When you first met with him, was compensation mentioned?

I can't think a pro would spend six hours and not have an idea how he was going to be paid.

Also, it might be a good idea to cross post this on the Home Decorating forum. There are a few pros, and plenty of other people, with experience in these matters.

Thanks --I will post this in the Home Decorating forum. Compensation was mentioned at the initial meeting and I was only advised that the service was no charge as long as an order was placed. He carries brands such as Century, Councill, Hickory Chair, Sherrill, etc.

I think the only true options you have are (1) and (3).

The one thing that should've been specified at the beginning was the fee the designer would charge if you chose not to buy from the shop. At this point, I wouldn't hesitate to ask him or her now what that charge would be.

Good luck!

Give you designer the opportunity to compete with the price from NC. If he is a professional in the business for a few years he has experienced it before.

One thing you really need to think about is the justification in your mind that it was a couple of mornings, 10-20 fabrics, few hours, etc. More or less the idea that it wasn't that much time. Think of it this way - I went to the doctor and he spent 15 minutes with me and it cost a lot of money. I'm not really paying for the 15 minutes, I'm paying for the years of education and practice that came before that 15 minutes. The reason he could do your lay-out and fabric selection in a couple hours and you couldn't is the same reason I cannot diagnose my own health problems. I'm not educated in that field. Your paying for all the time he put in before the day you walked in the door and you are taking his ideas and putting them into practice.

Just be honest with him just as you were here. You will pay a premium but not as much as it seems to be. I think he will agree.