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THE INDUSTRY
Staging is an exciting business with tremendous
earning potential, and the industry has been steadily
growing since its initial popularization in the 1980s.
Think multi-dimensionally. Your revenue stream is
based upon fees for consultation, design, and inventory
rental. When you do this right, you're also generating
revenue by selling individual furnishings and décor
pieces to those viewing your staged properties. You're
generating revenue by selling the whole lifestyle,
everything you've added to the home, to the lucky
homebuyers. You're generating revenue for traditional
interior design services in permanent residences—this
is the most important stream, and it's one that most
people overlook! And you are generating the capital
and developing the expertise to become a professional
home-flipper—or to serve as a special advisor to
investors in the market. Remember, you have a built-in
marketing plan, because every home you stage is your
showroom, every person you meet is your potential
client, every client you work with is a perpetual source
of referrals.
RULES TO LIVE BY
• Value yourself and your clients
will value you
• Realistically estimate the scope of the
project and the financial requirements
• Only accept projects that feel right and
have a sensible budget
• Properly charge for your time, services,
expertise, and goods
• Treat the business like a business,
not a hobby
• Decorate to prospective homebuyers' taste,
not to the current owners' taste
• Hire the best people to represent you
• Purchase high-quality, high-style inventory
• Meticulously care for your inventory
• Know your local resources and develop
relationships with them
• Hire slowly and fire quickly
• Always perform in a timely manner
