How do you know when a client isn’t the right fit? – Business of Home

Judging when to say no to a potential client requires confidence, diplomacy and tact. We asked five designersTodd Raymond, Kaitlyn Loos, Katie Davis, Kara Adam and Melinda Jameshow they gauge whether a client is (or isnt) the right fit.

Todd RaymondCourtesy of Studio Todd Raymond

Real Talk

We only turn down a client for a couple of reasons. One, they have an unrealistic schedule or time frame for us to complete the scope of work; or two, our aesthetics dont entirely align. Weve had some clients come to us with a very strong idea of what they already want, and [we] feel we wont be able to add our stamp to the project. Todd Raymond, Studio Todd Raymond, New York

Kaitlyn LoosCourtesy of Kaitlyn Loos

Pop Quiz

As a sensitive person and business owner, I am constantly thinking about what feels right for the client and myself. So when more internet strangers began inquiring about my services, I decided to set up a service match quiz to properly connect these prospective clients to the services that would work best for them. Its less about giving a no and more about finding a solution that works for both sides. Most people [that I encounter] today, regardless of property value, are not really needing full-service design. Im actually in a season of saying yes to a lot of one-day consulting or virtual projects, which see me helping volumes of people make key design decisions for their home but in a short amount of time. Kaitlyn Loos, Kaitlyn Loos Design, Ocala, Florida

Katie DavisMelissa Fitzgerald West

Fit First

We typically find out a prospective clients needs and wants. Our firm focuses on full-scale homes and spaces, and sometimes that doesnt work for a person or familys needs. We explain ourselves and, [if its not a fit, we] refer the client to another local designer who might offer a different scope or better suit their needs. Katie Davis, Katie Davis Designs, Houston

Kara AdamMichael Hunter

Hear Them Out

We are a more turnkey operationsoup to nutsso oftentimes people come to us to design just one room, and we have to turn them down. The vast majority of the work we do is a whole home. We explain our process and tell them we dont have the bandwidth or that its not the right fit. Even though everything is done over the phone, a personal touch is extremely important to me. For someone who is not a right fit as a client, we always hear them out and find out exactly what theyre looking for. Kara Adam, Kara Adam Interiors, Dallas

Melinda JamesJhane Huang

Honesty Hour

I rarely turn down a client unless I feel that it really wouldnt be a good fit for the firm, and that would be because there was a personality difference or the project was not compatible with the direction the firm is going in. When that rare occasion does occur, I believe honesty and integrity are always the best policies. Melinda James, M. James Design Group, Houston

Homepage image: A living room designed by Todd Raymond | Adrian Gaut

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How do you know when a client isn't the right fit? - Business of Home