Contracts may seem like a pain, but they are there to make sure you are protected, and to also make sure your clients are protected as well. It's there to document everything that has been agreed upon and to ensure both parties stick to the agreement. It also adds professionalism to your business, letting clients know you have their best interests documented, and that you will stick to the written terms.
When you meet up with a client, you want to bring a document with you that allows you to list every agreed upon information. From pricing, to timelines, and design preferences. You can find a template for that, along with a contract, in the next step. Once this document is filled out, you will take it back to your home or office to write the finalized contract to send to your client.
Contracts also let your clients know that you run a professional service and you will work on a professional schedule. By stating your available times on your contract, and making an agreed upon time and date, you hold your clients to that timeline. This way, you don't have your time abused, but the same standard is held towards you in regards to your client’s time. If you agree to a day and time, you want to ensure you stick to it. If you plan to order furniture online, you can have a ballpark date, to wait on the ordered material. Once you have your furniture ready to go, contact your client about a time and date that works for both of you, then schedule any necessary contractors and movers for that day and time. Things can come up that delay estimated time frames, but make sure the standard is set with your clients on what to expect, and stick to the best timeline you can. Do your research about shipments and deliveries from a large portion of companies you are going to shop at most frequently. That will give you a better outlook on a timeline.
