It is always a minefield when one is negotiating with a client at the beginning of a job. What with trying to figure out how much to charge, considering whether you’re consulting on finishes, materials and architectural changes on a project and then also dealing with wanting to keep the client happy – and actually getting the job! Clients then start trying to alter your fees or even reducing what you’re charging and you’re expected to keep a pleasant demeanor and a positive attitude.
I cannot say that I do not become a little apprehensive when a prospective client is trying to reduce my fees, which I’m always steadfast on. I feel my pricing is fair and that the amount of energy we put into these projects need to be compensated for. So I empathize with the designers out there who are starving. If I’m being squeezed and bargained for all I have, how you all must feel? I’m lucky that I’ve been doing this for 37 years, so I have some backup, but if you’re new in the industry, I feel for you. Don’t give in. Don’t feel alone. Just do the best work you can.
#1 by EM on August 10, 2010 - 1:08 pm
I love the model airplane.
I can’t speak for other people, obviously, but when I “negotiate” I’m really looking for an education as to why one option costs what it does. Given that most projects have budgets, I would imagine that the costs need to be allocated. For my own project, and for my own information, I would want to understand the cost allocation, and why. If I and the professional have agreed on a final, ballpark figure, I would hope that said professional would take the time to educate me as to the nitty-gritty of what I am buying. I mean, this way, I can go back to said professional a few years later and announce that I am ready financially to trade-up. Isn’t that a win-win for everyone?
#2 by Natasha on August 10, 2010 - 1:50 pm
Hey… you are featured in Lonny!!!…. But of course you knew that!
What a great house in Montaug, good for you!
Funny how I saw the first image in the beginning of the magazine, thinking to myself, hmmm…. looks like VW, and then I got deeper into the mag, and it was you!
Northern Light
#3 by sonya on August 10, 2010 - 4:01 pm
So true!
#4 by Janell Beals on August 10, 2010 - 4:33 pm
Hearing that this happens to you, (sorry!) somehow makes me feel much better and encouraged! Such a hard industry! Janell
#5 by Christine Schwalm Design on August 11, 2010 - 8:58 pm
If a client object to price, I usually ask them directly what they expected to pay and if they have done comparison shopping. If it’s been a while (or perhaps never) since they’ve hired a designer, sticker shock is not unusual. Think if you haven’t bought a car in the past 15 years. You’d walk into a dealership and practically fall over–unless you’ve done your research. It’s the same with what we do. If you have done YOUR research, and are aware of what competitors are charging, then you can give your price with confidence and say with a straight face, “I know that there is no one who will give you a better product or higher quality service for this price.”