Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience or qualifications to train as an Image Consultant?

Some image consultants come from image related sectors such as healthy, beauty and fitness and want to use their new skills within their existing jobs to attract new clients or offer existing clients a new service.

Other consultants come from corporate related sectors including retail, training, HR, marketing & PR.  Others have a love of clothes and fashion.  Some come from unrelated sectors and that’s great too – no previous experience, knowledge or qualifications is required.

Why Choose Us?

At Absolute Image we deliver exceptional, exciting image consultancy training experiences with passion and personality all of the time, every time.
We understand everyone is unique and our courses will empower and inspire you by creating the best learning environment in which you will flourish. All our courses are flexible and designed to meet your individual needs rather than a ‘mass market’ approach.

The learning experience with Absolute Image is different to others – we don’t provide text book learning. We deliver our training through a mix of theory, demonstration and practical examples, teaching you how to work with real people ensuring your clients get the most from their consultations. We don’t do rules, we provide you with the freedom to apply principles and understanding. We do open, relaxed motivational and encouraging.

Accreditation

We are an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) of the Federation of Image Professionals International (FIPI), the UK governing body for the industry. FIPI set the standards and assess image professionals taking the FIPI/City & Guilds joint Masters award in Image Consultancy, the recognised professional qualification for the industry.

Our foundation training courses cover all competencies for the qualification and are designed and delivered to prepare you to successfully achieve the award.

How much can I expect to earn?

Existing commitments and personal preferences are all factors which will impact how quickly you establish your business and income. Some consultants prefer to focus their business working with private clients while others specialise in the corporate market. Much will depend on your individual expertise, past experience and interests. The more established you become the more time you will spend fee earning and the more referrals and repeat business you can expect from satisfied clients.

Fees charged for private consultations will vary depending upon location with many consultants opting to charge an hourly rate. Others choose to offer half and full day packages. We discuss pricing with you in the foundation training but as a guide qualified consultants can expect to charge between £50 and £150ph for private consultations and between £500 and £3,000 per day for corporate work.

Do I need a studio to work from or can I work as a mobile consultant?

You don’t need to have a studio to work from. Some consultants have the space at home to convert a room into a studio and prefer to work from home while others prefer to work on a mobile basis taking their services into their client’s homes.

When can I start working as an Image Consultant?

You can start working as an Image Consultant and building your business as soon as you have completed your training. We would recommend you starting talking with family and friends about your exciting new venture while training as it will generate interest and enquiries ensuring you are never short of clients.

Are there any exams?

There are no formal exams – you will be continually assessed throughout your training and there is homework and a practical assessment you are required to complete before we issue you with a certificate.

How can I finance the cost of the training?

We offer an early bird pay in full price and a flexible payment plan whereby you have the option to pay for your training in 3 monthly instalments.

Where do I buy consumables?

The training fee includes all the essential equipment (excluding make-up) and visual aids necessary for you to start your business as soon as you have completed your training. Most consultants keep a limited stock of portfolios for their client consultations. Additional portfolios can be purchased through our website.

Are there any time limits to completing my training?

Our foundation training is offered as a 10 day intensive training course run over two weeks with a 2 – 4 week break between where you complete the home practice programme or as a modular option. The 10 day intensive foundation training course comprehensively covers the four core modules of image consultancy, wardrobe management and personal shopping.

The modular option comprehensively covers the content of the 10 day intensive training course but may be booked and paid for as separate modules without any time restriction.

What ongoing support do you offer?

Ongoing support through the Absolute Image Mentoring Programme is available to all students. Your programme will be tailored to suit you and will be delivered online. Topics covered include business advice and guidance on consultations, pricing your services, creating and delivering workshops, presentations and business development. Prices start from £450 for six sessions.

 

In addition to the mentoring programme you will have the opportunity if you wish to gain a web presence through listing your business on the “Find a consultant” page of the Absolute Image website and to purchase an Absolute Image trading license enabling you to trade under the Absolute Image brand.

On successful completion of your training you are invited to join the Absolute Image Association, a vibrant and supportive network of trained consultants who are as keen to help you and your business as they are to develop their own. We recognise that our strength comes from working together and supporting each other. You never know when you may need a friendly helping hand.
Several networking events are run annually giving you the opportunity to network with fellow consultants while inspiring guest speakers from within the image industry are invited to share their knowledge and experience with you.