Raising Your Professional Design Prices

If you research the going rate in your area, you’ll see that there’s an average price that design professionals charge for basic services. You’ll also find, however, that there are some professionals with more experience and a wider array of services who charge a little more. Many design professionals worry about making a smooth transition into higher prices so that their clients aren’t discouraged from booking them. Raising your prices as your experience increases shouldn’t be a reason to lose clientele!

How can you tell when you’re ready to increase?

You might consider raising your prices if:

• You’ve recently mastered a new skill or obtained an additional certification.
• You’ve gained a few years of experience and the going rate in your area has risen, but your prices are the same as when you first started working.
• You’ve worked several prestigious contracts and your client base has expanded significantly.
• You’re so busy you’re having to turn clients away, yet you’re turning a very small profit (or none at all!).

The key to raising your prices is to do so gradually and when it’s justified. If you’ve only been working for a few months and you realize designers around you are suddenly charging more, evaluate why that could be:

• Do they have more years of experience?
• Did they recently graduate another training program?

You want to take steps towards increased prices that benefit both you and your clientele. Offering something new makes clients feel like it’s worth it to pay a little extra! Here are five tactics for increasing your professional design prices in ways that offer your clients more for their money while also benefitting you. If you’re succeeding at your current level of professionalism and feel confident in the idea of moving forward, consider taking one of these steps.

1. Creating service packages

Consider creating pricing packages for clients who want more than one service at once. You’ll be able to charge more because more services are being rendered, and the clients will be willing to pay more because they’re getting more for their money. Some popular interior décor packages are:

• Complete décor makeovers for multiple rooms.
• Décor services and consultation on how the space might be transformed again in the future (ex. making over a room as a children’s bedroom, but providing parents with a comprehensive plan on ways to transition the reading nook into a study area come high school).
• Décor services and contracting preferred vendors (ex. designing the atmosphere and style of the space, but also helping clients with the process of choosing and hiring contractors for more extensive renovations).

2. Completing additional training

Learn a new skill

Expanding your services and improving your techniques is one of the best reasons to raise your prices. When you learn new techniques or trends, clients will see that your skills are fresh and that you’re being proactive about bettering yourself as a professional. They’ll also be excited about the idea of new services, new techniques, and new combination packages. The more you can offer clients, the more they’ll be willing to pay. For example, it’s more convenient for clients if you can offer interior decorating AND professional organizing services, rather than decorating alone.

Improve your existing skills

Training to enhance your current skillset is also hugely beneficial. If you can further your skills by learning from some industry experts, you’ll be regarded as a more qualified professional and an increase in your base prices will be completely justified. Clients won’t mind paying a little more if they know just how qualified you are!

3. Using higher quality products and vendors

Investing in better quality service is worth it for both you and the people you’re designing for. More reputable vendors provide better quality service and products, making them worth the money. The same goes for higher quality paint, furniture and décor pieces: they’ll last longer and have a more luxurious feel. Clients are willing to pay for this higher level of service! Make sure that you invest in products and services based on quality and not price alone. Just because a vendor is the most expensive doesn’t mean they offer the best quality on the market. Do some research and get to know your brands and businesses. Choose products and services that give clients their money’s worth and charge accordingly.

4. Offer workshops

Design professionals can do more for their clients than just make over a space! Along with your decor packages, offer to actually teach your clients and advise them about products, vendors, and design techniques. The more they learn from you during your session together, the better they’ll feel about taking control of their own spaces. You’re helping them build confidence, learn new techniques, and improve their home or workplace. What’s better than creating a fellow décor enthusiast? They’ll be willing to pay increased prices for the chance to create their own gorgeous interior décor schemes.

5. On a case-by-case basis

If you’re not quite ready to raise your overall rates, you can still evaluate your prices according to the individual contract. Don’t hesitate to charge a little extra if clients need an extra commitment from you. For example, clients that require you to travel or to be available for contact above and beyond your regular business hours will understand that these details are above and beyond your regular packages.

Charge what you’re worth

Pricing your services well is always worth it. Your clients will value getting professional design services for a fair price. Once you’ve built a client base and gained some industry experience, your clients will also understand when you raise your prices based on your ability to offer them better services than ever.

Interested in learning more about the business side of home design? All of QC’s courses come with career training to help you launch a successful career!