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4 Replies Last post: Apr 27, 2008 2:03 PM by VelvetBlues

Starting an interior design business

Apr 25, 2008 11:02 AM

Click to view jtedstrom's profile Start-up jtedstrom 1 posts since
Apr 25, 2008
My wife is starting an interior design business. Mostly by connecting with a local fabric store and a store that supplies flooring and countertops etc. Also considering trying to connect with builders to assist with their clients. She's been pretty successful in getting clients to start. Any other ideas we should be pursuing?
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Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 8,136 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
1. Re: Starting an interior design business Apr 25, 2008 11:19 AM
Starting an interior design business, Welcome to this web site.
Where are you located?? Go to Members page and add a few works about yourself.
Has your wife developed a Business and or Marketing Plan??
Once you have a client, give the client an incentive to get you other clients.
Another idea would be SCORE. Do you know about SCORE?? SCORE is FREE.
Good luck, LUCKIEST
Click to view designer's profile Mogul designer 329 posts since
Feb 28, 2008
2. Re: Starting an interior design business Apr 25, 2008 11:50 AM
Hello! The support for your wife is just admirable! Bravo, to you!!! You make it more of a "team" which is great. So many husbands and wives do their own things and go nowhere fast.It's nice to share and build together.

If I can make some suggestions, your wife needs a Web site and/or portfolio. People want to see "before" and "after" transformations. I'm sure once a project is booked it will keep her busy for awhile. It's probably important at this stage of the game to book clients, build a reputation and work, work, work, and learn, learn, learn, and grow. Each client will be different. The rest will follow.
Click to view AGCCKC's profile Professional AGCCKC 4 posts since
Apr 24, 2008
3. Re: Starting an interior design business Apr 25, 2008 8:36 PM
Staging homes for sale, especially right now, can make or break the sale in the current real estate market. "Staging" is a little different than decorating in that you're selling lifestyle versus traditional decorating methods; it's almost like merchandising versus decorating. However, If you can partner with a furniture company who may be willing to place pieces you desire in a new home model at no charge in returen for marketing exposure, that would be good too! Offer the design services and with furniture at no charge. Emerging custom home builders are a good target.
Click to view VelvetBlues's profile Professional VelvetBlues 7 posts since
Mar 19, 2008
4. Re: Starting an interior design business Apr 27, 2008 2:03 PM
Yes, I agree, your wife will need a website. Often, a well-designed and professional website can do a lot of marketing for a company, especially if you do not have a storefront. It can help to display your work, your pricing, and the options available to your clients. Additionally, once you have a website, ongoing costs will amount to about $8 monthly, much less than maintaining a storefront.

Please contact me if you are interested. My company offers quality websites at affordable prices.
http://www.VelvetBlues.com