Interiority Complex Independent Consultant FAQ’s
We are in the process of building our new website and adding to our FAQ's so if you have a question which isn't outlined in the FAQ section, please contact us and we'd be delighted to provide you with more information.
What is an Interiority Complex Independent Consultant?- Interiority Complex Independent Consultant's (ICIC's) are trained in one or all of the following areas: home staging, decorating, redesign and window covering sales. Independent Consultants get to set their own hours, work at their own pace and be their own boss. Independent Consultants are not employees of Interiority Complex.
- As an ICIC you can earn the income you want with the flexible schedule you need. Of course, as with any business, the amount of effort and work you put into it will be a direct reflection of your earnings.
- Even though it is important for our consultants to have industry-related experience, a key measure of success for ICIC's will be in whether or not they possess sales abilities and the ability to generate leads.
- The ideal candidate will understand the importance of lead generation and will have a network they can market to. Interiority Complex will provide the training, support, systems, marketing collateral, internet marketing and office support, however, it will be up to the independent consultant to generate a majority of his or her own client base.
Why Should I become a part of the Interiority Complex Network as opposed to just “going it alone”?
- If you've already been running your business for any amount of time, you can probably answer this question yourself! If you've not yet launched your business, you may be surprised at how much time you will spend wearing other hats -- from bookkeeper to marketing director, to website administrator to bill collector, many entrepreneurs aren't prepared for the challenges of launching, growing and running a new business. (This is why most new businesses fail within the first 4 years.)
- By joining the Interiority Complex B2B Network, Independent Consultants will get the benefits of our proven systems and our training. In addition to training, Interiority Complex stands behind our consultants with as much support and guidance as needed. Interiority Complex Independent Consultants get direct access to our executive team, our ongoing training programs and our proprietary discounts from our manufacturing partners. We have carefully selected the products we offer and the manufacturers we work with so that you don’t have to waste your time or money in costly mistakes and purchases while trying to navigate your way through this complicated business.
What are the benefits of joining the Interiority Complex Network of Designers & Stagers?
- Access to wholesale and discounted products through our network of vendors and manufacturers. •Access to our proven systems and processes.
- Access and use of our forms and contracts.
- Administrative support through our main office.
- Marketing materials, web exposure and general marketing support.
- Billing, invoicing and book keeping support.
- No more awkward bill collecting calls. Get paid on time.
- Merchant services (have the ability to accept credit cards).
- The ability to offer interest-free financing for your clients.
- Team meetings to provide expertise, guidance, coaching and accountability.
- Ongoing training, support and coaching.
Does it cost anything to start up?
- The training and business set-up fee is $195. The set-up and training fee includes access to our online training programs, the ability to benefit from our proprietary marketing plan, access to our customizeable marketing collateral (delivered via PDF), access to our e-commerce website for custom window coverings http://designer-direct-window-coverings.com, and a customized web page on our Interiority Complex website.
- If you don't already own the window covering samples necessary, our New Consultant Sample Sets are offered at our wholesale cost and include everything needed to get started: high-quality samples (fabric samples, shutters, blinds, shades, paint decks, etc.) plus, catalogs, training materials, ordering forms, professional business supplies to market your business, and totes to easily carry products and catalogs to and from appointments. The cost for the New Consultant Sample Kit varies according to which products and samples you would like to purchase. A member of our executive team will help guide you through that process at the time you apply for membership. Training – Once approved as an Interiority Complex Independent Consultant, you will have access to ALL of our online training programs and proprietary systems via The Interiority Complex University.
- Additional marketing collateral, samples and tools for your business will be available to all consultants at OUR cost.
How do I get paid?
- Independent Consultants are paid a percentage of the consultant's billable hours and sales.
- We do not pay for mileage or travel expenses unless client was billed for those expenses.
- Interiority Complex handles all billing fees to the clients. You receive a monthly check based on collections from your clients for consulting services and product sales.
* Interiority Complex Independent Consultants are independent business people and not employees of Interiority Complex. Consultants are trained by Interiority Complex and are allowed to use our systems, processes and products.
