Prepare Your Client

Hello All,

Once you have set an appointment with your client for the initial consultation, it is beneficial to both you and your client to prepare them for your visit.

This is especially helpful if you charge your consultation fee by the hour. Oftentimes, without pre-planning, the appointment could possibly get off track. It will keep you both focused on the decorating issues and keep the appointment timely. This will also be your first step in building your client’s trust.

Depending of course on what type of initial consultation is planned you might have them prepare a list of things they wish to discuss. In addition, from the initial telephone call you can determine what to take to the home to facilitate your appointment time.

A list of suggestions to have them prepare are:
Room or rooms to be addressed
What do they want to accomplish, i.e. updated look, want to make home more inviting, to bring completion to the room(s)
List what they love about the room(s)
List what they hate about the room(s)
How does the room function?
Does it meet the family’s function requirements?
What immediate purchases would they like for the room(s)?
What future additional purchases would they like to incorporate?
Do they want to paint or wallpaper space?
Do they plan on new flooring?
Is there sufficient lighting in each space?
What is their immediate budget to reach their goals?
List purchases or additions to the room(s) they would like and prioritize them
How would they classify their personal decorating choices, i.e. Casual, Contemporary, Traditional
Do they know their preferences?
Do they entertain and how? i.e. formally or casual get-togethers
How many members in the family and ages of children
List any house pets
What are their color preferences?
If they have pictures of spaces they love then encourage them to put them in a folder for your visit

So not to overwhelm your client with all of these questions over the telephone simply suggest emailing them a short questionnaire and explain how beneficial this will be at the appointment.
Prepare a form in Word Document that can be attached to an email. Ask that they fill this out and email back to you prior to your appointment. Make sure you place a “Comment or Suggestion” space at the bottom of your form.

Hope this is helpful – and feel free to add your ideas or suggestions to the Client Questionnaire.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Victoria