This has been an interesting series and I look forward to more information on the tiered pricing structure. Are you going to discuss this option in your webinar? I have been successful with an hourly fee structure plus mark-up but I am open to changing if it allows my clients a higher level of comfort with my design services and more ease of billing for me.

Good Cathy! It's so important to understand that many of us are missing a golden opportunity to work with clients that have unexpressed wants, desires and fears. That's one reason that we don't close all of our prospects. They fear the unending billing for work. Does that make sense?

You're our first poster from Spain, Isabel. Welcome! Let me know how these ideas work for you.

Good Afternoon Gail & Erin
I am truly enjoying your website! I have recently branched out on my own starting an Interior Design Consulting & Services company in the MetroWest/Boston Area and many of your topics are questions I have asked myself.

My first “client” was not very understanding of WHY I wouldn't start the job without a signed contract and retainer. It took 3 weeks of back and forth conversations to finally “seal the deal”… I learned from past employers “what not to do” and insist on building my business the right way from the very beginning. Not so easily done during this tough economic time… It's great to hear from other designers that I'm doing the right thing!

I'm very interested in learning more about offering a tiered fee structure.

Hi Isabel – our market is just starting to see a recovery, so we feel for you. Yes, a tiered structure could help, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. How do designers work in Spain? We are doing a free webinar on this fee ebook and the subject of fees on March 2. I hope you can make it. We'll send you an invitation.

Hi Isabel, when you sign up from the link in the invitation, you'll receive information about how to attend the webinar (you'll be able to see my screen and hear me through the computer). You can listen through your computer's speakers or a headset. It's free and easy. Yes, that is a common way to price projects – more typically for architects. There are many other ways to price jobs than that. Also, in our country, the associations require that you tell your clients all of the ways you are compensated including a referral bonus, etc. Yes, it would be embarrassing, and in our country, it could result in an ethics violation being reported. Either way, it destroys the trust and credibility with the client. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

Thanks for the great topic. As a color consultant for interior and exterior locations of all types, I don't often do purchasing on behalf of clients. However even as a consultant I have recently revised my pricing to reflect the “tierd pricing structure” (and I try to make not a Tired pricing structure!) I start with a base and offer options.
I've worked on developing a few 'packages' that are fair and offer benefits to both sides of the relationship, since that's what my practice is all about — developing relationships.

Love this idea! I have a custom window treatment business and have used this tiered pricing for “package options” and the client usually chooses the more middle or most expensive – including trim, hardware, maybe a more expensive fabric. Pricing is something I am always evaluating and fine tuning. I look forward to learning more in your March 2nd webinar.

This topic of tiered fees is important to me. Since I cannot make the webinar, I'm hoping there will be a recording or a transcript. Please!

This topic is of great interest to me. However the time for the webinar does not work for me. Will there be a recording or a transcript??

I hope you can make the call on Tuesday. We will talk about this.