A popular mode of payment, the hourly rate method has been used over the years by many professionals such as architects, engineers, therapists, lawyers and accountants. It is well used by certified interior designers, too.
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How does it work?
The way it works is that the interior designer is supposed to keep detailed records of daily work and the number of hours spent to execute such works.
At the end of each month, the client is billed as per the number of hours expended.
This mode of payment actually is payment for time spent, not necessarily a payment for talent and skills of a certified interior designer.
What are the drawbacks?
Clients are a bit wary of this billing method simply because there may be instances where the designer works slower than others. What happens if the interior designer is slow or fast, highly talented or just plain competent?
It poses several problems and clients sometimes feel they may be cheated but have no way to ascertain such fears. This is expected.
For example, if the certified interior designer goes shopping on client A’s behalf, spending a number of hours in the process, and whilst doing that finds something for client B, but is unsuccessful in finding client A’s products, who pays for the time? Who pays for the time, client A or B?
Well, the answer is that client A still gets charged, but one may ask, “Is it fair?” Unfortunately client A still has to pay for time spent on his or her job. This leaves many clients feeling cheated.
Also, how does a client trust that the number of hours a certified interior designer claims is correct and has not been inflated?
These are the usual question asked by prospective clients. Rightly so!
