With my new job, I offer free in-home consultations, measure and install service for window treatments with thousands of pattern and color choices to create a custom look for someone’s home.
When I first started, I thought it was going to be easy to get people to buy. Well, let me tell you that it is challenging. (However, I love challenges no matter how difficult.) My first 2-3 weeks starting out, I did not get anyone to buy anything. I think mostly because people do not realize how much custom draperies cost. A pair draperies can start off at relatively $1500 and that’s just a plain simple solid without any kind of detail. Trust me, most of my clients are not looking for simple by any means. Don’t get me wrong though, simple definitely can have a statement depending on how you execute the design and what else is going on the room. Most of my clients want their draperies to be one of their focal points.
Before, I received my first “yes,” I was literally almost at my breaking point. I was so frustrated and felt defeated because I kept constantly hearing no over and over again. The look on a clients’ faces when I quoted out the cost took me a while to get used to. They would literally be in a moment of shock. At that point, it is on me to convince the customer that what they selected is worth the money they are going to spend and that it is going to look wonderful. You need to give them that “reassurance.”
So, you can believe I was excited to finally hear a “YES!” It is going to be beautiful and the client is going to absolutely love it. If this first part of the project goes well, she is going to do several more rooms in her home. Within the same week, I got another “YES!” and now the project is underway and they plan on doing several more rooms as well. I can’t wait to see the window treatments up in the rooms. I will be sharing pictures with you all.
My main point in sharing all this is that being in a sales position where you have to go to people’s home is hard. You are on the customer’s turf playing by what sometimes seems like their rules. The key is to allow the customer to think that they are making all the decisions when you really are. You guiding them to the solution they want. Someone told me that in the beginning you will hear more no then yes; however, when you get your first yes, they are going to start coming more frequently and your clientele is going to start growing. It is a hurdle. I believe hearing that helped me to keep going and overcome that feeling of defeat.
Wish me luck as I continue on with the many challenges that my job will give me. It definitely keeps it fun and interesting.
~Laverne
Cre8ive Obsessions 