What will I be doing?

If you have skills or an interest in interior decorating, you may want to consider operating a decorating service from your home. Decorate what? You can design and decorate homes, offices, retail stores or other places where people live and work. And you can be paid well for doing what you enjoy.

There are more than 30,000 full-time interior-decorating services in the U.S., so there's lots of competition. But a decorator that offers service and value to a defined group of customers can find success.

What will I need to start?

Of course, to start an interior-decorating service you must have both knowledge and experience in the field. That's what you're selling. The more you know, the more you can help--and the more you can make. So learn your trade with courses, books and practical experience as a decorator working for someone else.

Who will my customers be?

Your customers for interior-decorating services will be individuals, furniture stores, retail businesses, business offices and even churches. Specialize in serving the decorating needs of a specific group of customers where your skills and interests are strongest.

Once you've defined who your customers are, finding them will be easier. For example, if you prefer to decorate the homes of the rich and famous, start contacting the rich and famous in your area. If there aren't many, you may have to move to where they are, or you may need to expand to serve those who want to appear rich and famous.

How much should I charge?

Your hourly rate for an interior-decorating service will be $35 to $75. Most decorators stay on the lower end of this range for many years until they have too much business, then they increase rates until the amount of work is just about right.

Interior-decorating services often help customers establish a budget, then price services as a percentage of the budget. For example, an office complex that will spend $20,000 on redecorating may get a bill of 10 percent--or $2,000 from the decorator. Other decorators charge the customer less, but earn a percentage on sales from suppliers where the furnishings are purchased.

How much will I make?

You'll spend 20 to 30 percent of your time seeking new business. That leaves 70 to 80 percent of your time billable--once your business is off the ground. If you are only advising customers, not buying any of the merchandise yourself, your overhead costs (including taxes) will range between 20 to 40 percent. Advertising will take up more of your budget for the first year or two, then that expense will taper off as your name is better known.

How can I get started?

Join trade associations that give you credentials. Find a way of showing why your services are better than those of your competitors. Get letters of recommendation from any of your customers who are well-known and respected in your community. Pick a good business name, get your business licenses and permits, design a quality brochure and start promoting yourself in local news media. You'll soon have a profitable business doing what you love.

The SIC code for interior-decorating services is 7389-02.

How can I use computers to increase profits?

Interior decorators use computers to keep up on the latest styles, products, services, and ideas. They also use computers to track jobs, find prospects, order materials, and even to design. Make sure you're comfortable with using a computer in your interior decorating business -- because your competitors probably are.