Planning a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry renovation or new build? You might be wondering how interior designers handle trade pricing. This key aspect affects both your budget and the value your designer provides. Let's explore how designers manage trade pricing, helping you make an informed choice for your next project.
What is Trade Pricing in Interior Design?
Trade pricing consists of what's referred to as 'discounts' that suppliers offer exclusively to industry professionals, including interior designers. These 'discounts', typically ranging from 10% to 40% apply to furniture, fixtures, finishes, and other materials.
Notice that I keep saying 'discounts'. Let's firstly address that. They aren't really discounts. They are special prices (more accurately referred to as trade pricing) available exclusively for professionals in the design industry.
Designers use their industry connections to access these prices, helping you maximise your renovation budget, however, each designer handles and communicates trade pricing differently, based on their business model.
Four Common Methods Designers Use for Trade Pricing
Sharing Trade Pricing in Full: Some designers show you their exact trade pricing and have you pay suppliers directly. This transparent approach appeals to clients who want complete clarity about their renovation costs.
Charging a Procurement Fee: This model adds a flat percentage (usually 10–20%) to the trade price. The fee covers sourcing, ordering, and delivery coordination. While you may not see the base trade price, you benefit from the designer managing the entire procurement process.
Not Sharing Trade Pricing: Some designers present only final costs, keeping trade prices private. This approach is common when designers focus on their sourcing and curation expertise, and will absorb any trade only pricing into their income. You pay for a streamlined experience without pricing details.
Sharing a Portion of Trade Pricing: In this blended approach, designers share part of their trade pricing. For instance, with a 30% 'discount', they might pass 15% to you while keeping the rest to cover procurement work.
Is There a Right or Wrong Method?
Simply put, no.
Each designer's approach reflects their business model, services, and way of delivering value. What's crucial is transparency, a reputable designer will clearly explain their trade pricing process to their clients and avoid secrecy and surprises.
At Howard Lane Designs, we proudly share trade pricing in full with our clients, and have you pay your invoices directly to suppliers. We find this transparency lets our clients see their savings while building trust throughout their renovation journey.
Why Understanding Trade Pricing Matters
When choosing an interior designer for your renovation or new build, understanding their trade pricing approach helps you budget effectively and make confident decisions. Knowing their methods upfront builds trust and ensures you're comfortable with your investment.
Whether you prefer full transparency or the convenience of managed procurement, finding a designer whose approach matches your needs is essential for successful collaboration.
Ready to Start Your Design Journey?
If you're planning a renovation or new build and value transparency and satisfaction, we're here to help.
Understanding trade pricing empowers you to navigate your renovation journey confidently and choose the right design team. After all, creating your dream home should be an enjoyable experience from start to finish!
Howard Lane Designs is an interior design and styling studio located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, but also support clients across Australia. We specialise in kitchen, bathroom and laundry designs, for new builds or renovations. Furniture and Art Curation is an exclusive service provided to our interior design clients.
Make a project enquiry today and take advantage of the incredible savings you can achieve with our design services!
Comments