When your Clients have finally closed and the paperwork is complete it is time to go shopping!
How many times has a client asked if you know of any great decorators of designers or ask for suggestions on where to get furniture for their new home? Sure, you could Google a number of names and phone numbers, but your reputation is on the line and you want to be sure that your Client will continue to be treated with the respect and service they deserve.
I have worked hand in hand with Realtors, Sellers and Buyers for many years and I understand that carefully cultivated relationship. And while your business relationship may have wrapped up at the closing table, repeat buyers and referrals are the cornerstone of any successful Realtor. You want them to stay happy. So do I.
Most of my design clients have come from Realtor referrals. In the past, as an independant designer, I spent countless hours trekking from one furniture store to another, visiting rug stores, accessorie stores, picture stores and on and on and on. The excitement of furnishing a new home can quickly dissolve in a pool of exhaustion. Since moving to Northern Atlanta I have become involved with a new, improved and beautifully simplified concept in interior design and home furnishing.
I walked in a newly-designed Bassett Furniture store and was amazed! They have recently opened a new store in the Perimeter area and a new flagship store in Kennesaw is currently under construction (slated for opening mid-August). Bassett has completely renovated the retail furniture store concept. The first thing I noticed was the similarity with Restoration Hardware. The plan is open and airy. The space is seperated into "Lifestyles." The best part is that in addition to the regular offerrings (many of which are comparable to Restoration Hardware in quality and style, but significantly lower in cost) upholstered sofas, chairs and ottomans, as well as dining sets and work stations can be custom built in 30 days! They also offer custom window panels, hand-tufted wool area rugs, art, accessories and complimentary in-home design services. I was impressed with the energy and creativity that the designers put into creating personalized storyboards for each clients, and creating design vignettes in the presentation rooms to help them visualize the space.
I have worked with luxury retailers and I know that 30 days is unheard of for custom upholstery and dining. I also know what they cost and I was flabbergasted by the affordability of the Bassett pieces. I don't know how they do it, considering that the custom pieces all come from North Carolina and Virginia, but I am glad that they do!
I was so impressed by the quality and the team at Bassett, that I joined them! I will be among the team when we open the new store in Town Center, Kennesaw, Ga on August 16th. I look forward to sharing my love of design and my committment to outstanding service with you and your Clients. If you would like to get on a VIP list for events and promotions, email me at stagingconcepts@aol.com.
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