The Problem
Architects face two time-draining problems. First: homeowners want free professional opinions before committing to anything. "Can you just look at the space and tell us what you think?" or "What would it cost to add a second story?" These are full consultations disguised as casual site visits. You spend an hour analyzing the property, discussing design possibilities, and estimating scope. No fee discussed. No payment. Just time gone.
The second problem: you waste even more time on unqualified prospects. You drive across town for a consultation, only to discover the homeowner is just exploring ideas with no actual budget or timeline. Your transportation time isn't paid. Your expertise isn't valued. You've trained clients to expect free initial consultations.
Getting paid is another problem. When you land projects, invoicing drags. Payments are slow. Your design expertise doesn't translate to immediate cash.
Tinrate changes this completely.
What Is Tinrate?
Tinrate is a Belgian expert-booking platform for professionals who sell time and expertise. Clients book, pay, and consult with you through one link. You set your rate, manage availability, and Tinrate handles scheduling, payment processing, invoicing, and payouts. Clients pay upfront via Bancontact, iDEAL, credit card, or Apple Pay. You get paid within 48 hours. No invoicing chase. No payment delays.
How It Works
Step 1: Create Your ProfileBuild your profile highlighting your architectural specializations: residential design, renovation consulting, building permits and compliance, energy efficiency advisory, interior architecture, or sustainable design. Tinrate verifies your credentials.
Step 2: Set Your AvailabilityBlock out times you're available for consultations. Architects typically offer 30-minute or 60-minute video consultations. You control your calendar.
Step 3: Share Your LinkOne link. Add it to your website, Google Business profile, or send directly to prospects. They see your rate, availability, and specializations immediately.
Step 4: Clients Book & PayHomeowners click, select a time slot, and pay via Bancontact, iDEAL, credit card, or Apple Pay. Payment happens before the call. No negotiation. No "let me think about it."
Step 5: Video ConsultationConduct your consultation via Tinrate's built-in video platform. Clients can show you spaces using their phone camera or share photos. You can discuss design ideas, feasibility, cost ranges, and next steps. Professional and efficient. No site visits needed unless you choose to offer them.
4 Reasons Architects Choose Tinrate
1. Pre-Payment Attracts Only Serious HomeownersHomeowners who pay €80 for an initial consultation are serious about their project. They have a budget. They have a timeline. They're not just exploring ideas or wasting your time. You'll spend time only with committed prospects, not tire-kickers.
2. It's Free to You. Zero Monthly FeesNo subscription costs. Clients pay a 5% transaction fee (charged to them, not you). That 5% eliminates your scheduling admin, invoicing work, and payment chasing. Your effective rate stays high.
3. Get Paid Within 48 HoursStop waiting 60–90 days for payment. Clients pay upfront. You receive payment within 48 hours via Mollie. Cash flow problem solved.
4. Featured to 200K+ Homeowners Planning ProjectsTinrate runs expert spotlight campaigns reaching 200,000+ prospects monthly. Architects get featured to homeowners searching for design advice, renovation guidance, or building permit help. Inbound opportunities without advertising.
Traditional Architecture Consulting vs. Tinrate
Who It's Best For
- Residential architects selling initial design consultations and renovation advice
- Renovation advisors consulting on feasibility and cost estimation
- Building permit specialists advising on compliance and permitting process
- Energy efficiency consultants coaching on sustainable design and efficiency upgrades
- Interior architects providing space planning and design direction consultations
How to Get Started
- Sign up on Tinrate (2 minutes, free)
- Create your profile with your architectural specializations
- Set your rate per 30-min or 60-min consultation
- Block your availability on your calendar
- Share your link and start receiving bookings
You'll be live within 15 minutes.
FAQ
Can I conduct consultations remotely, or do I need to visit the property?
Both work on Tinrate. Most architects start with video consultations to qualify prospects, then do site visits only if the project moves forward. You decide.
What if a client wants to hire me after the consultation?
Perfect. Many architects use Tinrate for paid initial consultations, then move committed clients to project agreements. The paid call is your qualifying conversation.
Can I offer different rates for different consultation types?
Yes. Create profiles for residential design consultation (€80/30min), renovation advisory (€100/60min), permit guidance (€60/30min). Adjust based on demand.
How do clients pay?
Bancontact, iDEAL, credit cards, and Apple Pay. All secure. You never see their payment data.
What if a consultation leads to a larger project?
Discuss your full project rates offline and send a proposal. Many of your paid consultation clients will convert to full architectural projects.
Start Getting Paid for Your Design Expertise
Every free site visit and opinion you give away is revenue you're leaving on the table. Tinrate turns those conversations into income. Set your rate, share your link, and let serious homeowners book with confidence. You'll attract better-qualified prospects, get paid within 48 hours, and spend less time traveling to unqualified leads.
Your architectural expertise is worth money. Make sure you're collecting it.
