New Customer Onboarding Checklist for Interior Designers

Use an AI receptionist like SkipCalls to answer inquiries about $2,000 room designs or $50,000 projects even when you are on a job site.

Ensure the client's budget aligns with your minimums (e.g., $5,000 for a kitchen refresh) before booking a site visit.

Ask for 3-5 Pinterest or Houzz inspiration photos to see if their aesthetic matches your portfolio.

Send a booking link for your $200-$500 initial consultation immediately after the screening call.

Gather functional needs like family size, pet requirements, and 'must-have' features before you walk through the door.

Clearly outline the scope of work, hourly rates, and purchasing terms to prevent scope creep.

Secure the first payment (typically 10-50% of the design fee) before any conceptual work begins.

Use tools like Ivy or Mydoma to centralize mood boards, invoices, and product selections.

Define office hours, communication channels, and what happens when a vendor shipment is delayed.

Send a reminder 24 hours prior to ensure you have full access to the home.

Take high-resolution photos of every corner for your design team and marketing use.

Record all dimensions, including ceiling heights, window placements, and electrical outlet locations.

Check for load-bearing walls or plumbing stacks that might impact a $10,000+ renovation plan.

Review color palettes and textures with the client to get 'buy-in' before specifying expensive FF&E.

Provide a detailed list of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment with clear pricing for approval.

Never order custom furniture or $1,000+ rugs without receiving 100% of the product cost upfront.

Update the client bi-weekly on back-ordered items or shipping delays to manage expectations.

Ensure all furniture is inspected at the warehouse before it arrives at the client's home.

Be present to direct installers and place accessories for that 'magazine-ready' look.

Identify minor touch-ups or missing hardware to ensure 100% client satisfaction.

Schedule a professional stylist and photographer for high-end portfolio content.

Happy clients are your best source for the next $20,000 room design project.