Remember my decorating job?

[Dancing Lotus]

A few weeks ago I posted that I got hired to decorate a womans bedroom. Well that job is turning into a nightmare. We went shopping all day two weekends ago and bought all this crap. She was putting the cart before the horse but I couldn't stop her. Then a few days latter she calls me to tell me that she ordered a bedspread for the room. The bedspread is so ugly! And it doesn't even go with a single thing we bought. I never in a million yrs would have picked it but it is her room so thats what I have to work with. I did however manage to convince her that nothing we bought went with it so now we are back to square one.

Today we had our second shopping trip to pick out paint and fabrics. She already had everything picked , So what on earth does she need me for? She is telling me what colors she thought and she was telling me how to make the curtains. And to make it worse I hate every idea she has.

Decorating is a very personal thing and I understand that just because I don't like something doesn't mean it isn't nice. But in this case it isn't nice. She is trying to decorate an entire room at the dollar store and make it look like she had an interior decorator. I'm good but not that good.

I also told her she needed to pay me a portion of my fee upfront to cover my expenses. I lot of gas was burned up today. She tried to give me 20 dollars.Now I am a bit worried she might try to not pay me our agreed price.

I really wish I had a bottle of wine, I need a drink after today. IF I wasn't so broke I would tell to forget it.

[IntlMom]

Ann, I'm sorry this has turned into such a disaster......I would truly hire you, and since I have no ideas about anything.........you could do whatever what you want!!! (is KS too far for you to come? )

[FrugalMomof3]

Ann,

I am sorry, maybe you should just flat out talk to her about your concerns... I dont know what that price was but $20 for your time and gas hardly seems like enough to me.

Let us know how things turn out

[Dancing Lotus]

Ann, I'm sorry this has turned into such a disaster......I would truly hire you, and since I have no ideas about anything.........you could do whatever what you want!!! (is KS too far for you to come? )

Do you cover travel expenses? And no 20 won't cover it . LOL

[changed4life]

Do you have a contract at all? You really should have a contract up front with fees, etc.

Before you even step out to shop, you should have a portion of the fee in hand; so this way you're at least covered for your time.

If you shop with her and she changes her mind after you've spent the time, shopping with her, that's her problem. She needs to be charged again for your second shopping trip. JMHO

[Mom23boys]

I would get something in writing if you haven't already. I also think you need to talk to her about your concerns.

Maybe next weekend will go better!

[leezza]

Ann,

Put your foot down this isn't right.....either she needs to give you some money or you are OUT of it.

I don't like people who don't honor their word......get your money girl.

leezza

[FrugalMomof3]

Ann, I'm sorry this has turned into such a disaster......I would truly hire you, and since I have no ideas about anything.........you could do whatever what you want!!! (is KS too far for you to come? )

Not to take over Ann but I'll come, lol

[Athena31]

She sounds like one of those women that ask for help that they have no intetion of listening to or using! What a nightmare, maybe it would be best to have her give you some money to cover your expenses and then tell her the two of you together are not a good fit.

[Holly]

Sorry Ann,
Hope it works out for you

[Cricket1]

Ugh---sorry you are going through this. No advice, just hugs. I hope you find some wine soon!

[stinkbug]

BTDT. You should be charging hourly for your shopping assistance. She can take all the crap back on her own time.
I had a freind do this to me. She wanted me to work on her house, decorating above the kitchen cupboards, shelves, etc. Then went behind me and redid everything!!! And then told people that I helped her...except, I didn't want my name associated with the work *she* did afterwords!!!
People are cheap. They want a certain look but don't want to pay for it...they just want to pick your brain and run you ragged.
Yeah...I no longer have my decorating business....and freinds are the worst customers!!!
I think it's time to tell her you can no longer assist her and that this is no longer working out to either of your expectations.

[shoiji]

Ann, so sorry to hear you are going thru this. Don't be afraid to put your foot down as far as getting paid. Also, I really hope this doesn't prevent you from doing other jobs if possible. You really are creative!!!