tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post5291872243861187463..comments2024-03-27T03:52:55.458-05:00Comments on GID: Transparency, are you doing it?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826069692186367640noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-80553148699550509612010-02-14T23:52:34.568-06:002010-02-14T23:52:34.568-06:00You're right--this is definitely the age of tr...You're right--this is definitely the age of transparency. I work with an OD consultant, and from our perspective, transparency is not so much about showing your profits to people as it is about integrity. For example, if your mark up is 30 or 40%, I think transparency is about saying that upfront, and if there's a question about it, you can freely explain to the client why you believe you're worth that much. If they don't like it, they can feel free to find someone else. What I think happens too often is that people (I'm not speaking just of designers) try to mark up the cost of their service and then lie about it. I think it's wrong to say a couch is $2500, when it's really $1875. I think you should tell the client the cost of the couch, and explain that the rest is the charge for your expertise, time, and scouting fee. Again, if they don't like it, they can find someone "cheaper" (with less experience, less overhead, etc.). They should be able to make a decision based on truth. There are plenty of places I go to (like Whole Foods) where the fish (or other products) are more expensive, but I'm willing to pay that because I'm clear that while these items are more expensive, there is a tangible quantifiable health benefit. To me, the cost is worth it. That's what I believe transparency is all about.<br /><br />Sorry this is so long, but this is a great topic. :)Dayka Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05173961767682523966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-73758394664556364722010-02-12T18:46:25.058-06:002010-02-12T18:46:25.058-06:00I agree with Maria. There is only so far I would ...I agree with Maria. There is only so far I would go to be transparent with money. When business talk about being transparent to their clients I believe it's about being authentic and showing them how they get their money's worth. It's not about how much profit someone makes. <br /><br />Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog. I'm so excited to have discovered yours. I have the next few hours to catch up on your posts. :)Sarah La Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00572953397026289668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-21259467415446473232010-02-11T21:41:47.122-06:002010-02-11T21:41:47.122-06:00Like a design mentor of mine once said. . . when C...Like a design mentor of mine once said. . . when Costco (or any other retails store) starts to show their profit that's when I will. No one questions a retail store when they buy product, but we should be 'transparent'? No. My interpretation of being transparent is about being authentic. When my dentist starts telling me how much he makes on my crown, maybe then I'll do the same. . . until then, there's too much responsibility in this business to give it away!Maria Killamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12728225086725817125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-315128198570606642010-02-10T16:27:50.035-06:002010-02-10T16:27:50.035-06:00My business is transparent and for what it's w...My business is transparent and for what it's worth, I've been told by clients as well as business associates that I am too much of an open book as I charge only for time or a flat fee. I've tried it both ways and I think with more transparency comes more integrity - or I should say it's integrity the client can see and understand. There is no question as to why I spec a certain sofa: it's the best choice for the design and client, not because I can make the most money from suggesting it. And by no means do I believe all designers do this, it's just that too many clients are starting to believe that. And clients gaining access to pricing and trade only products via different on-line resources is going to make being anything but transparent really challenging. No, however, to opening books. Seriously no.Marijahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995005729922220681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-5938545276357092262010-02-10T09:58:47.708-06:002010-02-10T09:58:47.708-06:00Reading that link you put in, it seems that I alre...Reading that link you put in, it seems that I already do this! Certain things I won't do, although, this hasn't come up for me yet.Kathy @ Creative Home Expressionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01341667486449125153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-48237580392823299402010-02-10T09:52:48.649-06:002010-02-10T09:52:48.649-06:00oh gosh, am I ever going to stop with the comments...oh gosh, am I ever going to stop with the comments? doesn't look that way does it? you have heard of project 350, haven't you? if not go to my blog and click on the button. okay, this was my last oneC.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12004153268370337727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-50053963110259007902010-02-10T09:51:10.517-06:002010-02-10T09:51:10.517-06:00here is my email nygirl47@aol.com, I would really...here is my email nygirl47@aol.com, I would really like to talk to you about virtual design, thanks again, CarolC.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12004153268370337727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7940001591334936304.post-86441842490009465182010-02-10T09:49:10.513-06:002010-02-10T09:49:10.513-06:00transparency? does that mean I disclose everything...transparency? does that mean I disclose everything to everyone? I am a small (very small) business just starting out. Like all of us I work hard for my money and always go the extra mile and give more than they expect. As for my books? Open my books and show them my profit? I don't think so, do house cleaners do that? electricians? beauty salons? no, they don't. I have joined your blog after reading your comment on mine. thanks and this is a very interesting subject.C.J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12004153268370337727noreply@blogger.com