Wallpaper Samples

[tracyel]

Hello, I'm hoping you guys and gals can help me. For the past 9 months I have been looking, without success, for wallpapering websites that offer free or low cost wallpaper samples.
Once I have achieved my Diploma in Interior Design and Decorating, I am hoping to start up my own home business. I know it won't be easy. In fact, I'm pretty sure it will be the opposite. But I've been ac***ulating different types of samples and I still can't seem to find any wallpapers.
Does anyone know of any sites that offer samples?

Thanks
Tracy

[Lorraine]

Hi Tracy,
I have just googled wall paper samples, came up with a few places, one is www.fermliving.com.au

Hope this helps.

Lorraine

[tracyel]

Thank Lorraine, I just checked it out and unfortunately they don't offer any samples, not even for purchase.

Tracy

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Traceyl
How exciting for you to be setting up your own business.

I don't know how other Interior Designers work but I don't actually keep wallpaper samples. I find the range available is so huge and like fashion always changing. So if a client is interested in having wallpaper - I will go to my favourite couple of wallpaper stores and find a selection to present to the client. The wallpaper stores will let you borrow the books overnight. Or sometimes the client comes to the store with me to see what I have selected. And now with stores like Silk Interiors that sell online you can easily select the papers you like and show the client on your computer.

I hope this helps.:)

[tracyel]

Thanks Julie-Ann,

I am very excited and very nervous.
I have no idea how I am going to get my first client though.
It makes sense not to keep samples. I only wanted to get them as I thought the client would prefer me to have something to show them. But as you say, some stores allow you to borrow their sample books.

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Traceyl

I understand the scary part - it takes a lot of confidence to take on such a challenge as starting your own design business. But I am sure you will succeed- just believe in yourself.

What samples have you collected so far?
Do you have a marketing plan?
Maybe we can help you get started:)

[Lorraine]

Apologies Tracy, I thought they did have samples. :D

[tracyel]

Julie-Ann, I mostly have fabric samples, carpeting samples, upholstery samples, and a few paint decks.
To be honest, I'm not sure how to create a marketing plan except have my business cards and some flyers printed up. I wouldn't know where else to start.
Lorraine, thanks for trying. All offers of help are greatly appreciated:D

[Julie-Ann]

I was lucky that I have never used my marketing plan and all my work has been word of mouth. But this is what I planned:
Business cards
Tell everyone you meet you are an Interior Designer and be confident. Don't tell them that this is your first job.
Removable magnetic signs to put on my car and have them on as much as possible.
Follow what houses sell in your area, either by watching the paper, driving around or if you can get the information from a friend in real estate.
When someone moves into a home they usually renovate and that's the time to drop in a flyer.

Maybe some others will have some tips.
But once you start people will recommend you and it will grow from there.:)

[tracyel]

Julie-Ann, that sounds like a great plan.
If you don't mind me asking, what was the initial start up cost, roughly? I have been reading 'how to start a home-based Interior Design Business' 5 edition by Nita Phillips and I'm not sure how much of it applies to me as the book was directed at the US industry.
It talks about all these different kinds of insurance and I'm not sure what ones I would need to start off with and what kind of money I am looking at.
Being a stay at home mum, I need to know early on what kind of money i need to be trying to save.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tracy

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Traceyl
I wasn't planning this as a career - it just grew into one. So I never started up and got organised at any one time. Apart from decorating my office and buying some paint fans, stationery and business cards - I didn't have too many costs at first.
I did take out Public Indemnity Insurance when I started doing jobs more than $20K in value. But that's about it.
Another thing I did to get started was I did a couple of jobs for family for free. I was then able to add their rooms to my portfolio. Plus their friends saw my work and told their friends and so on.
Plus once I had done a few jobs I left cards with suppliers and got a few jobs from them too.

[silkinteriors]

Hi Tracey,

Where are you located?

The reason I ask is that we are a fairly new wallpaper company in Melbourne, Silk Interiors (http://www.silkinteriors.com.au). We specialise in feature walls. I'd be happy to meet with you and show you our books if you're in the Melbourne metro area.

We don't provide our customers with samples as it's just not feasible to our bottom line. We have literally 100s and 100s of designs to choose from, and to make available a sample of each would reach into the tens of 1000s of dollars. We'd have to charge a LOT more for our wallpaper which would then affect sales and we want to see more of our products in more homes and at this time, it would just make our wallpaper prohibitively expensive :)

Sometimes we will have samples available if we have some off cuts or have used a particular design for an exhibition etc. so we'll send that to a customer, but as a general rule, no, we don't provide samples.

It's also really difficult to get sample books from the wallpaper manufacturers, so it's not wonder the wallpaper companies want to keep hold of them. And we do nothing but wallpaper!

