In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m continuing the conversation on overcoming design fee challenges, especially when it comes to hourly billing and managing expectations with legacy clients. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in small, unprofitable projects that end up taking more time than you anticipated, you’ll want to tune in!
I start by sharing real-life examples, such as a client’s outdoor wall sconces request and a reupholstering job that spiraled out of control, to illustrate the dangers of taking on small jobs that seem simple but quickly turn into time-consuming nightmares. Even experienced designers fall into this trap, but there’s a way to break the cycle.
The solution? Implementing a structured design fee formula. By setting a minimum design fee that’s appropriate for your business stage, you can avoid unprofitable projects, qualify potential clients more effectively, and elevate both your profitability and professionalism.
This episode is full of actionable advice on how to take control of your pricing and stop shrinking to fit smaller projects that don’t serve your business goals.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
Design Fee Challenges: The problems with hourly billing, especially when small jobs become bigger than expected.
Real-Life Examples: How small projects like wall sconces or reupholstering can quickly become unprofitable.
Breaking the Loop: Strategies for avoiding small, low-paying jobs and setting yourself up for success with the right systems.
Design Fee Formula: How to set a minimum design fee based on your business stage, and why it’s crucial for your growth.
Qualifying Clients: How to use your design fee structure to attract the right clients and avoid time-consuming, unprofitable jobs.
If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of undercharging for your services, this episode will help you break free and start charging what you’re truly worth.
Resources Mentioned:
Design Fee Formula – Use this formula to set a minimum design fee and ensure your projects are profitable.
Join me for my Design Fee Formula masterclass on November 20–21, where you’ll discover how to break free from hourly billing and create a business model that rewards your talent.
Additional Resources:
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