Home stagers and the bed bug epidemic

In a recent home staging business dilemma post I asked what you would do if you were putting away your home staging accessories only to discover you brought home an unknown number of bedbugs with you from your latest home staging project.

There were some great comments on that original business dilemma post. It’s clear to me after reading them that there are a lot of you still carrying your own inventory of staging accessories. Hopefully you’re taking precautions to protect yourself from perpetuating the spread of these nasty little insects!

If you discover bed bugs in your home staging accessories first you should examine everything thoroughly. Bed bugs are excellent hiders so you have to expose everything to make sure you’ve got them all accounted for. Then throw all of the throws, table clothes and other fabric items right in the washing machine in very hot water. When they’re clean, put them in the dryer at very high heat for thirty minutes.

Remember, bed bugs aren’t just found in beds or items made of fabric. They can also travel on other accessories like clocks and frames too. For items you fear have bed bugs in them that you can’t put in the washer or dryer, wrap them in plastic and leave them in direct sunlight or another hot location for several hours to kill the bugs and their eggs. A steam cleaner can also work to kill the bugs.

Alternatively, of course, you may wish to call an exterminator. Probably the best way to get rid of a major bed bug problem.

I don’t want the thought of bed bugs harming your home staging business to discourage you! While the whole bed bug epidemic is unpleasant to think about, as entrepreneurs, we have no choice but to look for ways to make the best of a bad situation so let’s look on the bright side.

You can use the bed bug issue to promote your home staging services by including an article in your blog or newsletter explaining to sellers that if their homes aren’t in sparkling clean condition, they could be scaring away potential buyers by creating a possible bed bug infestation in their minds.

I’ve spoken with many stagers over the years who worry about competing with stagers that have their own home staging accessories so use the bed bug epidemic as a selling point for why you don’t carry your own inventory and why you prefer to use new items instead.

I’ve been diligently gathering facts regarding the bed bug situation because of the impact it can potentially have on home stagers’ businesses. I want to get this information into the hands of as many of you as possible so I’ve compiled it into a new free report: “Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: What Home Stagers Need to Know Right Now!”

This ebook is available now as a free download and it contains all the tips you need to protect yourself, your family and your clients against a bed bug infestation.

>Click to get your copy

Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®
President, Six Elements Inc. Home Staging

Debra Gould developed the Staging Diva Training Program to create opportunities for others to grow their own profitable home staging businesses.

Comments

lisa says

December 8, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Debra,
Thanks for all the great info. Are you suggesting that home stagers should NOT carry their own accessories and shop for the client for new items instead?
- Debra Gould says
  
  December 8, 2010 at 1:05 pm
  
  Lisa, Yes that IS what I’m suggesting. You can make way more money and have way less hassles by not carrying your own inventory and being paid to shop instead. In the Staging Diva Program I cover the pros and cons of doing it both ways (course 2) and for stagers who agree that they don’t want to invest in inventory, I teach them how to get their clients to pay them to shop, how to make sure they’re shopping with the client’s money and not their own, etc (course 3).
  
  Thanks for popping by and asking your question!
  Debra
Joan Jewell says

December 24, 2010 at 11:57 am

So how do you get the person to let you shoppe with their money? Especially since they don’t really know you yet? What do you say to her?To explain that it is much easier to shop for what she needs.
- Debra Gould says
  
  December 26, 2010 at 10:18 am
  
  Joan, that’s covered thoroughly in course 3 of the Staging Diva Training Program.

“The Staging Diva Business Training Program is worth every penny!

While there are other home staging courses out there, I’m so happy I follow the business model Debra teaches in her program. It is specific, concise, and thoroughly explained.

In addition to her courses, Debra offers SO many supplemental materials that are incredibly helpful too. The community of Staging Diva Graduates is another bonus, as we all support each other and share each other’s wins.”
— Cristin Lyons (NC)*Raleigh Staging & Design

“The Staging Diva Program is very well organized and explains in the most straightforward terms how to set up your business, maintain and grow it.

By the time I was on Course 3, I had already completed three home staging jobs which more than paid for all the training!

Debra’s step-by-step process allowed me to start a 2nd career doing something I probably should have been doing all along!”
— Rob Reinhart (CA)*Make It-Home

“Once I decided home staging was for me, I was terrified of starting my own business. Staging Diva Training gave me the confidence to do what I love, and contribute to our income after being out of the work force for 15 years.

Debra gave me the information I needed to get over my fear of failure, charge what I’m worth, and get out there and start my home staging business!”
— Kelli Hughes (TX)*ReAbode Home Staging and Redesign

“I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found the Staging Diva Program. I bought it without hesitation and began my training immediately.

I’m excited and inspired. The courses exceeded my expectations and gave me the knowledge to confidently start my own staging business.

So grateful for what I learned from Debra. She shares her gifts and talents so generously!”
— Mary-Maye Lorriman (UK)*Room by Room Interiors Ltd

“The Staging Diva Program was such an influential part of my home staging business plan. The business tools, processes and procedures Debra Gould outlines in the program set you up for success.

I have taken other courses but none compare to the comprehensive program with Staging Diva.

