James - I have gotten a large number of inquiries - both by phone and email - from prospective stagers looking for insight.  Thankfully none of them have been in the least bit dishonest about their motives.  I just tell them the absolute truth and wish them luck...

James - Have them call me...that is what I am here for! Remember me? Do-it-yourself Home Staging Instructions???

They can give it a go and try it out for themselves and their SOI (sphere of influence) to see if it is for them. 

James, not only did I have one to call me, but she called Maureen Henry, Val and I think she even called Phyllis.  Then, our competitor actually had her husband to act like he was building a home and he wanted to hire stagers once this 4000 sq Baby mansion was built.

So yes, I agree please be truthful especially if wastes the time of the stager(s).  Do unto others as you would have someone do unto you! 

Hey James - I get calls all the time.  Most people are pretty honest.  So am I - I tell them that this is no get rich quick scheme. 

Sheron - You know it helps to remind people of what you do every now and then.  Nima the Mortgage Man says this often.  I would not have thought to refer people with questions to you.  I am going to do that from now on.  It gets the people off my phone and hopefully you'll get some business.  win - win

Sheron- I do not mind anyone calling me about this business. I will be happy to share what I can with them and I do so happily IF they tell me that they are gathering information and considering becoming a stager. I will (and have) share as much as I can. What I resent is the one acting like they are a potential staging customer forcing me to go through my whole pitch to someone who is not really seeking a stager.

I do not mind anyone calling me about this if they are honest with me. I believe that most stagers and staging training companies are very free with information and are more than happy to openly share with those considering this business. Just be honest about your intentions.

I agree if you call be upfront.  Next time if they call saying they are calling for a friend, I would say if they are afraid to call for themsleves this business is not right for them!

I too get inquiries but not of the nature you are referring.  I just got an inquiry of the details of conducting business like contracts, billing practices, rental fees etc.  How much info do you offer?  Where do you draw the line?  I am relatively new to this business and am still trying to figure things out but wonder if I even have the right to make any kind of suggestions.

I realize that perhaps I have not been clear. The calls I am referring to are ones where the caller claims to be calling for their" friend" to find out about having the "friend's home" staged when in fact what they are doing is pumping me for information  about the staging business. As I said, I am happy to share but just be honest about the reason for the call.

James, you were!  I guess the rest of us are just commenting on the types of call that we have.  I too would like honesty about why they are calling!  I try to help everybody! 

I am fortunate in that I have only had 2 of those calls.  Each time, the caller lived in another state but wanted info about staging a "relative's" house in the Tampa area.  I would ask when they were moving, how much they were asking for the house, which neighborhood they lived in, etc. and the answers were always vague.  Once I realized the true purpose of the call, I answered the questions but ended the conversation by saying...."Staging is very hard work" because I wanted them to know that I knew what they were up to.

You scared me for a minute until I read on!! Heck staging is alot of hard work, takes time of marketing to get started and you get much rewards as well as many sore muscles. I have gotten calls as well, but I hate when I hear that people are JUMPING on the Staging Bandwagon because it is easy money..Heck wait until the stage their first filthy house with lots of dog pee on the rugs....

Phyllis Pafumi