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However, we quickly let them know that when creating their projects it is "a must" for me, that they reveal their realistic budject, as it would be a complete waste of my time and their design fee.
You cant create around an assumption, of which ive tried once in my earlier days, yes i got the design wrong as i designed around the £12000 bench mark. On this occasion it was a case of "wanting an Armani suit but only wanting to spend Matalan money".
That particular budget would have kept the site open for 9 Days based on the original assumption, the client did have a realictic project designed and installed around their realistic budget that was at offer, but the main goal was achieved, they were very happy and spoke my name positivly
kerry
When the question is presented and they don't offer a budget - I simply say that it would be impossible to procure a design without one: "a stab in the dark" I will say; and of course this is true. This get's them thinking and their first notion of a budget is normally always conservative; I then assert my opinion on what it should cost to implement the different elements they require. Their second offering is normally much better and I base my design upon this.
People will always be willing to pay more than their nominated budget for the garden they really want. So a well designed space could be easily up-sold by 10-20%. Be honest and assertive and they will respond likewise.
If they really have a strict budget then they will make this very clear in their own initial conversation with you. If this is the case I will bluntly ask how much more they can spend (if it is a low budget for their ambitions) - they will respond honestly and this must be the ceiling limit for these type of clients.
Anyway this is how I approach it and it seems to get the results - there is nothing worse than trying to put pencil to paper for a project you have no clue about; and without their budget we really don't have a clue!
Cheers
Nicky Patterson
GardenImprovements.com
The design fee is a crucial tool in the client's understanding of what they are entering into - many (or most?) folk are still very naive about what can be achieved with a garden space and so the design fee presents the design notion itself as a professional applied skill. For us as a design and build firm, if the client does't wish to pay for a design, then they probably aren't the client for us.
Also crucial is that your time is of value - and so more importantly is your experienced and creative input into a design. The fee represents the value of the design plan. Without a design what would the client have? So in fact (even as a landscaper) you really should try and get paid for the work you put into a design.
Cheers
Nicky Patterson
GardenImprovements.com
Not telling you how to suck eggs, perhaps a small portable portfoilo of some previous designs could in included whilst at your consultation, at least you'll know from their body lanuage whether the time is right for you to introduce your design fee.
Then you both have a copy, of which all parties have 100% clarity with the final expectations.
To paint a picture with words is difficult, with a design, clarity is reached alot quicker.
Just a thought.
Stuart, whatever you do don't be nervous!! They can smell fear!!
It's difficult to do, especially as we all want the work at the moment! But a realistic idea of their budget from the outset, even just a ballpark is really important for both parties so that you don't waste your time, and they don't get carried away with complicated ideas.
I too have come up with design ideas, only to be told on presenting them that actually this is all we have to spend..... and then it's back to the drawing board!
Not sure what I had done wrong we went to one side and the estate manager mentioned a more realistic figure. We went back and quoted the new figure which the contractor was much happier with as it was more realistic for what we were looking for.
I still think £15000 would have given us a good design and a great looking garden. But everyone else was happy with £5000 so who am I to complain? For some reason I'm not allowed to quote budgets before talking to other first, probably a good idea ~grin~
I also find this on sites such as 'Rated People'.....clients want 3 x Quotes for a job and yet don't want to tell you how much they have to spend. There are too many people who have no intention of having the work done and are just fishing and wasting our time.
As far as design work is concerned, I'll advise the client that this is chargeable and as a result most are willing to work out the details whilst I'm there thus saving (them) money.
I've made the classic mistake of getting involved with work for 'friends' with no budget......I drew up the designs and planting schemes etc only for them to turn it down as it was too expensive it was in fact cheap & on 'mate's rates'. 6 months later I re-visited only to find that they had used my drawings and had it done to an awful standard by someone else.
As much as we all love the job, we're not a charity and it's only fair that your given a figure to work with.
You live & learn!
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