Is "Free Design Service" really free?

           Many businesses in the home construction and furnishing industry are struggling to stay afloat.  New marketing strategies and approaches are being executed in order to generate business.   Several companies that were surviving purely on referrals, and even turning away jobs, are going out of business because people just can't afford to invest in their homes the way they used to.  Home improvement efforts implemented to increase property value do not have the impact they used to, at least not enough impact to make a reasonable profit.  Reputable companies that were once forced to turn down jobs are now cutting prices by 50% just to beat competitors.

           Businesses need to offer everything their competitors do, and more.  One service that is popping up in ads for general contractors, cabinet makers, and home furnishing companies is "Free Design Service", or other similar phrases like "Free In Home Design Consultation".  But is "Free design service" really free?  The short answer would be "No".  Any business that goes around handing out free merchandise and service to the public would likely go bankrupt in a year.  With the cost of gas, rent, advertising, and anything involved in the manufacturing of goods in the U.S., giving things away for free is just not feasible if one wants to stay in business.  To explain, "Free design service" is a business tool to help generate traffic.  When consumers today see something advertised as "Free" they are very quick to pick up the phone and inquire.  Metaphorically speaking, if someone receives a coupon for a "Free Oil Change" and they take their car in to be serviced, chances are that the mechanic assisting them will find something wrong with their car--- an air filter in need of replacement, worn wiper-blades, and the like.  This costs the customer money that they otherwise might not have spent if they did not go in for the "free" oil change.  The "free" tool is very common in all trades, especially in this economy.

           If one were to do an online search for "Free design service", they would see advertisements from multiple companies with this offer.  However, taking a closer look, one will find that these particular companies are SALES based.  Companies that offer "free" design services will almost always (if not always) be sales/product based, not service based.  Their staying in business is DEPENDENT on selling the product they offer, whether it be wood siding, vinyl windows, window treatments, kitchen cabinets, etc.  The alleged "free" design is shared only on the condition that you commit to purchasing their product (at least when the free technique is used correctly).

           Unfortunately, I speak from experience when I say that this is not a hugely effective business strategy.  Statistically, if the salesperson consults with a client for an hour putting together the perfect design, then leaves the client to "think it over", the client will most likely take the floor plan and price shop with other companies.  That is the reality in today's economy.  Having worked in sales for years, I can say that in order for the "free design service" strategy to work, one needs to basically become a hard-seller.  "Get the sale, no matter what".  I have always had very strong ethics, and do genuinely care about my clients, which made me very bad at my sales job.  I was not a hard-seller, and that was what you had to be to make it in the sales game.  These days, it is very difficult to find a job in sales that is not purely commission based.  No hourly wage, no salary, no benefits.  It comes down to survival of the fittest.  Those who make the sales will put food on their table.  Commissioned sales-people are just like anyone else, they need to keep a roof over their head and feed themselves and their family.

           As a professional interior designer, I am not sales based, and do not require my clients to buy products from me.  Granted, I do have accounts with many high end furniture manufacturers and window covering companies, and am ABLE to sell the client products for their space if necessary.  However, that is purely up to the client.  My business will not suffer if they choose not to buy through me.  Offering product through my company is another way to make a project easier for the client so they don't have to go around to numerous stores shopping for something that matches my design.  Clients pay me to consult with them about their home, and give them guidance on how to arrange their space, how to decorate it, and in the case of remodels, how to re-arrange walls, built-ins, etc.  I can help homeowners with something as minor as selecting a paint color for their hallway, or as major as an entire home remodel.  I charge design fees, hourly on minor projects, and on larger projects I create a design package.

          The advantage of hiring an interior designer instead of using "Free" design services is that the designer will be non-biased.  They have no obligation to sell a product, so they remain focused on your needs and budget.  They will know which companies to refer you to if you are in need of a custom sofa under $2,500.  If you want some nice heavy drapes for your living room, but want a material that is lower maintenance, an educated interior designer will be able to direct you to the right material and design.  Service based designers help avoid stress because there is no ulterior motive, and their top priority is YOU.  As opposed to a salesperson that is acting on behalf on their company, an interior designer is acting on behalf of YOU.  I act on behalf of my customers, and go above and beyond to provide them with the best design for their needs.  I love my work because it is not a game or conspiracy.  It is helping people make their lives better.  The client's happiness is the greatest reward a designer can ask for.