EP 051 | How Interior Designers Prevent Clients from Shopping Them with Kimberley Seldon

How do you stop clients from shopping your recommendations online?

The truth is, you probably can’t stop it entirely—but you can dramatically reduce it.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares practical strategies for building trust, strengthening your professional image, and creating a client experience so valuable that clients rely on your expertise rather than searching for the lowest price. From transparent communication to stronger intake procedures, Kimberley explains how successful designers position themselves as trusted advisors, not product vendors.

For interior designers looking to protect profitability and improve client relationships, this episode offers actionable business advice you can implement immediately.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why client shopping is inevitable—but can be minimized with the right systems
• How transparency builds trust and confidence throughout the project
• Why a consistent brand image helps clients trust you more quickly
• How a stronger intake process leads to better client relationships and fewer pricing objections
• Why designers should sell a lifestyle and experience—not products alone
• How custom furnishings, clear policies, and professional boundaries protect your business

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Ask a trusted friend to review your visual touch points—website, social media platforms, photographs and describe what she sees. Is her understanding of who you are online in alignment with the image you are trying to project? If not, begin the process of editing and curating your image.

Business of Design® & You

As interior design professionals, we LOVE our work because it matters so much. We want our clients to get our best every time, because it’s going to affect the way they live for years to come. But doing our best work isn’t possible if we can’t dedicate ourselves to it. And we can’t dedicate ourselves to it if doesn’t earn us a living.

Business of Design® is the best professional advice and business coaching available, and it’s just for you. Our mission is to liberate your talent and skill by showing you how to run a business that supports you, empowers you, and lets you love your work again.