EP 068 | Why Every Interior Designer Needs Clear Policies with Kimberley Seldon
July 9, 2018
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Are your business policies protecting your time, profitability, and peace of mind?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explains why clear policies are one of the most powerful tools an interior designer can have. Whether you’re managing client expectations, collecting payments, setting business hours, or working with trades, strong policies create consistency and reduce unnecessary stress.
For interior designers, especially solopreneurs, policies are more than rules—they’re the foundation of a professional and profitable business.
In this episode, we learn:
• How using “we” language can increase confidence and authority in client conversations
• Why enforcing your policies rarely costs you the right clients
• How making exceptions often leads to additional negotiations and boundary issues
• Why every design firm needs policies around fees, collections, business hours, and trade relationships
• Specific language that helps communicate and protect your policies
• How clear policies create a more professional client experience and smoother projects
Take Aways
Kimberley suggests the following language to use in the event you are asked by a client to modify or change your policies.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to seek expert legal advice in all matters contractual. Kimberley’s suggestion is intended as a starting place that will help you develop your own way of firmly protecting your existing policies.
KS: The contract I use was written specifically for me and my firm and our business, with care to protect our interests and the interests of our clients and trades. Our policies have been approved by an attorney, and they reflect the high standards and values we provide to our discerning clientele. We’d love to work with you and we know from experience this contract will help your project run efficiently and smoothly from beginning to completion.
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.