Questions to Ask Clients Before You Start Your Interior Design Job

Being booked for an exciting interior design job is always an exciting experience! If you're new to working for clients, the first possibility you've been through is regretting not asking the correct questions!

It was a wonderful meeting. Everyone was happy, and your sales plan was in line with your sales strategy. Then, the job is about to begin, and you realize there may be some additional questions that you should have asked in order to make the activities that occur on the "start day" more efficient and less difficult to understand.

Don't be concerned! All of us go through this process one way or another.

Let us offer you a hand to help and help you figure out the most important questions that you must be asking.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

In this stage, it is likely that you have been through at least one consultation as well as some follow-up discussions. The design plans are likely to be moving. But, prior to the "official" start date, ask this question, "Is there anything else I should know?"

This gives your client the chance to ensure that all of their wishes, suggestions, and last-minute design modifications are reflected. Whatever they might have neglected to discuss, they will be able to bring up in the event you ask them this question.

DO YOU ALREADY HAVE SOME PURCHASES MADE?

Sometimes, you'll encounter a customer who has already purchased furniture, equipment, or accessories. They now require your expertise and creativity to make it all work.

If nothing has been bought yet, you should determine if they intend to do any of the buying themselves or would prefer you to manage the entire process. This is essential so you do not get into any doubts and you can establish the limits and price accordingly.

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED CONTRACTOR?

Sometimes, clients will arrive at your office with some idea about the company they'd like to choose. Perhaps it's someone with whom they have worked previously. It could be that they're getting the recommendation of someone they know or from a family member.

In order to make certain that there isn't any confusion, you must be clear about this! If they have a specific person in mind, they need to be aware of it immediately. If not, you are free to share the contractors you've got within your network.

WHAT TIME(S) DO YOU WANT MY TEAM WORKING?

Each client will differ with regard to this. You must ensure you're able to recognize the needs of your client time-wise. Certain clients have families and don't want their work to be done while the family is home from school and work. Some clients might not even care about this in the least.

It is recommended to work toward a common understanding on this subject at the start to ensure everyone is on board at the appropriate timeframes.

WHAT IS THE TIME FRAME YOU WANT THIS PROJECT FINISHED?

This is a question about managing expectations. If everyone is aware of the timeframe, it helps things run more easily. There aren't any constant questions concerning "When is this going to be done?"

Finally, here are some exercises that you can try. Make a checklist of your questions. Google certain questions or ask your colleagues in the industry about the questions they are asked. Create a list and mark the ones that connect with you.