Client Communication Tools – Should Designers Use a Client Questionnaire?

When you have a problem working with a client, do you immediately know the cause? Is it more often than not “their fault” rather than yours? Are they unreasonable and deliberately difficult? Could it be a lack of adequate client communication tools?

A recent article at BusinessOfHome.com sparked a debate among the staff here at TD Fall, where we struggled to determine the most common cause of disputes between client and provider.

The article is titled, “How useful are client questionnaires?”. Author Haley Chouinard polled half-a-dozen designers about their use (or not) of a client questionnaire “and how it shapes their relationship.”

We found the answers somewhat surprising and conflicting. Half of them said they do use some form of questionnaire while the other half seemed to think doing so was either too impersonal or would be somehow restrictive. Of course, such answers beg the question of how best to begin building a relationship with a client in ways that it can grow and benefit both parties.

Ultimately, using a client questionnaire is a “get to know you” tool for the designer and, to a lesser extent, for the client. We’ve explored this subject before in a variety of ways, though perhaps less directly; with posts on topics like:

·         Designer Marketing Tips – Who is Your Ideal Client (and what do they want from you)?

·         Know Your Greatest Tool for Building Relationships with Interior Design Clients

·         Designer Marketing Tips – Defining Your Ideal Client

·         Grow Your Interior Design Business – Survey Your Audience

·         Designing Your Design Business – Value of Client Testimonials and Reviews

You see, what each of these previous blog posts have in common is – they are all about getting to know and communicating with your design clients.

Building Relationships is the Key to Business Success

It should be clear that whether you use a client questionnaire or prefer an in-person interview initially (which is something of a verbal questionnaire anyway), the goal of either is to get a sense of your potential client and their needs. From their personality to the scope of the project, you need a solid understanding of who, what, when before you can bid on, and begin the designing process for them.

While it is not our place to tell you how to run your business (nor would we try), we do believe the experience we’ve gained from decades in the industry has value to our clients. That is, after all, why we offer this blog and our consulting services, in addition to the product lines we carry.

So, what are we trying to say here?

If building relationships truly is the key to business success, and we believe it is, then you must get to know your clients in a personal way. Only by getting to know something of their character and personality, as well as their vision for the space they are asking you to design, the more likely you will be able to work with them and make them happy.

So, use all the client communication tools you can find or develop. From questionnaires to market research, from personal interviews to client surveys and requests for testimonials, the more you know about your target market, potential clients, and individuals you’ve worked within the past, the more successful you will be.

Are you looking for more tips on interior design success, new home design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.