I truly appreciate all Debra’s help and guidance through the courses and group coaching calls. She is such a great inspiration!”
— Lori Carbone (NJ)*Spaces That Speak Home Staging

“I love Debra Gould’s straight forward approach and candor. As a home stager, she knows first-hand what it’s like in the field. Debra is running her own staging business as a real business and knows what it takes.

Debra is truly an uplifting woman and I continue to aspire to follow her lead. Her amazing passion for home staging is felt all the way over here on the Jersey Shore.”
— Wynette Williams (NJ)*Red Robyn Interiors

“The Staging Diva Program taught me many secrets about home staging consultations— especially how to charge, and have no inventory.

I took another home staging course before Debra’s and the Staging Diva Program really helped build my business. Debra forced me out of my comfort zone, she is such an inspiration! Now I know I can make a difference in many people’s lives.”
— Susan Bierig (NJ)*Re-deZine The Shore Way LLC

“I loved Debra’s no-nonsense style of running a home staging business, it’s very easy and straightforward. She keeps it simple, and it all “clicked” for me.

I now have the confidence to get out there and do what I am passionate about. I knew I had the talent, and now I have the business knowledge to round out my staging business. Thank you Debra!”
— Judy Chizmar (PA)*Judy Chizmar Home Transformations

“The Staging Diva Program is fantastic! I wish I had found it before completing a different home staging course. The program provided me with valuable business information that the other course lacked.

I am very impressed with Debra Gould. It is quite evident that she is honest and ethical in all her dealings with her students and clients, and that’s #1 in my books.

She truly has become my mentor!”
— Monique Milne (MB)*Milne Well Dressed Homes (MB)

“I’m so glad I came across the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. It’s a perfect fit for me with Debra sharing her business model and what has worked for her. She takes the guess work out of how to run a successful home staging business.

Debra is supportive, down to earth and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can now express my creative passion with more confidence following her guidance.”
— Shelley Giffin (QLD AU)*Rooms for Miracles

“The Staging Diva Program is very comprehensive, flows well, is explained simply, and the content is engaging. I loved the combination of information from Debra mixed in with student questions.

I do not need a business background to be successful as a home stager after taking the Staging Diva courses. They gave me the confidence I needed, to know that I can be successful.”
— Haana Nyamekye (MD)*Zuri Sophia Interiors

“I love that I’m pursuing a career that pays me to be creative, rather than spending my time working for someone else.

Plus, I have the freedom to be available to my family when they need me.

The Staging Diva Program filled in all the questions that I still had after completing another ‘hands on’ program. Thank you Debra, I now have the confidence to build my staging business.”
— Tracie Lacroix (BC)*Sold by Design

“This is the first time in my 57 years of life that I am pursuing something solely for myself — despite my often paralyzing fear!

I’m optimistic and excited to see what the new year has in store for me— due in large part to having found the Staging Diva Program and feeling prepared to take this new journey as a home stager. Debra, thank you sincerely!”
— Lisa Tyus-Lee (OH)*Lights Camera Stage LLC

“Debra’s knowledge and expertise on how to start a home staging business have inspired me.

As a seasoned Real Estate Agent who already staged clients homes, I believe this is a great business to be in.

I am moving my dream of staging homes into a separate business because Debra taught me how in the Staging Diva Program. Thank you Debra!”
— Leslie Manson (BC)*Staging Homes by Leslie

“I appreciate Debra’s candid approach. It’s the reason I chose the Staging Diva Program over other home staging courses.

My first project sold the first day on the market for more than the asking price. This confirmed I’m in the right business.

Thank you, Debra!”
— Casey McDougall (TX)*Custom Home Staging

“I loved the Staging Diva Program! I was skeptical about the format at first, but it was great. The notes were concise and easy to follow. Students asked questions I was wondering about myself, and Debra is clear and direct.

I’m confident in my decorating abilities, but wasn’t sure how to run a professional and profitable staging business. Debra walks you through the entire process.”
— Deborah Brischler (CA)*Home Staging Solutions

“The Staging Diva Program will help me avoid possible mistakes and has provided great clarity on many grey areas— which is great!

I love staging homes and since doing the program, I love it even more as I am confident that I can provide a really worthwhile and valuable service! These home staging courses are very practical. I wish I had completed them sooner!”
— Clodagh Doyle (Ireland)*Placelift Property Renovation Specialists

“I have never been so driven, passionate and totally motivated as I have been since completing the Staging Diva Program. I have not lost any steam nor any excitement.

The fact that the program is start-up business and marketing related to home staging makes it so perfect.”
— Dane Caldwell (ON)*2 Hounds Design

“I knew what I wanted to do as a home stager, but I didn’t know how to go about it. Staging Diva gave me the processes and I followed them.”
— Meg Ritchie (AU)*Gold Coast Homestaging

“I already have a knack for the decorating part of home staging, but I lacked the business side of things.

The Staging Diva Program was great to have at my fingertips so I could listen at my own speed and in my own time.

I was concerned about handling all the paperwork I thought had to be involved in the contracts and such, but Staging Diva has made it SO much easier!!”
— Amy Brown (MO)*Simply Staging by Amy

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