee that I can do everything you want within your budget, I'll try to keep it within range."
What are the steps to presenting a preliminary budget?
1) Setup appointment
2) Take out presentation of room design and explain it to them
3) Explain what plan is about with objects and how you think the plan achieves them
4) Once they have a good grasp, go into the copy of the preliminary budget which lists each item and cost.
What should the preliminary budget NOT include?
The total cost- only price of each individual item.
What is your strategy to get client to approve total cost? What do you say when total cost is revealed?
by reviewing each item line by line and getting client's approval of cost so that when it comes to the total, they will hopefully accept it.
"Of course you can see the budget has come to "#". While this is more than you want to spend, I think we can do a truly fine job.
Proceed with: "I would like to make this room absolutely perfect..something you will enjoy and your friends will admire. But if you feel its too much, of course we'll have to compromise"
What is another way to soften the blow of total cost?
Remind them that payments will be gradual, with payments made in half and balance due at time of delivery or project.
If they still want a a smaller budget what do you do?
Say you understand and that you can work together to bring down the cost. Go through each line item one by one again.
Show your commitment by including what in all discussions?
"We and Our"
Create designer relationship through warmth and trust.
What are some tips for taking a client shopping?
1) ensure you have been there first and know where everything is and details of pieces
2) Shopping time should be 3-4 hours max with client
3) Don't take client wallpaper and fabric shopping as it can be overwhelming.
What are some things you can say when dealing with impossible deadline requests?
1) It takes time for the contractors and designers to do a good job and come up with good ideas
2) Reassure them you'll do everything necessary to move the job along without delay.
3) If there is a real deadline, remind them they will pay a premium to expedite the job.
What is the secret to a good client-designer relationship?
Anticipating problems and communicating them before (if they) arise.