Boundaries and Financial Risks

Interior Design Business

Interior Design Business
Boundaries and Financial Risks
Feb 07, 2026 Episode 183
Terri Taylor

Still taking 50% deposits on product orders? That’s a financial risk you can’t afford.
 In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story of how one designer nearly lost her business because of outdated payment practices, and how to fix it with one simple boundary.

You’ll learn why half-down payments no longer protect you, what your letter of agreement should say, and how shifting your mindset around money and risk can completely change your business.

In this episode, I cover:

  • A true story of a designer left holding $60K in product debt
  • What happens legally when a client dies mid-project
  • Why 50% down payments leave you financially exposed
  • The only contract terms that actually protect you
  • How to ask for 100% upfront without fear
  • The mindset shift that eliminates risk and builds confidence
  • Why people-pleasing has no place in your purchasing process

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Episode Artwork Boundaries and Financial Risks 12:01 Episode Artwork Boundaries and Scope Creep 18:12 Episode Artwork Boundaries and Pricing 14:15 Episode Artwork Why Boundaries Matter 19:49 Episode Artwork Starting a Design Business 24:37 Episode Artwork Financially Sustainable Design Business Part 4 20:09 Episode Artwork Financially Sustainable Design Business Part 3 14:58 Episode Artwork Financially Sustainable Design Business Part 2 15:56 Episode Artwork Financially Sustainable Design Business Part 1 18:11 Episode Artwork Design Jobs Gone Wrong 15:56 Episode Artwork Hiring Lessons Learned 13:49 Episode Artwork Fees By the sq ft? Hourly? 20:51 Episode Artwork Absolutely Fabulous Job 13:12 Episode Artwork Asking For Help 10:01 Episode Artwork Bad Contractors 12:44 Episode Artwork Planning Profitable Jobs 9:05 Episode Artwork Protecting Profits 17:26 Episode Artwork Confidence Builder 17:42 Episode Artwork Reality Check-In 7:29 Episode Artwork Ethics and Bad Taste 13:58 Episode Artwork How to Get Clients 21:29 Episode Artwork Revisions and Boundaries 13:31 Episode Artwork Systems = Freedom 24:51 Episode Artwork Boundaries and People Pleasing 15:10 Episode Artwork Boundaries and Overdelivering 13:01