Solutions By Scott

25. What is National Association of Professional Organizers’ (NAPO) Code of Ethics?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:44:55 +0000

This Code of Ethics is a set of principles to provide guidelines in our professional conduct with our clients, colleagues and community. As a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, I pledge to exercise judgment, self-restraint and conscience in my conduct in order to establish and maintain public confidence in the integrity of NAPO members and to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in the profession of organizing.

Clients
Working Relationships

I will serve my clients with integrity, competence, and objectivity, and will treat them with respect and courtesy.
I will offer services in those areas in which I am qualified and will accurately represent those qualifications in both verbal and written communications.
When unable or unqualified to fulfill requests for services, I will make every effort to recommend the services of other qualified organizers and/or other qualified professionals.
I will advertise my services in an honest manner and will represent the organizing profession accurately.

Confidentiality

I will keep confidential all client information, both business and personal, including that which may be revealed by other organizers.
I will use proprietary client information only with the client’s permission.
I will keep client information confidential and not use it to benefit myself or my firm, or reveal this information to others.

Fees

I will decide independently and communicate to my client in advance my fees and expenses, and will charge fees and expenses which I deem reasonable, legitimate, and commensurate with my experience, the services I deliver, and the responsibility I accept.
I will make recommendations for products and services with my client’s best interests in mind.

Colleagues

I will seek and maintain an equitable, honorable and cooperative association with other NAPO members and will treat them with respect and courtesy.
I will respect the intellectual property rights (materials, titles, and thematic creations) of my colleagues, and other firms and individuals, and will not use proprietary information or methodologies without permission.
I will act and speak on a high professional level so as to not bring discredit to the organizing profession.

24. Will an organizer make me throw away my stuff?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:41:31 +0000

Not necessarily, but they may help you come to some realizations about what is and what is not important. We will help you find and create a home for your most important belongings, and more importantly, we can determine what may be placed out of the way for the time being and until you need or want it. Overall, we save our clients money, save time, and most say their lives are more fulfilling. Some of the more extreme “organization” shows can be a little radical. In reality, you are the client and these are your possessions. We just want to help you organize and cut through what doesn’t need to be directly in front of you every day. And if you are interested, professional organizers know places where your goods can be donated or consigned to help other people.

23. What are your cancellation policies?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:36:29 +0000

We request your cancellation made by phone 48 hours before the appointment without incurring a charge. Call 202-249-8330. Otherwise, a fee for the full session may be charged. We are offering a professional service to you, and both of our times are valuable. We base this policy on our need for mutual respect and the fact that this profession involves external appointments that require some planning.

22. Do you charge for travel?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:35:09 +0000

Travel to and from your home or office in the greater Washington, DC area is not charged. For areas beyond that we charge a flat fee plus mileage. If we are involved with the disposal or donation of items, we … Continue reading →

21. Do I have to pay in advance?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:34:04 +0000

We may require prepayment for credit card transactions and to secure weekend appointments. A credit card number may be requested to hold your appointment as well as a 50% deposit may be required for first time clients, and payment of services by cash or check is due at the completion of each session. Clients who frequently cancel are asked to prepay for their appointments.

20. What types of payment do you require and do you accept credit cards?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:33:11 +0000

Yes we do! Currently we accept check and cash on the day of your appointment. Weekend appointments may require prepayment. To pay by credit card, you’ll receive an email invoice prior to your appointment. Payment is due at that time. If we need to cancel your appointment, funds will be refunded. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and bank debit cards.

19. I’m a private person and I am concerned about my privacy

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:26:59 +0000

As a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Solutions by Scott adheres strictly to its Code of Ethics. We treat every situation discreetly and confidentially, and we respect your boundaries. A copy of the Code of Ethics is included at the bottom of the FAQs.

18. How do I make an appointment?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:22:23 +0000

Simply call us at 202-249-8330 or contact us online. We can discuss your needs, answer any specific questions you have and decide the best way to proceed. Appointments are available seven days a week, from 9 AM – 1 PM, … Continue reading →

17. When do you have hours available for organizing?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:20:42 +0000

Solutions by Scott offers hours seven days a week in the morning and early evening during weekdays with other times on the weekends. Since weekend appointments are the most popular, we may require prepayment of services which is non-refundable. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule unless we have existing client appointments. It is recommended you schedule your appointments at least two weeks in advance.

16. I have always been disorganized. Is there hope for me now?

Madge — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:20:06 +0000

Absolutely! Some of our most challenging cases have said the same thing. We will develop a plan you can live with that will be realistic to maintain. Again, we will do everything we can to instill a learned behavior from … Continue reading →