How much does it cost to join the Interiority Complex Network?
- The training and business set-up fee is $195. The set-up and training fee includes access to our core online training programs, use of our proprietary marketing tools and systems, access to our e-commerce website for custom window coverings http://designer-direct-window-coverings.com, and a customized web page featuring your bio on our Interiority Complex website.
- After the initial set-up fee, the monthly membership dues are $29. Monthly membership dues help to cover the operating expenses and administrative support.
Are there any additional costs?
- If you don't already own the window covering samples necessary, our New Consultant Sample Sets are offered at our wholesale cost and include everything needed to get started: high-quality samples (fabric samples, shutters, blinds, shades, paint decks, etc.) plus, catalogs, training materials, ordering forms, professional business supplies to market your business, and totes to easily carry products and catalogs to and from appointments. The cost for the New Consultant Sample Kit varies according to which products and samples you would like to purchase. A member of our executive team will help guide you through that process at the time you apply for membership.
- Training – Once approved as an Interiority Complex Independent Consultant, you will have access to our core training programs and proprietary systems via The Interiority Complex University. Courses which are not part of our core training programs as well as one-on-one coaching or consulting will be available for additional fees.
- Additional marketing collateral, samples and tools for your business will be available to all consultants at OUR cost.
Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Yes, you are free to cancel your network membership at anytime. If you do cancel your membership, you will no longer have access to or be allowed to use our proprietary systems, marketing collateral, websites, logo or image.
Do you offer training programs or your proprietary systems to designers or stagers who aren't part of the Interiority Complex Network?
Sorry, we no longer offer our training programs to non-members. Our training programs, support and systems are available exclusively to members in good standing.
What is included in the Designer Sample Set and Starter Kit?
Once your application is approved and you join the Interiority Complex Network, you will receive:
-
Access to the Designer Direct Window Coverings e-commerce website where you or your clients can purchase window coverings and where you will receive commissions on all sales.
- Access to our core courses which are delivered via our online classrooms:
- Window Coverings 101: A 4-part training program and excellent introduction to the world of window coverings.
- The Secrets of Staging to Sell
- Pricing Strategies for Stagers & Designers
- Insider Marketing Secrets (your marketing plan for success in staging and design)
- Color Consultations De-Complexified
- E-mail marketing to your client database.
- Social Media Campaigns for your use.
- Access to the online Interiority Complex Independent Consultant Operations manual.
- Access to our 1-800 customer service number for your clients to use when scheduling their appointments.
- Access to our Customer Concierge Manager and Administrative Manager who will assist in scheduling your appointments, setting up billing for your clients.
- Access to our Marketing Resource Room where you can download marketing materials you need.
- Credit card processing for your clients who wish to pay via credit (at no additional charge to you.)
- Support from our dedicated and trained team as well as access to our monthly coaching calls and weekly team calls. (In addition, if you do not already own the Designer Samples you need, we will assist you in selecting which samples to carry, and we will sell them to you at our cost.)
Am I required to carry an inventory of window covering products offered through Interiority Complex?
- No, either we hold the inventory and ship the products directly to the customer, or our manufacturers will ship directly to your custmer. An updated Designer Sample Set will be needed to be able to effectively sell some the products, but independent consultants are not required to buy and hold any inventory.
Do I need to have computer access and skills to become an Interiority Complex Independent Consultant?
Yes, it is important that you have high speed internet access for our training programs and for communications. In addition, you will need to have general computer and internet experience, in addition to working knowledge of the following programs:
•Word
•Excel
•E-mail
In addition, we recommend that if you've not yet taken a dive into the world of social media that you start! We will offer training on these topics if you're not familiar yet, but in the meantime, we recommend you start to learn about social media on your own as it is an inexpensive and effective marketing tool you won't want to miss out on.
How do I apply to join the Interiority Complex Network?
First, you will need to fill out an application. You can send your request for an application via our Contact Us form. After we review your application, we will set up a phone interview, and then an in-person interview with an Interiority Complex representative. Only the serious need apply.