Membership has it's advantages!

I wrote this blog for the CSP stagingweblog.com, however I truly felt it was important to post on activerain as well for one simple reason. Those who are looking to add staging to their portfolio, add value by increasing additional accreditations or those who simply want more from a training provider need to be aware that no two programs are the same. Find out what works for you!

As owner of dk design studio – Niagara ON, I pride myself on being resourceful, creative, and educated. In June of 2008 I launched a new e-commerce division of dk design studio; dk home. This St. Catharines based division meets the decor needs of the staging industry and further provides home owners with a unique, premium source for home decor products from around the globe .

During the initial development stages of dk home, I focused more on the design and product development of the line rather than the shipping and handling. When it came time to arrange for shipping, I discovered the need for liability insurance, especially when shipping to the USA. With mass amounts of class action law suits against manufactures in regards to tainted products, shipping companies are now strongly recommending liability insurance coverage. Taking the advice of seasoned entrepreneurs and wholesalers alike, I invested in additional business coverage.

The first company I approached was of course, Jones Des Lauriers; a CSP™ preferred pricing partner. Jones Des Lauriers offers a wide range of personal and business insurance coverage, not to mention their excellent customer service. As my situation was a little unique, a proposal would have to be drafted over the next few days.

During the time it took to prepare a quote, I did my research, calling several other companies. The first challenge I ran into of course was the same one I had almost three years ago when I tried to get business insurance for my first home staging company. Most insurance carriers do not understand our industry , therefore the insurance providers would either over charge, or simply decline a quote.

I was able to narrow my search down to two larger insurance firms (other than Jones Des Lauriers) who “said they understood my needs”. They too required time to prepare a quote. By this time Jones Des Lauriers had contacted me, not with a quote but for a courtesy call to say please bare with us, your situation is unique and we are still working on a proposal.

Back to the competitors; one had not got back to me at all; the other was still working on the full proposal. However they did at this time offer, an initial quote for coverage on my staging business; $1200.00 compared to Jones Des Lauriers preferred CSP rate of $500.00.

After receiving the initial quote of $1200 just for the staging business from the third insurance provider, I was also informed that before liability coverage for dk home- decor line could take effect; I must transfer all my personal insurance coverage to them. This is the only way they would secure my business premium. When questioned as to why, the only reason was his company didn’t fully understand my industry and didn’t want to be held accountable for not ensuring my business properly. I opted to follow through with a full quote from his company as Jones Des Lauriers had not completed my proposal as of yet.

The final outcome, Jones Des Lauriers understood my needs and would assist me adjust my coverage as my company expands and develops. Full coverage for both my staging business and dk home turned out to be $775 per year. The only other company who offered a quote, wanted $1200 per year for staging insurance, $2700 per year minimum liability insurance for dk home, with the condition, that I must transfer all my personal insurance, property insurance to them to receive their “wonderful package”.

I have always been proud to say I am a CSP™. Having the added benefits of National Preferred Partners such as Jones Des Laurier, ICI, the Brick. To name a few, just add value to becoming/remaining a member.

You do the math- $1200 a year for insurance or $500. You would save $700 the first year alone. Not to mention all the other trade discounts we receive. In three years you would have paid for the CSP™ program and then some.

I encourage new stagers, or even seasoned stagers to research the benefits of membership with CSP™. The program itself is far advanced from the competitors. Just ask anyone of us who belong to other associations. Once you review the course content and the benefits your company receive, I think you’ll agree CSP™ membership has its advantages!

Devin Khuu

dk design studio

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