Money Talk Made Easy

There are no two interior design projects, nor clients, that are the same. 

Each project has varying nuances, and every client has a different personality. 

In this post, I’m addressing very specific pricing questions asked by two designers. If you have alternate responses to what I’m recommending, please feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below. 

I love getting the conversation going and hearing other approaches that have worked for you. 

Question #1

What if a client wants to see a hundred wallpaper samples, but you’ve charged a flat fee and end up putting in way more hours than planned?

During your discovery call, make sure to ask:

• How involved do you want to be in the process?
• How quickly do you usually make decisions?

If a client admits they like seeing multiple options or struggle with making decisions, explain that while you understand, it’s not the most efficient use of their investment. Gently remind them that you are there to do a lot of the heavy lifting for them, as the interior design professional.

If they still want your help, suggest working with them with a Designer by Your Side hourly service instead of a full‑service model. 

This way, you’re fairly compensated for the extra time, and you are less likely to get frustrated if they wish to source alternative items after you’ve initially made your recommendations.

For example, if you’ve already shown them what you believe are the best three wallpaper options but they ask to see more, let them know that you’re happy to continue exploring, but that they are being billed by the hour. 

Sometimes, this pattern emerges after the project starts, and if you find it getting excessive and exhausting, pick up the phone and have a conversation with your client. 

A quick call helps you reset expectations and remind them why they hired your interior design services. 

I don’t recommend you text with clients, read why here on this blog post. 

Question #2

What if a client asks how you spent your hours or questions how long something took?

That’s a fair question, and the key is to manage their expectations early on in the working relationship.

During your initial consultation, walk them through your invoicing process, and if it helps, show them an example invoice. 

Keep the line item service descriptions on your invoices concise and clear.

If they’ve prepaid for a set number of hours with a service like “Designer by Your Side”, provide progress updates as you go. 

If you bill an initial 20 hours like we do, when you’re about five hours away from using up their balance, send a friendly message outlining what’s left and what you’ll suggest is best to work on next, based on the initial scope and prioritizing tasks. 

This shows you as the professional, keeping them on track and, avoiding surprises later.

Need a contract template that is done for you with just minor edits for you to tweak and make your own? Grab my Designer By Your Side Contract template, and as a BONUS, you’ll also receive my Service descrption with FAQ’s which will make your job easier when it comes to selling this hourly interior design service. 

Final tip

Almost everything comes down to clear communication and managing expectations from the start. I’ve been preaching this since I began business coaching and speaking at events over 10 years ago.

If you’d like more guidance on invoicing, when to send bills, and nine billable hours many designers forget to charge for, check out my Stress-Free Invoicing Guide here. It covers all of that and more.  

You will be able to make back your ROI almost immediately when you send your next invoice, but this time, you’ll feel more confident and in control! 

That kind of Claire-ity, can’t be beat 🙂  

If you prefer full-service projects, but want to know how to make more money when selling furniture, read this blog where I share ‘5 Things I Quit as an interior designer to make more money on custom furnishing design projects’.