If you are doing a "consulting-only" job, then you would do a walk-through of the home, make notes, take photos if you wish, and then put all of your recommendations into a report or "to-do list" format for the client.

If you are doing "hands-on" staging in the home, you would walk through the home with the client and give them feedback about what you can do/how much you can improve each room, without giving specifics. You want to come across as an expert that can help them, but obviously you don't want to give away your expertise in detail at that point. Give them your bid for doing the staging (you can do this on the spot, preferably, or if you need to think it over you will need to let them know your bid within a day or so).

Do not stage the home without having the homeowner do these things first:

1. Put away clutter like papers, files, mail, etc.
2. Do a general tidying of the place, like put toys away, put everything where it belongs, neaten closets, put away most personal care/grooming items in bathroom, etc. You don't want to have to handle personal items and you are not the maid. They must have the place reasonably neat.
3. Have them put away all valuables like jewelry, sports memorabilia, and similar items.

Only stage the home when it has been properly prepared. If they do not want to clean then you can recommend a service. (Do some research to have a name and number ready for them).

If you are letting them use your accessories or furniture you would have them pay you a fee for use of the items; don't sell them anything. You can arrange to have furniture rented by putting in an order in your name at the rental place but get payment for this upfront from the client. Whatever you bring in, it would be your job to set up/arrange everything during the staging.

If the client calls you and doesn not know if they want to hire you for consultation only or for hands-on staging, you will have to play it by ear. Walk through the home telling them what good features of the home could be brought out more, and that you have a lot of ideas for every room that would make a major improvement (which is probably the case). Don't give specifics. Don't spend more that 15-20 minutes without getting them to decide what services they want from you. You will need to decide what kind of sale you want to make in this situation. For example: do they need you to make a "to-do" list (consultation) only, or would this home benefit immensely from a full-service 5 or 6 hours of your hands-on staging? You should make a recommendation to them and lead them in the direction you want them to go in terms of what you're selling them. And try to get it done without spending too much time there--like I said, 15-20 minutes should suffice. If they need to think about it, leave your card and any other marketing materials you may have. Give a follow up call the next day.

Jackie Riley runs a web site called http://www.redesignforprofit.com where you can get more information on home staging including free home staging tips and a Home Staging Business Start-Up Guide. She is always happy to answer questions, contact info at web site.