Business ProfileforLemon Design Editing

Business told me I had to leave a retainer of $1000.00 which I signed a receipt for, thinking whatever services were performed would be paid and the remaining balance given back to me, just like a lawyer requires a retainer and then they refund the hours they don't use. I was mistaken and this was considered a contract, when I asked for a refund of $431.25 back, I was refused. So I paid $1,000 for $568.75 of work performed.

As an interior decorator, ALL clients who ELECT to hire me pay a non-refundable retainer fee. This was explained verbally AND in print in our written contract, which we both have copies of. This individual did not ask any questions about the retainer. This individual made it known that they had a very limited budget and in fact, did not intend to exceed $1,000. I shared that I had never done a project with that limited of a budget but could take on the challenge! The first step after a complimentary consultation, is presenting my design plan for the selected space with the client at a meeting. This individual communicated that they were thrilled with what I had provided, paint samples, lighting, visual inspiration for the room, potential new furniture items as well as ideas to re-purpose existing furniture to help extend her limited budget. She told me the ideas presented were ones she had never considered and she was eager to move forward. All of my work thus far, is accounted for within the $568.75. I shared that a way to extend her budget was for her to complete the bulk of the work on her own, with my plan as a guide, then the remaining $431.25 could be used as she wished! I explained that other budget conscience clients have decided to use it for me to come back to finish styling the room and/or purchase new items/decor. I was confused and surprised when she suddenly demanded the non-refundable retainer back. This was especially confusing because she had just asked me to send her additional options for more expensive chairs than what I initially presented. It has become very evident that this individual is attempting to take advantage of my small business. This individual has, what she believes to be, the answer to improving her room and does not want to follow the protocol and policies I have as a decorator and owner to do my job. A situation like this is exactly why I was advised to implement a non-refundable retainer.