In this episode, I share a recent fee proposal story that highlights why having a structured process for converting inquiries to clients is essential for interior designers. Learn how to handle fee proposals efficiently, build strong B2B referral relationships, and why asking for feedback when you don't get a project can be the most valuable business intelligence you'll receive.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

Converting inquiries into signed clients doesn't have to be time-consuming or stressful. With the right process in place, you can handle fee proposals efficiently while building trust with potential clients.

If you don't have strong processes in place, it can be such a time drain, such an energy drain, and it really doesn't need to be.

Some of your best inquiries will come from professional referrals:
• Architects
• Real estate agents
• Buyers agents
• Developers
• Other designers

This is why if you are not building strong relationships with your B2B partners, you really are missing out on some key business opportunities. These relationships can help you condense your processes and reduce the time needed to take someone from inquiry to signed contract.

I walk through my exact process for handling inquiries:

Step 1: Initial Contact
• Send an introductory email with your studio portfolio
• Schedule a brief call to discuss their project

Step 2: Process Document
• Share a document explaining your design process
• Set clear expectations about how you work

Step 3: Project Discussion
• Have a more detailed conversation about their specific needs
• Gather the information needed for your fee proposal

Step 4: Fee Proposal
• Create and send your proposal promptly
• Schedule a follow-up call to discuss any questions

Step 5: Follow-Up
• Address any concerns or objections
• Establish when they'll make their decision

This whole process takes about half an hour. I am not spending hours creating new documents to send to them. I am clear and confident on the information that I am sending to the client.

Your studio portfolio should do more than showcase pretty pictures—it should explain your process and set expectations.

You are already showing these potential clients that you are an authority in the space, you are going to bring value to their project, and you are a person that will make their life easier.

Not every proposal will convert to a signed client, and that's okay. The key is to ask for feedback when you don't get a project.

If I hadn't asked for feedback, I most probably would have thought, gosh, my fee was just too high. And the next time I get an inquiry around that point, I'll just drop my fee by a significant amount.

In my recent example, I learned the client went with a family member who was also a designer—information I wouldn't have known without asking.

Clear, confident communication throughout your fee proposal process helps build trust with potential clients from the very first interaction.

When you walk them through your process via your portfolio, clearly, calmly, and confidently, you're not just selling a service. You're saying, 'I've done this before, I've got you, and here's exactly how it's going to work.' That's what builds trust. That's what gets you hired.

This episode is essential for interior designers who want to convert more inquiries into signed clients without spending excessive time on proposals and follow-ups.

Keywords: interior design fee proposal, client conversion, design business process, B2B referrals for designers, studio portfolio, interior design pricing, client acquisition, design consultation process, interior design business, fee proposal feedback

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