TO ADVERTISE PRICING OR NOT?

The drawback of advertising pricing is that it commoditizes the service... 

In other words, your staging consult is $250 and the competition is $200... then, theirs must be a better deal... same thing, $50 less.  I know it isn't the same, but I hope you get the points...

Unless you are operating in the ultra-high end where nobody cares what it costs, then I don't think you're going to get much business without discussing price.  If you are going to discuss it, then why not advertise it?

It's possible to list the cost of some services such as a written consultation report, but most people understand that a vacant home staging or occupied home staging cost is dependent on what is needed, and is custom for each home.  It's fine just to state that so people understand the process.  As far as showing a "discount" on your site - staging something like "10% off" has very little meaning because people likely don't know the original price.

If your pricing is consistent with market value, then your capabilites will make your shine over your competition. People understand in this business that you don't always get what you pay for, and if the desired results are to get a property sold at value, quicker, and your services are known to do tat your business will not be affected.

That is definitely a hard debate..Realtors have the same struggle on some properties.  I think that it may be beneficial to advertise something in the effect of a free consultation as each property's needs vary. 

I don't advertise my pricing structure.  If someone is interested, they can contact me and we can discuss during the listing presentation.

No -- it is custom.  I painter can't give you a quote until he knows what he's painting.

I think the overall perception of staging is that it is not affordable to most home sellers. Not sure where that perception comes from but I think unless people have some idea of cost they hesitate to move forward. I readily give out my cost for consulations and usually give a ball park on vacant staging if they ask so that neither of us is wasting time.

I feel more comfortable marketing price when it's directly to REA's. My thought is its usually less than they may have imagined it to be and then they can seel its something they can "sell" to their clients.

Hi Kim,

I don't advertise a menu of prices but give a starting point on my website so that prospective customers have some frame of reference before they call.   Let's face it, it is usually the first or second question out of the gate when starting a client conversation after "what services do you offer?" I think if you have some starting point, people are more comfortable taking the extra step to call and speak with you.  Then it's up to you!

As far as competition knowing pricing, speaking for myself, I could care less. I do what I do for the rate I charge.  There is always going to be someone cheaper, it is up to me to make the prospective client comfortable with me and my ability to do the job for them.  You can't win them all.

Every home is unique-how can we price tehe staging without seeing what the home needs to make it competitive. 

Price range works well because if they are thinking $400.00 and your bid for an occupied with accessories is $900.00 it will save you the drive and that homeowner's time if they just are shopping around.

You'll get alot of answers here.  I think it depends on the market you are in and how big it is.

Kim,

Just last week I decided to add prices to my website. For basic services that is, such as consultations and half & full day and so on.  I cover myself by adding & up to the price in case the home is larger, in really rough shape, etc. But I feel this way they have a definite idea of what the cost is more or less.

Like I said it's only been a week or so, so we'll have to wait and see if it made any difference.

I include only the pricing for my FREE estimates and for my Consultations, however I can justify including prices for Staging as every home is different.  I could care less about the competition knowing my prices - my price is my price, however Staging an Occupied home may be as simple as rearranging furniture and artwork, which would be COMPLETELY different from cleaning out closets, clutter, painting, removing wall paper etc.  Same thing goes for Staging a vacant home.  I don't want to list prices for staging a 3 + 2 home is $ X.00 - those bedrooms might be 10'x10' or they could be as large as a living room with an en-suite.   I would much rather meet my prospective clients in person and give them firm numbers to sell myself and my company.

Great topic! I have struggled with this myself.  I know people who just assume they can't afford staging.  Giving a  rough estimate in your advertising would educate the consumer leading them to make a informed desicion.  I wouldn't worried about the competition.  Even if they are slightly less expensive. You may offer more extensive services. List all they recieve for that price. Plus all stagers have different styles they may opt to pay slightly higher because they are drawn to your work over others, as they hope potential sellers will be as well. In the end competiton is healthy, and makes us all strive to be our best. Do what is right for YOU and YOUR Buisness.

I include pricing for services with fixed costs on my web site, like consultations. I don't want to waste anyone's time, mine or theirs. I know my pricing is in line with others with the same experience and skill in my area because we network & share that information. I also know I'm not the cheapest stager in my area but I do offer great value.

I don't waste my time worrying that other stagers are going to look at my pricing and then undercut me. I know they won't be in business very long if they are lowballing their jobs.

I'm not adding anything new here... I've battled this decision myself. The only thing I can post prices on are fixed ones such as consultations. I like to advertise those prices because agents and sellers assume staging costs hundreds of dollars. I did have an agent I had staged a vacant with call me about a consultation. She had heard of someone who would do it for $50. I have to think that stager won't be in business long, or really doesn't have a lot to offer. I just can't worry about that!