Wow!
I'm so excited to find you! I have been lurking on AR for several weeks, avidly reading posts as I prep to launch my staging business. I've given a lot of thought as to whether or not to go out and "buy" my
"credentials." Beacause as near as I can tell, that is what it comes down to. Pay the money to take the course, and at the end of it you're suddenly "certified". Or am I missing something here? Since there is no governing Home Staging body in the US, we don't need this kind of certification to do what we love, and I am also of the camp that says the eye for design cannot be taught.
So... what now? I am SO excited about doing this! The only thing that does not excite me is pretty much everything to do with the financial aspects. For instance, at the end of the consultation, how do you politely and professionally say, "Here's the part where you pay me?" Also, when it comes to adding a lot of accessories, new/rental furniture, etc., how is the money transaction actually handled? I buy first, then take the client's check? I arrange for the furniture and delivery, but the client must be on site to pay them, or what?
It's these questions that have led me to consider taking the courses, just so I can get the 'business' aspect down. I actually posted this another AR (I'll name no names) Home Staging group, but was completely ignored. Not one comment. Ouch. It was much shorter, and I didn't even mention my lack of letters!
I would love, love, love to hear from any of you about how you handle this aspect of the business. And thanks so much for being here!
Tamara,
I think everyone's expereince is the similar: staging training rarely focuses on the business side. Because staging is fun (and everyone thinks they have talent) way too many people get into the business. I'll share the advice I was given - If you start a staging business, you are not a stager. You are a marketer / salesperson. Running this type of business is all about sales and marketing not to mention the nuts and bolts of running a growing business.
I'd suggest working with a business coach that specializes in helping small businesses ramp up. At Showhomes, we provide all the systems and training you are looking for and our training / rampup can be as long as 6 months to a year. A coach will be able to help you fill in the gaps. Marketing and sales are very similar from business to business...
Good luck!
THomas