Dear Preston,
I live in Spain and am an architect, though for the last two years I have worked at my own event design firm. The reason I am writing to you is because I barely make a living, and the situation doesn’t look very promising.
In Spain, designer work is certainly undervalued, and event design (I do mostly weddings) is something completely secondary to many brides — or something their mothers take care of. This is changing a bit, but still, people are not very willing to spend their money on “decoration.” Also, the economical prospect in Spain is abysmal at best.
I don’t know, maybe all beginners feel like this, I am getting more and more work, but I have had to drop my prices, and my profits are not very good.
Lately, I have been talking with my photographer husband about relocating to the US or maybe the UK, which seems a better fit for us and our professions. My question to you is: should I try to hold on here or would you recommend moving? Is the market there capable of accepting yet another event designer?
Of course, I would have to work for others at the beginning, but still, sometimes, I think it would be better for me and my husband in the long run. Do you agree?
Thank you very much for your time and patience, and also for your invaluable insight, I read your blog and it helps me many times when I am discouraged or disoriented.
Best Regards,
Ready to Move
Dear RTM,
Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful letter. I empathize; our industry can be very frustrating, and it’s easy to get disheartened.
Maybe a move to the U.S. or the U.K. would be a good fit for you and your husband; I’m certain there’s more than enough work for another designer in both countries. However, I get the sense from your letter that your desire to move might be coming from a place of anxiety and panic. And those are not good reasons to move.
You said yourself that you are getting more and more work. That’s a great sign. So, I’m not convinced that abandoning your business, which you’ve been working hard at for two years, to start all over in a new country is the best decision.
You also mentioned that you’ve been lowering your prices, and now your profits aren’t strong. I’ve written about this risky practice before (Here and Here).
I understand needing business and worrying that if you don’t lower your prices, you’ll miss out on jobs. But you need to give potential clients a polite but firm reality check. Explain to them the value of the services you’re offering. Most clients will understand, and accept your higher prices.
If you really are getting steadying work, then I think the first thing to do is raise your prices back up. Practice explaining to clients why you and your work are worthy of those prices. Then, be patient. Give it some time. See what happens. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Best,
PB
Dear Readers, what do you think? Do you agree with my advice? Do you have anything to add? Please help this young designer and share your advice in the comments.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Pam Archer
May 1, 2012
I concur 1,000%
Speechless...
May 1, 2012
WOW, as I was reading RTM letter I thought it was myself writting it….I am speechless and so moved… I am also an architect who leaves in Spain and started over a year ago an event design firm. As RTM I am getting more and more work but
I am seriously considering moving to another country where this work that I feel so passionate about is better valued and where, after working over 12 hours a day, I can get a good profit. I thank you Preston for your advice to RTM, it´s been very helpful to me too!
lenee valentine
May 1, 2012
Thanks Preston for sharing these letters, I have the exact same concerns, but Iive here in the U.S. the situation with the economy is still very stressful and overwhelming everywhere. GOD HELP US ALL!!!!!
Thanks for your words of encouragement, I can definitely take what you said to this woman and apply it to myself.
Thanks for sharing and taking the time to help us to realize our dreams…
A sympathetic Brit
May 1, 2012
Thanks for this Preston. It’s a little ironic for me reading this. I actually live in the UK and find everything she’s said to be true in my case as an event designer in the UK.
The grass is always greener on the other side but not always so.
Kathleen
May 1, 2012
Hang in there always give the wow factor! Clients will pay for that! gOOD LUCK!
The Garden District, Naples, Fl
May 1, 2012
Good Marketing is key.
Emily, St Louis
May 2, 2012
All great advise and more importantly, very encouraging and thoughtful.
RTM – don’t be afraid to raise your prices. Offer a design element that maybe some other event designers do not. Make it your “signature”. It will not be for everyone, but everyone is not your client and those who are will appreciate you and pay you what you are worth.
PB- we love your heart and your enthusiasm! – Your St Louis friends, Sisters Floral Design Studio
Nazzib Samad
May 2, 2012
Dear PB,
I totally agree with your suggestions and solutions to her dilemma.
To RTM: Stay put just a little more and try to adapt to what PB wrote. It was my dilemma on my third year of operation. But instead of moving, I stood still to my design and price and have the nerve to increase it a bit more. But I am still the first person they contact to ask for event decor services and still be their first choice after all. Hence, I am still doing the same business at the same area. Though the number of projects per year has just increase a little more, but at least I can smile and indulge some of the profit. Just be patient. Believe in your design, believe in your price and believe in yourself.
Kim Petyt
May 2, 2012
I completely sympathize with RTM. I’m a wedding planner in Paris, and I think the French attitude towards design is more in line with what she’s finding in Spain- there just isn’t the same emphasis on it as there is in the U.S.. Like you said, rather than lowering her prices, since she is seeing a rise in her client base, maybe she could re-evaluate how she is marketing herself, and play up the uniqueness of what she’s offering (which would then “justify” her fees. Maybe a re-branding is in order? I worked with a great agency when I found myself in a similar situation and re-branded last year. They took me through the steps of redefining my clients, looking at what I was offering and how I was presenting my services. They developed an image that was so much more “me” than I had had previously, and I think that this put the wind back beneath my sails- business has really taken off in amazing ways since my re-branding. So, while putting out MORE money at a time where she’s considering cutting back may not seem ideal, in the long-run it could be just the thing that she needs.
Thanks so much for your advice and inspiration, Preston!!
Malta Wedding Planner
May 9, 2012
I agree with Preston 100%. Plus lowering your prices will not necessarily attract more customers but will just make you compete in a different market segment. You are lucky that in 2 years you are seeing good business. I know of many wedding planners that took them way longer to start reaping off the fruits of their work. My advice, if you love what you are doing hang in there, charge what you consider a good fee and invest in a good marketing strategy.
Tia Lasswell
May 10, 2012
As a Spring LWPI student and newer wedding planner, stories of the financial burdens can we face in this particular field can sometimes be discouraging. But stepping outside the box and looking at the bigger picture “Ready to Move” really is making progress with the continued increase in client numbers. The advice from Preston and the other planners is really motivational though. Encouraging someone to stick with their dream and continue to persure their efforts is a great way to keep new planners pushing forward.
Thank you all for your continued passion and dedication that you show for this field.