The Hidden Costs Of Interior Design

Business Process for Transparent Cost Management

In our business operation, the workflow entails sending a proposal to the client for the desired item. Upon acceptance, the client proceeds with payment, following which we initiate the order placement with the vendor. Our commitment is to provide clients with a comprehensive cost overview for each item; however, it's worth noting that supplementary expenses like storage, shipping, insurance, and unforeseen labor costs may arise intermittently. Here are the anticipated costs you may encounter throughout the process. Embracing transparency, these expenses are openly shared to foster trust and clarity with our clientele.

Shipping and Storage Process

At Gem Design Co., we understand the importance of a seamless shipping and storage process to ensure a delightful experience for our clients.

Shipping

Our shipping costs are primarily calculated based on the weight of the items and the distance to your location. We know that estimating the weight of a package can be tricky, so if the exact weight is uncertain until the items are packed, rest assured that the shipping charges will be billed separately once the package is ready to be shipped to you.

Storage

We believe in creating a truly awe-inspiring reveal for our clients. For that "blown-away-I-can't-believe-how-awesome-my-house-looks-and-you've-even-lit-candles" moment, our installation team takes care of everything at once. We recommend scheduling the installation while you're away to experience the full impact of your beautifully transformed space.

To achieve the "oh-my-god-I-never-expected-my-home-to-look-this-good-ever" moment, some items may need to be stored temporarily. Your belongings will be carefully tucked away until everything is perfectly in place for the grand reveal. Trust us, the anticipation and final reveal will be well worth the wait.

Insurance

It's important to have insurance and to check with your insurance company and interior designer as to who is responsible at what time for that $25,000 Coromandel screen you're having shipped from the Far East. Just sayin'.

LABOR related to purchases

Unexpected Labor

As interior designers, we often encounter unexpected challenges during projects that catch us off guard. It could be something concealed behind a seemingly innocent family portrait or lurking beneath layers of wallpaper. Those exquisite antique pieces we adore might need some delicate repair work that only reveals itself upon closer inspection. Flexibility is key in these situations, as anyone familiar with the chaos of remodeling can attest to.

Expected Labor

Vendors are faced with a similar dilemma when it comes to estimating the time and effort required for a task. The intricate details of a restoration project on an antique piece may demand more attention than initially thought. From reinforcing silk fabrics with knit-backing to rejuvenating lanterns through powder-coating or rewiring them, the complexity of the work can only be fully understood once the craftsmen dive in. While we try to obtain estimates beforehand, the precise cost often remains elusive until the last brushstroke is applied or the final wire is connected.

Potential Hidden Fees in Procurement

Minimum Fees

Sure you can order a yard of fabric, but it'll cost you extra with many vendors because of their minimum yardage requirements.  It may seem unfair, but it is time-consuming and not as lucrative to cut one yard as opposed to twenty.  You'll also see mimimum fees if purchasing from a wholesaler and not reaching their minimum order requirements.  And unfortunately, I often see vendors providing quotes without this minimum fee, only to have it show up on the invoice when you are ready to purchase.

Rush fees

If you want to be at the front of the line, you'll have to pony up.  Disney and the airlines do it so this one isn't too surprising.