In terms of starting up a new business (yay! congrats for taking the brave leap), I can't stress how important it is to plan. There are loads of great resources online to help you write your business plan. You don't necessarily need to find a resource specifically about interior design as the same general principles apply to all businesses. The Victorian Government supplies some excellent info and advice for starting up a business (http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVIC/LANDING/SEC01.html). The Vic Gov also run a lot of free or very cheap business courses to help you get your business started. If you're not in Victoria, check with your state government and even your local government. The Australian Tax Office also provide free courses to help you understand things like GST, BAS and keeping good tax records.

Your nearest TAFE is another great place to start for courses that will help you produce a business plan.

It's a very exciting time for you :)

[tracyel]

Thanks Julie-Ann, everything you have told me sounds like that is the best way to go. I do have a friend who has asked me to redecorate her house, which I would love to do, but it's a rental. Other than soft furnishings there is not much more I can do. I'm not sure that would count.
What do you think?

By the way, I have already thought of the name of the business. It is 'Interiors by D'sign' with the motto being 'Helping you bring your home to life' :)

[Julie-Ann]

Thanks for a brilliant and I am sure helpful reply Silkinteriors.
You're a star:).

[tracyel]

silkinteriors, I would love to meet you, but unfortunately I live in Brisbane. Thanks for the business info though. Will definately check it out.

[Julie-Ann]

What a pity you are not in the same state:(.
Traceyl any job is worth doing - just take lots of before and after pictures. It also just gives you experience and gives you a chance to introduce yourself to local suppliers whilst doing the job.
With your business name check that it is not only available as a registered name but also as a domain name in case in the future you want a website.
Registering your business costs about $80+ for 3 years. You will also have to apply for an ABN.

[tracyel]

Thanks for the info Julie-Ann.

I actually came up with the name as Interiors by Design was already taken. I've actually done a business name check for my business name and apparently it's free. Now all I have to do is register it before somebody else does. $80+ for 3 years? That's quite good. I thought it would be much more.

[silkinteriors]

What a shame we're so far from each other I can't scoot over with the sample books.

One of the most challenging things for us is getting our wallpaper in front of people because our website doesn't truly capture just how beautiful and intricate and tactile the designs are.

I think every job counts, no matter how big or small. Focus on how your work will help bring your friend's home to life, just like your motto. The outcome, making her home a happier place for her to be, for example, is more important than what colour you painted the walls or the types of soft furnshings you choose. Go for it!

Let me know if you have any specific business questions - I've had a fair bit of experience in small business management (Silk Interiors is not my first nor will it be my last :) )

[Julie-Ann]

That's what it cost a couple of years ago in Perth but it might be different where you are. You also have to pay for your ABN but I don't know how much that is.
Someone on Twitter sent me this link on how to write a business plan (http://www.katrinasarena.com/2009/08/25/killer-business-plan-in-9-easy-steps-incl-template/)- I thought it might be helpful.
Don't forget to check the domain name is available as well:)

[silkinteriors]

ABNs don't cost anything to register and you don't need to register for GST with your ABN until your business is earning around $80K (I'm not sure what the latest figure is).

I think it's good to register for an ABN for a number of reasons. First reason, it gives customers a sense of confidence that you're legit as you're registered with a government authority. Secondly, other businesses (such as wholesalers etc) will want you to have an ABN to give you trade rates etc.

If you're registered for GST, the benefit is that you can claim all the gst you pay on your expenses :D

[tracyel]

Thanks Julie-Ann and silkinteriors, you guys are giving me the info I need right now. I've been wanting to get an ABN but have been hesitant because I didn't know what was involved.
silkinteriors, how do i go about registering my business? I know I should wait until I receive my diploma, which should be by the end of May, but I'm keen to get the ball rolling, also so that if I am able to register the business name I have chosen, I can then look at business cards and other items that Julie-Ann suggested.

[silkinteriors]

Tracey - registering a business is different in each state. In Queensland, you can register your business here (http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/register-business-name.htm). It's $126.00 for 1 year or $241.00 for 3 years. This is different to registering a company (e.g. a Pty Ltd company). Companies are much more expensive to register, require do***ention to be submitted anually and you have to pay the flat company tax rate on everything you earn. Not worth doing that until you have built up a solid business. You'll probably be a 'sole trader' which is something like 'Tracyel trading as Interiors by Design' - just one person. If you're going into business with someone else, it's a partnership.

Don't wait until you've finished course - get this admin type stuff out of the way now. Wait until your business is registered before applying for your ABN (http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/15772.htm).

As Julie-Ann mentioned earlier, check to see if you can find an online name you like now so you can reserve it. It's about $40 for 2 years for a .com.au. It's really easy through a company such as Smarty Host (http://www.smartyhost.com.au/).

