Interior Design Business: How To Deal With Moody Clients

Dealing with emotionally unstable clients can be the worst nightmare ever. Each time you meet with them, they are in a different mood. They never suggest things themselves, always change their mind and their decisions. They are never sure in anything and will drive you crazy by constantly asking to come up with new ideas. With them, it is dificult not only to start construction, but to actually finish any stage of a design project.   This can be very intimidating, exhausting and frustrating.

Things to consider

Sometimes the best advice ever on how to deal with such people is to actually get rid of them and move forward. If you feel that you are spending way too much time on the project, and don’t see any positive outcome, there is a big doubt that eventually this client will be satisfied with your job and you get good recommendations from him in the future. Carefully evaluate the circumstances and think about firing this client as a possible problem solution.

Tips on how to deal with moody clients

However, if you still decided to move forward, here are some recommendations on how to deal with moody and emotionally unstable clients:

1. Always take the upfront payment for your work and don’t proceed to the next stage until you get fully paid. Sometimes people use their “moodyness” as a strategic tool to get discounts or not to pay you at all. Be careful, and notice such red flags from the beginning.
2. Document all meetings and any discussions with these clients.  Take meeting notes and get client’s signature on everything that has been agreed. Before starting any work on the project send them your questionnaire and ask to fill it in.
3. Do you homework. It might be a good idea to create a shared Google file, where you will put notes about everything that has been discussed. You can document any references, such as materials that you confirmed, paint codes, furniture photos, etc. The more structured you make the work, the more tied the client will feel.
4. Work on your pesonality – you need to radiate confidence and assureness. Even if you have a little doubt about anything, your client will definitely notice it. Never say things such as “I am not sure” or “I don’t know”. Of course, expertise comes with time and experience, however don’t underestimate yourself as a professional and know how to defend your point of view.
5. Make sure you listen to the client. Sometimes what we call the client’s inconstancy is actually our inability to listen and understand what he really wants. As a result we come up with the solutions or suggestions, which they don’t really like and sometimes are shy to tell us directly.
6. Cover up yourself legally. Make sure that you contract states how many days a client has to revise your proposals, as well as how many amendments he can make in the proposed design.
7. Whatever happens stay calm. As soon as you allow your emotions to take over professional approach, consider that you lost your project and your client.  You might feel burning from anger or crying from frustration inside,  however never show this to the client. Make sure you voice is always calm and you never allow yourself to speak in an insulting or unfriendly manner.
8. Learn your lessons and move forward. Whatever happens with us in our business is an invaluable experience that teaches us on how to be better in what we are doing. We will never be able to grow and evolve as professionals if we don’t face problematic situations. Remember about it and take it as a unique opportunity to learn and develop.

Want to learn more on how to grow your interior design business? Check out our Marketing for Interior Designers eBook: