EP 135 | Value-Based Pricing for Interior Designers with Tim Williams (Part 2)

October 25, 2019

Listen Now

Should interior designers charge hourly rates or flat fees for their services?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues her conversation with marketing and pricing expert Tim Williams about value-based pricing, profitability, and how interior designers can better position their expertise.

While no pricing model is perfect, Tim explains why value-based flat fees can help designers move beyond simply selling time and begin charging based on the value and outcomes they create for clients. This conversation also explores project management, pricing structure, and how industry changes may impact the future of design services.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why handling project management helps designers maintain control over project outcomes
• How project leadership increases the likelihood of getting professional portfolio photography
• What “disintermediation” means and how cutting out the middleman may impact interior designers
• Why pricing projects in phases gives clients more flexibility and clarity
• How value-based pricing positions designers as experts rather than hourly service providers
• Why pricing solely to cover overhead limits profitability and growth
• How stronger pricing strategies improve sustainability and client relationships
• Why interior designers must understand the value they bring beyond time spent on a project

 

Design Intervention

Don’t aim to serve the average, pick a focus and narrow your expertise.

 

Take Away

Positioning for Professionals

 

Tim Williams is a career marketing professional whose mission is to help professional service firms escape the tyranny of an unfocused business
model. As a globally-recognized expert in the areas of business and
pricing strategy, Tim is a noted author, international speaker, and
presenter for business organizations worldwide. Based on his expertise in positioning and pricing, Tim has been interviewed by newsgathering
organizations including The Economist, Wall Street Journal, New York
Times, Bloomberg News, The Guardian, Toronto Globe & Mail, Australian
Financial Review and numerous business publications ranging from Europe to Asia.

He is the author of two books, writes the popular blog “Propulsion” and serves as a LinkedIn Influencer, where Tim is a regular contributor of articles on business and pricing strategy.

As a consultant to marketing firms, Tim has worked with hundreds of firms ranging from mid- size independents to multinational networks and global holding companies. He began his career on Madison Avenue working for large multinational advertising agencies and later served as president and CEO of several mid-size independent firms. As the leader of Ignition Consulting Group Tim now advises the leaders and managers of professional knowledge firms on the development and execution of positioning and pricing strategies.

www.ignitiongroup.com

Subscribe to the Podcast

Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

|