There is nothing worse than hitting send on a design proposal and… crickets.

Your prospective client doesn’t get back to you for days, sometimes even weeks. You start to assume the worst. They’ve either thought, “No way!” to your proposal, or your email didn’t even go through.

It’s easy to start panicking or feeling like we’ve been rejected, but I want to remind you: people are busy. 

How many times have you seen an email in your inbox and told yourself you’d reply later, or just deleted it without thinking? 

People have so much going on these days, and that’s why it’s important to give them deadlines to respond. Today, I’m going to uncover a trick I’ve learnt that can really help you optimise your workflow and run your business better – setting expiry dates on your interior design proposals.

Why an Expiry Date Helps Your Business

Setting an expiry date on your proposals helps to keep both you and your potential clients on track. Firstly, it highlights the importance of taking swift action. In our fast-paced world, giving clear deadlines ensures that your clients respond quicker, which in turn allows you to plan your jobs more efficiently. 

Setting that clear deadline removes this uncertainty. It makes it clear to your clients that you are serious about your timeline and ensures you work with people who can make quick decisions.

The Psychological Edge

One of the biggest advantages of setting an expiry date is that it creates a sense of urgency. Clients who book quickly often turn out to be the best fit. When you put an expiry date on your proposal, it signals to your clients that you are in demand, and they should act if they want to secure your services.

A touch of urgency can transform an indifferent client’s mindset, making them more decisive. They realise they can’t afford to sit on your proposal indefinitely and this often leads to quicker and more committed responses.

Protecting Your Time and Resources

Setting an expiry date is also about protecting your time and resources. Let’s face it, our time is precious. By having a set expiry, you give yourself a clear framework for following up. If you haven’t heard back by the midpoint of your deadline, it gives you a perfectly valid reason to reach out and remind them. 

Having an expiry date also allows you to adjust your pricing if things change. If a potential client comes back after a month wanting to start, but your workload or material costs have shifted, you have the justified authority to revisit the terms.

Planning and Scheduling Effectively

Lastly, setting an expiry date helps you plan your pipeline and schedule your work better. Knowing that a proposal is only valid for, say, seven days, allows you to set realistic expectations and keep your project timeline moving smoothly. It also protects your capacity. If someone reverts back after your deadline has passed, you have the perfect opportunity to assess your current workload and make informed decisions.

Where to State the Expiry Date

So, where do you actually place the expiry date? Best practice is to include a clear line in the email you send with your contract that states when the proposal expires – in bold is even better. If you’re using CRM software, set an expiry date within your system to keep track. Remind your client in follow-up emails about the limited time they have to accept your proposal, and don’t shy away from stating that after a certain date, pricing and availability are subject to change.

Adding an expiry date to your proposals is more than just a business tactic; it’s about respecting your time and resources while making sure your clients are committed and serious. It’s a tiny tweak with massive benefits, aiding in better planning, quicker responses and a more professional approach.

I hope this inspires you to put your best foot forward and make sure your time, energy and expertise are valued the way they should be! 

Listen to the podcast episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/interiors-insider/id1692276607?i=1000669853174

Download our FREE Price Guide here: https://interiorsinsider.myflodesk.com/priceguide