Trade Tales Episode Summary: "Ask Us Anything: Bria Hamel on Why Full-Service Firms Should Always Take Credit Cards"

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Kaitlin Petersen
Guest: Bria Hamel, Interior Designer and Business Strategist

Introduction and Context

In this episode of Trade Tales, Kaitlin Petersen invites Bria Hamel, a seasoned interior designer preparing to expand her firm, to address a pressing question from the design community: Should full-service design firms accept credit cards, and how does this impact billing and client relationships?

Understanding the Original Question

The episode begins with a question from a long-standing designer grappling with her firm's payment methods. She shares her past philosophy of not accepting credit cards, stemming from a belief that high-end clients prefer exclusive payment methods like checks or ACH transfers. However, noticing a trend where more designers accept credit cards, she seeks advice on whether she should adapt her practices.

• Designer (00:51): "I came from World of Super Luxury Interiors in Chicago... I just automatically went to no credit cards."

Bria Hamel’s Approach to Billing and Flat Fees

Bria delves into her firm's transition to a flat fee structure, a move made to address client concerns over unpredictable costs associated with hourly billing. She emphasizes the importance of having robust historical data and a reliable team before making such a pivot.

• Bria Hamel (21:36): "I always tell people that when they're talking about a flat fee, I do not think a designer who is starting their own business should move in and jump right to a flat fee."

She outlines how her firm calculates flat fees based on square footage and adjusts them according to project specifics like location and team composition. Additionally, she discusses managing scope creep by including clear clauses in the letter of agreement, ensuring both client satisfaction and business protection.

The Use of Credit Cards in Design Firms

Addressing the core question, Bria shares her firm’s positive experience with accepting credit cards. She highlights several benefits:

1. Convenience for Clients: Credit cards offer clients a swift and hassle-free payment method, enabling faster project progression.

   • Bria Hamel (14:01): "A lot of [clients] use that even with the fees. It's just to them, time is money and they want to be able to move quickly."

2. Financial Security: By passing the credit card processing fees to clients, Bria's firm mitigates the financial risk associated with chargebacks.

   • Bria Hamel (14:01): "We pass along the credit card processing fee to them... it's a convenience opportunity for them."

3. Protection Against Fraud: Accepting credit cards provides a layer of security for both the client and the firm, safeguarding large transactions.

   • Bria Hamel (17:39): "Sometimes the credit card processing, no, it's like 3% is much less than losing all of that."

Bria also explains the technical aspect of facilitating credit card payments through their accounting system, Design Manager, which seamlessly integrates payment links into proposals and invoices.

• Bria Hamel (17:39): "It's very convenient for the client. So it's not clunky, it's very user friendly and it works great."

Operational Processes and Team Structure

Bria emphasizes the significance of having a dedicated accounting team to manage billing, highlighting how her firm uses tools like Asana and EOS to streamline processes. This structure ensures that billing is automated and accurately tracked, reducing the burden on individual team members.

• Bria Hamel (34:19): "I have now her title CFO and we just hired someone in Charleston to be sit under her as an accountant and they manage that."

She shares that setting up detailed project templates in Asana was initially challenging but ultimately highly beneficial, allowing her firm to manage complex projects efficiently.

Expansion Plans: Opening a Second Location

Excitement builds as Bria announces her firm's expansion into Charleston, South Carolina. This strategic move aims to enhance company culture by establishing a physical presence, fostering team cohesion, and tapping into a new market.

• Bria Hamel (11:18): "We are opening in October, a new location in Charleston, South Carolina, which we are so, so excited about."

The new Charleston office will house both the design studio and a retail store for her home decor line, Brook and Lou, indicating a comprehensive approach to business growth.

Advice and Insights for Designers

Bria offers invaluable advice to designers contemplating changes in their billing practices:

1. Invest in the Right Team: Hiring knowledgeable accounting professionals is crucial for managing complex billing and tax requirements.

   • Bria Hamel (34:19): "It's very important for people to invest in the right accounting people and it's an investment because they're expensive."

2. Embrace Flexibility: While maintaining non-negotiables like upfront payment for products, being flexible with clients can open doors to significant projects.

   • Bria Hamel (29:14): "You can't be so regimented that you turn down some really incredible projects just because it's your way or the highway."

3. Build a Strong Brand: Creating an identifiable brand that emphasizes the client experience can facilitate business scaling and client loyalty.

   • Bria Hamel (38:43): "From day one... I wanted to create a brand and not just a body of work... everything you put out there needs to be part of your brand."

4. Maintain Clear Communication: Regularly updating clients about billing processes and being transparent about fees fosters trust and minimizes disputes.

   • Bria Hamel (24:55): "We put all those caveats in our letter of agreement saying... we need to reevaluate our... adjust your fee."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Bria sharing her favorite piece of advice: the importance of building a strong, identifiable brand that reflects the firm's values and client experience. She underscores that confidence, backed by solid reasoning and data, is key to successful client interactions and business growth.

• Bria Hamel (38:43): "It's okay to have a point of view and to not be a designer."

Kaitlin Petersen thanks Bria for her insightful contributions and encourages listeners to submit their own questions for future episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Accepting Credit Cards: Offers convenience and security for clients, with minimal financial risk when fees are appropriately managed.

• Flat Fee Structure: Requires comprehensive data and a reliable team but can enhance client trust and streamline billing.

• Operational Efficiency: Investing in robust accounting systems and team members is essential for managing complex billing and scaling the business.

• Brand Building: A strong, distinctive brand facilitates business growth and client loyalty.

• Flexibility in Services: Offering varied levels of service can attract a broader client base without overcommitting resources.

Notable Quotes:

• Bria Hamel (14:01): "A lot of [clients] use that even with the fees. It's just to them, time is money and they want to be able to move quickly."

• Bria Hamel (38:43): "It's okay to have a point of view and to not be a designer."

This episode provides a comprehensive look into effective billing strategies and the strategic acceptance of credit cards in the interior design industry, offering actionable insights for both emerging and established designers.