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We charge $100 for the initial visit for consultation / small scale design (on-site sketches), and have a rubric of sorts that defines charges for more formal design work. All charges are refundable.
Being that we are a garden center as well as landscape firm, we get a TREMENDOUS amount of calls (30-40 per week currently), and have a fair number of DIY clients that pay the $100 up front, but get credit at the garden center for that amount. Good for business, great for the client.
I have a very firm belief that EVERYONE should be charging for their time. Whether you give it back or not is your call, but by having that up front charge, you CYA and at least bring in a little something for your time.
Of the 30 calls I take each week, about 10 or 15 have reservations regarding the charge. I simply explain that it is our way of encouraging their business, and it wouldn't make much sense for us to do this for free and have them run to the nearest big box to pick up the plant material. Most people get it. Those that don't, I'm more than happy not to work with.
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Jesse
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