How to Handle Freebie Requests as an Interior Designer (Without Feeling Awkward π¬)
We’ve all been there. You post something on social media, drop a comment in a Facebook group, and boom... your DMs light up with someone asking, “Quick question! What colour should I paint my living room?”
They obviously don’t mean any harm, but they just don’t realise that interior design is a professional service, one that you get paid for. And while you want to be helpful, you also need to set boundaries without sounding cold or unhelpful.
So how do you handle these situations without feeling awkward? Even better, how can you turn these casual inquiries into paying clients? Let’s break it down.
Why Do People Ask for Free Advice?
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why people ask for free advice in the first place. It often comes down to two key things:
1. Lack of Awareness About the Interior Design Process
Many people think picking a paint colour is as simple as choosing a shade they like, not realising that paint is usually the last piece of the puzzle, carefully selected to tie an entire scheme together. They don’t see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a cohesive space: assessing natural light, considering existing furnishings, and balancing undertones.
2. Not Recognising Interior Design as a Professional Service
There’s a misconception that interior designers just ‘have good taste’ rather than possessing a skilled profession built on training and experience. If we keep handing out free advice, we reinforce this misunderstanding. Not only does it take up our valuable time, but it also devalues our expertise.
The good news? With the right approach, you can shift their perception while maintaining professionalism and warmth. β€οΈ
The Art of the Friendly Redirect
Instead of shutting them down or giving in to their request, the trick is to redirect them towards your paid services... nicely, of course! Here are a few ways to do it:
1. The Colour Consultation Upsell
π’ What to say:
“That’s a great question! I actually offer in-depth colour consultations where we look at everything: light, space, furnishings, in order to find the perfect shade. If you’d like me to send you the details, just pop over your email and I’ll send them across!”
β Why this works: This keeps the conversation open and steers them towards booking a consultation instead of expecting a freebie.
2. The Soft Boundary Approach
π’ What to say:
“Great question! Choosing the right paint colour depends on so many factors: lighting, room size, furnishings... it’s not a quick answer. But I’d be happy to take a proper look at your space and help you choose the perfect shade through a paid consultation. Here’s the link to book!”
β Why this works: This acknowledges their request while making it clear that your expertise is a paid service.
3. The Client Success Story
π’ What to say:
“Oh, I actually had a client with a similar dilemma, and they were thrilled with the final colour scheme we chose for them! My consultations start at [X amount], let me know if you’d like more details!”
β Why this works: This subtly reinforces the value of your services by showing how you’ve helped past clients achieve beautiful results.
Make It Easy for Them to Book
People are much more likely to book if the process is simple. So, make sure you have:
β
A clear link to your consultation services
β
A welcome pack or pricing guide ready to send
β
A follow-up system in place to check in if they don’t book straight away
Another great tactic? Having a low-barrier paid offer. This could be:
- A mini consultation
- A one-hour “pick my brain” session
- A short shopping session
- An email consultation
This gives potential clients an easy way to get started with you... without expecting free advice.
Handling Freebie Requests in Public Comments
Sometimes, these requests come in public posts where your response could influence how other potential clients view your services. Here’s how to handle it professionally:
π’ What to say:
“That’s a great question! Picking the right shade depends on so many things... lighting, furnishings, flooring, etc. I actually offer tailored colour consultations where I consider all of these factors to find the perfect hue for your space. If you’d like details, let me know!”
This response does two things:
- Keeps you from giving away free advice.
- Shows potential clients that you offer professional services.
Following Up After the First Response
Once you’ve directed them to your paid services, follow up! Many people need a little nudge before making a booking. If they express interest but don’t take action, check in with them after a few days:
π’ What to say:
“Hey [Name], just wanted to check if you’d like me to send over the details for my consultation. Let me know, I’d love to help you create a space you love!”
Following up shows you’re proactive and professional while keeping the door open for them to book.
No Guilt, Just Boundaries
It’s completely okay to say no to free advice. Your expertise is valuable, and you deserve to be paid for it! By setting clear, professional boundaries and redirecting inquiries towards your paid offers, you can handle these requests with confidence, without feeling awkward.
Final Thoughts
By mastering the art of the friendly redirect, you not only protect your time but also position yourself as a professional whose expertise is worth investing in. The more you set these boundaries, the easier it becomes.
β¨ Have you ever struggled with freebie requests? How do you handle them? Let me know! π
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