Don't be afraid of the tax office (http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.asp?doc=/content/00221703.htm&mnu=43402&mfp=001/003). I've actually found them really helpful in the past.

It's worth checking with your local council, the business development people and see if they're offering any courses for new businesses, information sessions, that kind of thing.

And finally, check out this website from the Qld Gov't (http://www.business.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v4/apps/web/content.cfm?id=3181). Looks quite helpful :)

[tracyel]

Once again silkinteriors, you have been a great help. Now that I'm getting the info I need, I am quite keen to get started.:D

[with2ns]

Hi Tracy,

I've just done a lot of what you are getting ready to do. I have registered my business (in Vic it's $81.80 for 3 years) and have got my ABN - which is not difficult, just fill in the online form. I have also just written a business plan.

I have taken part in a government initiative called the NEIS program - which might also interest you. You do a fast tracked Cert III in Mirco Business where they teach you all you need to know about the business side of things and then they assist you in writing your business plan. They can help with assistance in the form of some financial assistance for the first 12 months and a mentor.

If you have any questions on writing a b.plan feel free to send them my way and I will try to answer as best I can.

--
Dannielle

[Elements]

Hi TRaceyl, all the info given so far is fantastic and the only thing I can reiterate is be confident in your abilities and tell people with conviction what you are doing and how you can help them.
Exactly as Julie-Anne said ask if there are any friends or family that would be happy for you to use them as test subjects:D
The other thing I wanted to mention is some of the fabric companies also do wallpaper and you could possibly approach them or simply go down to your local supplier and see what offcuts they have.
They quite often have mini rolls or damaged stock. Generally these rolls are only $10-$20. If they have nice colours in them sometimes you could use them simply as an example of the quality of the paper and let your clients know the difference between online visuals and the real thing.
Good luck and we are all here for support.:D

[tracyel]

Thank you all for your help and support. I am very keen to get the ball rollling. Up until now, I have been very hesitant to make any kind of start as I didn't really know where to start. But after coming on here and talking to you all, I feel ready and confident to begin.
I will keep you guys posted.:D

[tracyel]

Yay!!! I have just received my Diploma for Interior Design and Decorating!!!!
Now what?

[Julie-Ann]

Congratulations Traceyl- how exciting for you:)
Do you have your ABN number yet? And have you registered your business name?

[tracyel]

Not yet Julie-Ann, I've been a little too chicken.

On the plus side, my nephew and his wife have asked me to redecorate their whole rental. They are just waiting on resigning the lease in June. I am doing it for free and in return, they let me take photos.:D

[Julie-Ann]

That's fantastic Traceyl. Lots of before and after pictures. Make sure you show us too. You never who might see them here and need a little help with their renovations:)
Well the next step is Register Your Business and then get your ABN.
Then get some business cards printed and spread the word that you are available for hire:).

[tracyel]

I am a little reluctant to register my business as I don't have a lot of money. I'm worried that I won't end up making a living from this. I'll have wasted money that may have been used elsewhere.

[Julie-Ann]

I understand what you mean. But with your ABN you can get huge savings as a designer from 10% up at a lot of suppliers. But a supplier usually won't give you that saving without an ABN and/or Registered business license. Sometimes a business card and ABN is enough. It's been a long time since I applied for my ABN but I think you need your business name. When you apply for your business name you have to give them about 4 choices. I was given the 3rd choice -so you can't assume you are going to get the business name you choose. So unfortunately there is an order to doing things. But you will make your money back with just the savings to suppliers very quickly. That saving can also be for purchases you make for your own home:)

[tracyel]

Woohoo I have my ABN, I have the business cards, now just need to work up the courage to register my business.:D

[Milena]

Congrats Traceyl, that's excellent. :)
I am looking forward to starting my course next month.

[tracyel]

What course is that? Who is it through?

[Milena]

The course is for an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design. It's through a private college called Commercial Arts Training College - CATC. I needed to prepare a portfolio of my work then go to a special appointment to present it to the course co-ordinator. She liked what she saw and about to enrol in the course tomorrow. I will start part time for this year 2 nights per week and maybe see how I go next year maybe do it full time.

[tracyel]

That's great. I'm sure you will love it once you overcome your nerves and complete your first assignment.:D

[Milena]

Thanks Traceyl. I am definitely nervous about it and hope you are right:)

[tracyel]

The best advice I can give having just finished mine is don't get too ahead of yourself. If you have access to your entire course it can be very scary reading over it at the beginning. You may think to yourself that you will never be able to do what they ask of you. But if you take it one step at a time, you will be able to.

Anyway good luck and I hope you enjoy yourself.:D