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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
It Looks So Easy!
A 30-minute decorating show on television dosen't even begin
to convey the true-to-life process.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
It seems every time I turn on the television recently, some
program features someone giving some type of advice, tips, new ideas
or decorating problems that need to be solve . . . most of which
are worthless as it seems.
As a decorating store in Midland, TX, I have built up a steady stream
of repeat clients who are dedicated to my business. Recently, there
has been a real concern from customers asking me if things are as
easy as they seem on television. Their questions range from, “Can
I really sew my window treatments that quickly?” to “Installing
flooring looks simple, can I really complete the project?”
and “Is it that inexpensive to repair my cracked wall and
ceiling?”
Could you please offer some true-to-life answers for these clients,
as I seem to be loosing some of my business?
SOLUTION: As professionals
in the decorating field, we know that any type of home remodel or
decorating solution does not come easy. Television appears to make
everything seem so quick and easy. There is a lot of editing done
to those shows and much of the real work gets compressed into mere
seconds of airtime! Behind the scenes is where it all happens, from
that first encounter with the client to the completion of the project
at hand.
The best way to deal with this dilemma is to be upfront and honest
with each client and answer their questions fully and honestly.
Conduct a meeting with the client and layout the true-to-life scenario
of processes, costs, materials, labor, quality of work, etc. This
procedure will look a lot different diagramed out on paper, than
having the customer try to understand all the procedures from a
30-minute television program that seems to make the whole project
so simple. It is better for you to know the pitfalls of each project
before it begins and to explain them to the client.
Clients today are becoming more savvy and are more aware of various
costs and procedures. One thing they sometimes do not understand,
however, is the time and effort it takes to complete the project.
Interior design and decorating professionals specialize in many
of the quick-fix projects that are presented on television and can
share the ins and outs of the problems and challenges that arise
in the different phases of a project.
A good idea to help solve the problem is to design a simple brochure
that lays out the costs and comparisons of five of the most common
projects that should be completed by a professional, based on the
type of business that you offer the client. This also will serve
as a marketing tool for homeowners. Staple your business card to
the brochures and have them readily available to clients as they
walk into your place of business. Also, try distributing them at
business events and new homes in the area.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles
written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many
questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well
as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you
have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send
it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson@adelphia.net
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the
residential and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently
a faculty member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has
been featured in numerous books and publications. |
