Small cake, big Price? How creatives & architects offer their clients a win-win
Small cake, big price? Why that's not a good idea – and what it has to do with the creative business. The other day I was back at my favourite café. A place with style, soul and delicious aromas. Everything homemade, the selection vast, the cake delicious and the slices: generous. The cappuccino perfectly frothed, the owner's smile genuine. A moment when everything feels right. And I'm happy to pay for that, because the experience works – for both sides.
What bothers me is the other variant, which you experience more and more often: rising prices and shrinking portions. An exchange that's neither charming nor clever. A win-lose for the customer with a stale aftertaste. In my favourite café, I have the feeling of a win-win for both sides. I paid fairly – even gave a decent tip – and had the full enjoyment. Especially since the cake here tastes like Grandma's, a genuine win-win. Why am I telling you this? Because it also applies to our creative business and the world of architecture and design.
From Cake to Concept
We can pass this win-win feeling on to our clients too. For instance, through added value that we offer. This could be: informative content and inspiration via blog, social media or newsletter. Or by having attractive offers that clients can use and benefit from. Or by making collaboration with us so effortless and straightforward that both sides feel good and profit from each other. This complimentary added value or the little extra: How should it work without burdening or draining us?
A Brainstorm – What You Could Offer
Collaboration guide, in which you outline the working process, briefly introduce your portfolio and yourself again, and list prices**, planning costs or packages.
Simple roadmap that you send clients as a kick-off, so they know what to expect. This way their anticipation is immediately much greater.
Checklist: What needs to be prepared on your side before our first meeting (for example, for a photo shoot). Or a list of all documents and files you need for a project.
Mini-guide „How to Get the Most Out of Our Project”, showing clients how collaboration succeeds – e.g. through quick feedback, shared tools, moodboards etc.
A guide to the project phases and what happens in each phase.
A page with curated suppliers or showrooms that you actually recommend.
Visualised overview of the project phases from design to move-in. Clients see directly what happens when, which decisions are coming up and when feedback is needed. Clear, understandable, valuable.
A page with frequently asked questions that you constantly have to answer and that genuinely help clients.
** Oh yes: If this transparent way of making prices visible puts people off: Would that really be the right client then? Usually these are those who are only looking for a consultant to show them options. But not those who actually want to realise a project with you and get started.
Next Step: What Will You Offer?
Pick one point from the list and implement it this month. Something you create once and can use again and again. Then you'll have it ready whenever you need it. Your clients will appreciate it – and you'll streamline your processes.
My Experience
Transparent communication, a clear workflow and small goodies before project start immediately create a good feeling. Clients sense the care, the planning and the attitude – and they start the collaboration motivated. A small added value often works more powerfully than big words. Those who use the effort upfront gain clarity, trust and joy – for both sides. Win-win doesn't just work in cafés, but also in architecture, design and creative projects.
I'm always working on creating exactly such added value for my clients myself. If you have questions about this or want to exchange ideas – just write to me. And now: off to your favourite café! ☕
Want to read the German Version? > Get it here.
