The Client is Never Right in 3D Visualization
The belief that “the customer is always right” has been around for so long that it has become a signature for many businesses. It’s so engraved in the mind of entrepreneurs that any attempt to convince them otherwise becomes futile.
But as a 3D artist, have you ever wondered why a client would hire your services? It is because you are an expert in 3D rendering. It is your expertise that he is interested in and not just the fact that you can deliver the service. If you do not stand as the person with the knowledge, you’ll be turned into a mere technician.
Come to think of it, if the client had the know-how to create the 3D renders, he would not even think about hiring you.
How This Notion is Killing Small Businesses
Many small businesses have been plagued by this belief, and it’s killing them rapidly. Here’s why.
Many 3D artists sit down and listen as a client narrates what he thinks the 3D renders should look like. They forget that the client might have come across 3D renders from other businesses. Or, he just wants to follow the craze of 3D visualization. The client does not even know or understand what he wants with the 3D renders.
These artists then go ahead and spend hours trying to incorporate the client’s ideas into the project. The client might also keep on bringing new thoughts that might not even fit into the concept. Since the artist believes that the client is always right, he wouldn’t dare to object. When he finally presents the final result, the client ends up disappointed. This is because the client did not actually know what he was looking for.
In the end, the 3D artist’s long hours of work are wasted. Besides being underpaid, he gambles with the reputation of his business. You see: what other potential clients see is you and not the undecided client. This explains why most small businesses take too long to grow. It’s also why they spend years trying to build a solid clientele base.
Interior 3d visualization by Faraday 3D
Change the Conversation
Most clients will come to you with the vision of how they want their 3D renders to appear. However, if you listen closely, they want the 3D renders to reflect their personal taste and preferences.
As a 3D artist, you should not start by asking the client how he envisions the 3D renders. You should not tell him to list his desired elements or the 3D renders he likes. This is where you need to come out as the person who knows more about 3D visualization than him.
As a 3D artist, you are supposed to enlighten the client:
- Explain to the client that their targeted audience should be the number one focus;
- Seek to understand what he/she wants to achieve with 3D renders;
- Try and understand where he/she is coming from and why he/she is interested in the 3D renders.
Ideally, when a client reaches out to you for your services, they think that a 3D render will help solve some business challenges. Architects and Developers are looking to have increased sales and profits—as well as to entice potential customers. Seek to understand these issues from their point of view—and industry.
You may even discover that the client doesn’t need the 3D renders in the first place. I know the thought of the business going to another person is what most 3D artists fear. That’s why they tend to refrain from asking some questions. However, by using your knowledge to help him figure that out, you actually uphold your position as the expert; and that is exactly why the client needs you and invested their money for it.
Get the Client on Board
As the more knowledgeable party, you should not go with the old belief that “the customer is always right”. You should not let the client lead the way; rather, you are supposed to be the one in control.
That doesn’t mean that you ignore his/her concerns in totality though. The truth is that all clients are not the same; some will want to burst your head if you go against their wants. It’s your duty as a 3D artist to convince the client so that you can gain that control. Below, you’ll find a few straightforward tips to help you onboard your potential client:
- You should never make the client feel like his opinion does not matter in the project. Getting them involved will go a long way towards enhancing their trust in you. Listen to their ideas, but use your knowledge in 3D visualization to convince them of the best course of action for their ideas.
- The client will have more faith in you if you can explain the end-result of the 3D renders from the beginning. You can achieve this by laying out the formulation of your work from the start to the end. You should also be prompt in informing the client of any changes that may arise. Be sure to assure him/her that the changes will be to their benefit. This way, you will be more in control and the client will listen to you.
- Again, the client does not necessarily understand what 3D visualization is. The theoretic and difficult terms could be new to them—yes, even architectural designers and builders. As a 3D artist, you should explain the 3D rendering concept to each potential client in a language that they will understand.
- As you present the 3D render ideas, you should wear confidence in all sense of the word. This is in terms of how you speak and present the concept to clients. Assure them that the final result will help grow their business and solve their current challenges. You should be enthusiastic so that your confidence can be transferred to the client.
Final Thoughts
As a 3D artist, you should not compromise the future of your business at the expense of the notion that “the client is always right”. Even if the client is in doubt of what they want, understand that you are the expert. Guide them through the process. It might be hard to earn the control, but for the client’s sake, try to uphold this core value. It is something that we as 3D experts have always tried to implement.
It’s actually what we at Faraday 3D always do. We’re always the one to take control for the sake of our customers. It’s not an easy task, really, but the results are worth it. If you’re ready to discover more about our effective and innovative 3D client workflow — and how our 3D expertise can boost your return on investment—we invite you to contact us to schedule a free, one-on-one meeting today.