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Design Business Secrets+
Public ā¢ 495 ā¢ Free
11 contributions to Design Business Secrets+
12d ago inĀ
Pre-Contract Design Ideas
Hi everyone! Any advice on how to deal with a client who wants me to come in with ideas and "bring the vision" before signing a contract? How much design advice or space planning ideas do you offer ahead of time? I also connected this client to a GC I work with (we both came in and did a free consultation for him), and I'm worried that by giving away too much, I'll get cut out of the project. I want to show the client I know my stuff but I also don't want to work for free. It feels like such a fine line. Second part of the question is: do you create designs first and then have the GC bid the project based on your design? I haven't been hired on to this project yet so I don't want to create a full design for free. Any help is appreciated!!
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New comment 4d ago
1 like ā¢ 5d
@Emily Infinger Thank you for such a thorough response, so helpful to read! You're right - our whole job is to design, so why give it away at the beginning? So true about them thinking my value may be low since I can just whip up a quick design right away. I like your response of sketching out some ideas first before giving them anything. And I love the HVAC example... haha so amazing and true!! Seriously appreciate your comment, it's definitely a wake up call!
3 likes ā¢ 5d
@Jessica Goldstein Learning that lesson the hard way right now! He responded to my proposal and concept with "Much appreciated, and much to consider." š
Love your line, I'm just going to say general stuff like that haha!
18d ago inĀ
Spec Book
Iām just now hearing the term āspec bookā. What is that?
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New comment 12d ago
0 likes ā¢ 12d
@Emilee Neubert Is this just for furniture products or can this feature in DF also be used for finishes/materials like slabs?
3 likes ā¢ 12d
@Emilee Neubert So amazing. Great feature! Thank you Emilee
28d ago inĀ
Bookkeeper Recommendations / Pricing
Hi everyone! I started my business 3 months ago and working on my first full-service client project now :) I'm looking into hiring a bookkeeper and the one I just spoke to has an hourly rate of $120 with a 10-hour retainer. Is this a fair cost for bookkeeping services? Any recommendations for bookkeepers?
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New comment 28d ago
1 like ā¢ 28d
@Alison Johnson Thanks for the comment Alison! Yeah this one I spoke to was Everything But Design - they estimated only a few hours the first month to get everything set up but I do worry they'll bill a lot of hours in the future. Don't want the prices to get out of hand. I agree with Emilee and Preston that we need someone who's specific to our industry, so just trying to figure out the best options. Let me know if you find something good - I also just booked a consult with Happy Book
2 likes ā¢ 28d
@Emilee Neubert Haha that makes so much sense, I feel like I'd be in the same boat if I attempted it myself! Thank you again, I'll look into Happy Books for sure
Sep 30 inĀ
Let's see your work! š
Photo Introduction: Share a photo that represents your work or passion, adding a story behind it! Let's show each other some love and get to know one another in this amazing community. š„°
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New comment Oct 25
0 likes ā¢ Oct 3
@Heather Mitchell Thank you so much :)
0 likes ā¢ Oct 23
@Amanda Penning Hi Amanda, these are actually real photos of the completed space, not renderings :)
Sep 26 inĀ
Do I need quickbooks too?
At what point do we need to get quickbooks and hire a bookkeeper?
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New comment Sep 27
0 likes ā¢ Sep 27
Same question! I only have DesignFiles for now and just starting out
1-10 of 11
@denise-rockstroh-6615
Living the dream in Orange County, CA - designing and creating spaces that are havens for modern living.
Active 4d ago
Joined Aug 7, 2024
Orange County, California
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