In any faux painting business it can be difficult choosing when consulting fees should be charged. What part of your time should be given away for free?
Considering that for each consultation, you must drive, haul portfolios, take photographs of each prospective room, come up with ideas while talking with the client, design and make samples, write up the proposal, and then drive to meet with the client again to discuss the proposal… I am a huge proponent of charging at least some consultation fees.
I will say up front, that at times I have refunded these fees if I get a signed contract. I sometimes let the client know ahead of time that the charges may be refunded and other times I have surprised a client with the credit against the final bill. That little surprise goes a long way in gaining client good will and referrals as well.
You can expect to spend an hour or two with a client, and travel time each way is extra unproductive hours. You should be compensated in some way for this extra time. Most professional contractors…even decorators and interior designers have a minim trip charge, shouldn't you?
Samples take time and money. I don't necessarily charge for every sample if I do multiples for one client, but materials can add up… so let the client know that samples are theirs to keep. Each one is produced just for them, and have them sign the back of any design samples they choose to use for their projects. This gives you some ground to stand on when a client doesn't like a finish. If it is exactly like the sample, you can do the wall over at an extra fee.
Make sure a client understands the consulting fees before you get too far into the consultation. It pays to be clear at all times.
Remember that when you are charging for your talent, it isn't just for the time spent painting the walls.
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May 3rd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I don’t exactly agree with leaving the Sample with the customer.
I feel that doing Faux finishing is not only part of Your Professional technique endeavor; but that also leaves you wide open for having your sample thrown around for other faux finishers (or wannabees) to attempt to copy( and maybe underbid you on a job). As much as Faux Finishing seems to be a “Thing” that folks think looks easy to do, it takes an expertise that doesn’t come eas; it took time and effort that only You can do with your unique Touch (have you ever seen two Faux Finishers do the same wall with the same exact “Touch”?) ; and for the most part, Professionals have spent good time and money to learn. It would be like throwing away your efforts.