The BIG Mistake to Avoid

There's one big mistake that new - and even seasoned - Interior Designers often make. What is it? Undercharging for their services.

NEVER undercharge for your services as a method of bringing in clients.

I know it can feel so scary to charge what you believe you’re worth. I’ve been there and I know the fear that comes with it.

What if no one will hire me?

What if I’m left with no clients? 

I get it. But this belief is holding you back!! The truth is this: only in charging for our true value do we start to attract the dream projects and clients, and achieve the financial success we want so badly. It saddens me that so many Interior Designers get stuck in this cycle of undercharging and then feeling bad about themselves afterwards!   

And there is much conflicting information out there on what to charge and how to charge. No wonder so many designers are frustrated and confused!  Let's dive into this issue and get some clarity.

Why you shouldn't undercharge for your services

You should never undercharge for your services because it devalues the hard work and training you have put in to becoming a professional interior designer. It's important to remember that you are providing a service and should be compensated appropriately. Charging too little could lead to frustration on your part, ultimately leading to burnout and unhappiness.

Sometimes it may be tempting to lower your prices in order to attract clients. While this can be a tempting option, especially when starting out in the interior design business, it's important to point out that this tactic rarely works the way we expect it to.

Often times, you end up getting a handful of low-quality clients.  They tend to have small budget projects, are highly demanding, and aren't the most pleasant to work with.  Add in the fact that they rarely turn out to be your ideal client type, and you have a recipe for overwork, stress, and unhappiness.  Not to mention this can impact the quality of your work, ultimately impacting your reputation as a designer. 

So what should you charge?

If you are just starting out in the interior design business, there are a few things you should consider before setting your prices. First, research the going rates for interior designers in your area. This will give you a good idea of what others in your field are charging and will help you to set a fair price for your services. We talk more about pricing inside Design + Thrive.  So if you've been struggling with your pricing, you'll definitely want to get access to the pricing information inside Design + Thrive.  Hop on my calendar if you'd like to learn more.

If you're still struggling with charging what you're worth, I'd like you to think about the value you are providing to your clients. Interior design is a growing profession, and more people are beginning to see the importance of hiring a professional designer. When you provide high-quality services that improve the look and function of your client's home, you are providing a highly valuable service. This should be reflected in your pricing. Your work is worth it!

If you found this article helpful and would like more of the same, I'd love to invite you to Design + Thrive, my program designed to help you create a thriving Interior Design business capable of turning you into a 6+ figure design firm!  Click here to learn more.