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ACTIONABLE BUSINESS STRATEGIES
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ARTICLES PUBLISHED WEEKLY
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EXPERT INSIGHTS & ADVICE FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS
| ACTIONABLE BUSINESS STRATEGIES I ARTICLES PUBLISHED WEEKLY | EXPERT INSIGHTS & ADVICE FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Welcome to The DTS Files for Interior Designers
Business analysis, advice, CLIENT INSIGHTS and field notes for interior designers
The DTS Files is a library of expert insights for interior designers who want to work in a more streamlined, efficient way. Articles are based on real-world consulting experience, strategies I've personally implemented in design businesses across the US and Canada, and a perspective most business educators can't offer: I've been on both sides of the table, as a business consultant and as a luxury design client. Read more below.
What Interior Designers Wish They Had Known When They Started Their Business
A recent discussion among several experienced interior design business owners during a group consulting call led to a reflection about things designers wished they had known earlier on in their careers.
We all get wiser as we move along life’s journey, and everyone can probably relate to the wish that — had they just had greater insights earlier on — they could have saved themselves significant frustration, anxiety, sleepless nights, or even embarrassment.
So, we wondered, what do interior designers specifically wish they had known sooner to avoid some professional and personal anguish. We asked designers via The Weekly Install® “What is something you know NOW that you wish you knew when you started your business?” and are so excited to share their responses. (All confidential information has been removed.)
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
Dear Dakota | How Should Interior Designers Handle Post Installation Furniture Damages?
Dear Dakota,
What’s the best practice for handling requests from clients about furniture that shows wear and tear or gets damaged after a period of time from regular use after they’ve moved in and the project is finished? Seems our clients expect that everything we source should be durable, and if it’s not, we should address the issues no matter how long it’s been.
On the one hand, I understand the frustration that some pieces aren’t as durable, but on the other hand, the less durable pieces are often the ones that were sourced with budget in mind (per client's request) - so they are not custom pieces, and not manufactured with high-quality finishes. So it is not surprising that these issues come up.
Our contract states we are not responsible for quality defects, but clients still view us as being on the hook since we chose these items for them. However, we want to preserve the relationship so we often submit the claims to our vendors. Some will gladly send replacements, but others won't. I want our clients to have a good experience and love everything we choose for them - so I try to make sure even the budget items last - but there has to be a better way to move forward - I can't be on the hook forever.
I don't know how to tell my clients they can't expect me to be there forever to help replace items without paying me for the time.
I'd love to hear your insights.
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
What To Do If Potential Interior Design Clients Can’t Afford Your Services
As an interior designer, have you ever had someone say to you, “I would just loooooooooove to work with you! Your style is exactly what I’m going for! But I just can’t afford you!”
When this happens, the people pleaser deep down inside of you may say, “Oh, I should really help this person” or “They NEED me!” or “I could give this person a good price, because it IS still revenue, right??”
WRONG!
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
Pricing Tip: You Can’t Just Increase Your Rates
I'm anti "charge what you're worth" and "just double your price". LOL.
And if you follow anyone who is teaching how to run a business using bumper sticker mantras like these, I encourage you to find a professional who has experience running a business based on economics and data.
You can't just increase your pricing or charge $XXX because every other designer you know charges $XXX. Sure, that can give you some confidence around your pricing to know you're aligned with industry standards, but here's what's really key when it comes to pricing:
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
Holding a Proposal Meeting to Present Your Interior Design Fees to Clients
After working with over 100 interior design businesses across the US and Canada, I’ve seen it all—luxurious and streamlined client experiences, and others that quietly sabotage a sale.
One practice I’m asked about often is whether designers should personally present the scope, contract, and design fee to potential clients. Is it helpful? Or does it add unnecessary steps?
This question sparked a real debate, so I asked my audience of interior designers to weigh in. In this post, I’m sharing what they said, what’s actually working (and what isn’t), and my own take on exactly when this tactic is smart—and when it backfires.
Want the full breakdown? Join The DTS Files to unlock this post.
Dear Dakota | How To Get Rid Of Tough Interior Design Clients
Dear Dakota,
How do you deal with difficult clients and know when it's worth it to keep going or get rid of them when things feel really tough?
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
Why Client Onboarding Can Make or Break Your Interior Design Business
Why is Client Onboarding so Important for Interior Designers?
In my seven+ years of working with interior designers to help them price their services and streamline their business processes, I have repeatedly seen ineffective client onboarding (or lack thereof) cause issues, mismatched expectations, lack of trust, and frustration throughout an entire project.
Client onboarding is a crucial step in working with clients that applies to all business owners - and one that is severely overlooked and underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired. When done right, it has so many benefits: …
Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.
HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR READERS:
Looking for help with pricing?
PRICING PLAYBOOK for INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Start with The Complete Guide to Pricing Your Design Services
Learn the most common pricing models used by interior designers, where each works best, and how to spot the signs that your current pricing structure needs to change.
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SHOP TEMPLATES
Need the documents behind a streamlined process?
The Design Library includes the client-facing investment guides, proposal templates, welcome guides, SOPs, questionnaires, contracts, and business tools we use and recommend for interior design firms.
SHOP WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS
After consulting with and doing hands-on implementation for over 100 interior design business owners, I’ve seen what works (and doesn’t) across every business model imaginable. The Workroom houses our focused trainings for interior designers on pricing, construction, service structure, business operations, and other areas we teach inside design firms
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