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To STAGE or Not to STAGE. . . THAT is the question!!

By Kathy Streib

Home Stager

March 28, 2009 01:28 PM

In my last blog, I asked for your opinions regarding accepting Credit Card payments. I am now coming to you with a question that some of you may have had to ponder. How far will you go (and by that I mean miles) for a project? It involves these issues :

Yes, Can you charge and make enough to justify the extra distance?

Travel time (and in my particular project, it's about 1 hour each way), which has to be figured into your costs. clock

and,

Yes, even though gas prices are down it still is an expense. And, since many of us Stagers drive big SUV's, then that can add up.

There are other considerations as well, such as the possibility of future business; and, especially in our current economic situation, the feeling that some business is better than none; and the desire to broaden our own experiences re: Staging projects, So fellow Stagers, and anyone else, what are your guidelines for gas pump accepting a Staging project that is a little further away from your geographical comfort zone?

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Virginia Tatseos

Stage-Show-Sell - Bloomfield Township, MI

my guideline is to make a profit. Consider the time involved, the travel and the # of trips that it will take. I won't take a loss on it just to get my name out there.

Mar 29, 2009 01:54 AM

SHARON CHARBONEAU

UPSTAGING YOUR HOMES - Sechelt, BC

standing by iron railing Kathy,

I agree with Virginia. However, I am not clear what stage you are at, or referring to? Are you talking about a consultation? Or the staging job?

You may be able to be somewhat creative using pictures from client & Skype to do a consultation or at least get an idea what is involved, ie good neighbourhood, high end home, motivated sellers, lots to work with.....

Mar 29, 2009 02:52 AM

not sure why I am sending 2 photos!!!

Mar 29, 2009 02:54 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Thanks, Virginia and Sharon for your responses. I agree with both of you. If I can't make a profit, then it's better that I pass and refer another stager. So far, it's only been a phone call but asking for pictures is a good idea.

Mar 29, 2009 04:16 AM

Patsy Overton

Patsy Overton Interiors, Atlanta, Georgia - Duluth, GA

I will go no further than 60 miles. You've gotta have a limit and consider the time it will take you to get back and forth. Although I've never done it, I understand some stagers are actually doing "virtual" staging. Can you believe it? I think I'll write a quick post on it.

Mar 29, 2009 09:39 AM

Lisa Sherman

Interior Aura - Salem, OR

Home Stager, Interior, Redesign & Decorating - Salem Oregon

Each scenerio is different and obviously our goal is to make a profit. I am fortunate enough to live in an area where I can store a 16' trailer that I use for hauling furniture and decor to staging jobs... only requiring one trip. There is enough room at the front of the trailer for over 16 labeled storage bins (towels, office, table linens, kitchen, etc). The larger pieces must be selected ahead of time, however, having all of the items with me allows flexibility for colors needed in bathrooms and/or kitchen. I know everyone doesn't have this option, but it has been a wonderful option for me ~ hope this helps!

Mar 29, 2009 11:47 AM

Pangaea Interior Design Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling

Portland Oregon - Portland, OR

Well, I live out in the country by choice, and stage in the city. I already have a pretty high tolerance for a long drive. But then, I have a warehouse on my property for free, so that offsets it quite a bit. I will go very far for a long term model home, or a model home where they want to have me purchase all of the furnishings on their behalf. I find they get me a lot of other work, so not only do I make a profit, it is a good long-term strategy for me on getting more work. For regular stagings that are either occupied or will possibly only be up for a month, I will go only about a 1 hour drive.

Apr 10, 2009 06:05 AM

Patsy, I've been using about a 1 hour drive time as a guideline but it also depends on several factors. As for the virtual staging, it's something I offer but it all depends on the client and how comfortable they are with digital cameras and the internet.

Lisa: How lucky are you to have room for a 16' trailor! It was an effort to pick up the U-haul trailer, try to get it back in time, as well as factoring in the cost. I do need to get organized, though, with my bins.

Pangaea: Now, a warehouse on your property!!! A Stager's dream. Thanks for the post. I did just complete a vacant home staging that was an hour drive (each way) but I really liked my clients, there was no traffic and they are hoping to buy more homes to stage and sell. However, I did think about passing on a vacant condo in Miami that was about as far drive time, but in heavier traffic. As it turns out, the clients decided not to sell for now.

Thanks to all for their input.

Apr 10, 2009 06:42 AM

The Somers Team

The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA

Delivering Real Estate Happiness

Kathy - Not being a stager, it is similar for a Realtor to decide whether to take on a buyer or seller if where they are looking or needing to sell is too far out there where it did not make good business sense for us. Your question is always a good question and a smart business person will assess the positives and negatives before any decision is made. If there is a great business opportunity for the future in terms of building a client relationship that could go to great places, I will certainly roll the dice more and take more risk to make it work. ~ Chris

Apr 11, 2009 08:28 AM

To STAGE or Not to STAGE. . . THAT is the question!!

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