Photos courtesy of Interior Impressions
One of the biggest perks of working as an interior designer is the access to exclusive trade discounts—price reductions offered by manufacturers and showrooms to professionals who purchase on behalf of clients. While shopping standard retail is always an option (and sometimes the quickest way to snag a specific item), the long-term relationships you build with trade vendors are invaluable.
Typically, trade discounts range from 10-20%, giving designers significant savings and access to products and prices not available to the general public.
Setting up a trade account can feel daunting at first, but the payoff is well worth it. Just ask Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions, who taps into a wide network of trade discounts to keep projects on budget and on schedule. Here, she shares her experience and practical tips to help you start your own trade partnerships with confidence.
What’s your advice for building strong relationships with showroom reps or vendors?
Building strong, lasting relationships with showroom reps and vendors is essential to the success of any design business. My best advice is to treat these relationships as true partnerships. Mutual respect and consistent follow-through go a long way.
How do you decide which vendors to work with regularly?
I look for vendors who are not only known for high-quality products but who also stand behind their items with excellent customer service and clear warranty policies. Reliability is huge—vendors who ship on time, communicate proactively, and help resolve issues quickly are the ones I stick with. I also evaluate how well a vendor’s style aligns with the types of projects we take on. If their pieces consistently resonate with our aesthetic and clientele, it’s a win-win.
Are there certain product categories where you’ve found trade discounts are especially valuable?
Absolutely! Trade discounts are especially valuable in larger-ticket categories like upholstered furniture, rugs, artwork, and lighting.
How do trade discounts factor into your pricing model?
Trade discounts are a value we offer our clients. It’s important to be transparent in how you price your services. The key is consistency and clarity so clients understand the value we bring through access, expertise, and pricing advantages.
For designers first starting out, which vendors or programs would you recommend they apply to first?
Start with the well-known, designer-friendly brands that offer good support for emerging designers. I recommend starting with lines that don’t have very high annual sales requirements or unusually high opening orders. Some of our favorite vendors to work with are CR Laine for upholstery, Rowe Furniture, Surya for rugs and accessories, Universal Furniture, Visual Comfort for lighting, Kravet or Fabricut for textiles, and Loloi Rugs or Jaipur Living for rugs.
4 Tips for Scoring the Best Trade Discounts
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Consolidate orders with fewer vendors: Vendors reward volume. Placing larger, more frequent orders with your top 3-5 vendors can unlock higher tiers of discounting or reduced shipping charges. - Build relationships with your local reps: They often have access to specials not listed online and can advocate for better pricing or expedited service on your behalf.
- Join buying groups or trade associations: Groups like the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) or the Interior Design Society (IDS) sometimes negotiate exclusive deals with major vendors for their members.
- Negotiate—respectfully: If you’re doing a large multiroom or commercial project, don’t be afraid to ask for volume pricing or free freight. Just be professional and realistic in your requests.
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