The Value of Value?

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Hello my lovelies!  StagerLinda here and needing to vent a wee bit.

I recieved another rushed phone inquiry.  Before I could explain how I work, (touring the property, taking pictures, writing a report, blah, blah, blah) Mz.Hurry-Up interrupts, "what do you charge?"  When I try to explain my rates for the Consultation Report, Mz. Hurry-Up stops me again and says, "for STAGING! What do you charge for STAGING?"



I've been doing this for years, so I have my elevator pitch pretty much down.  I find it very annoying (if you have every heard any of the Kardashian family describe anything that gives them displeasure, all 8 always use the adjective "annoying" at every opportunity) trying to justify the way I work.  The is client price shopping.

In staging school, I was told to say, "I can do as little or as much as you want."  Tried it.  What a fiasco!  It doesn't serve the goal of getting the house SOLD.


Expensive?  Yep. I know I am considered expensive.  I figure I have paid my dues.  I've consulted on a gazillion houses and have staged a bazillion.  I have education, references and media coverage.  Most important,  I don't really have any more learning curve mistakes to make. Pretty important when someone is helping sell your biggest asset, no?

Here's the rub, I require my written evaluation first.  The seller's have to take care of their end (cleaning, painting, packing, repairs, etc.) before I will stage.  Lots-o-stagers do 'walk-n-talks' and the seller takes notes.  I prefer a document that they can refer back to and one that explains why I am asking them to make the required changes for selling.  There are also delicate situations that can be addressed in a written report without embarrassing the seller.

Once a realtor said, "You didn't give me a price for staging in your report."

I replied, "I am going to have to take a pass on staging that house.  Thank you very much for considering me. I hope the report is helpful... "

When I was further pressured, I explained to the realtor, "That house is in deplorable condition.  My nice furnishings are not going into that filthy house.  If the owners don't care enough to take care of their own belongings, they certainly aren't going to take care of mine."

My Happiness

Awww....I feel better now!  Thanks for letting me vent! 

How do you sell your expertise?