It’s a question that hits a nerve in the design community. Recently, a member of the @interiordesigncommunity asked:
“Do you have language around not disclosing vendor invoices to clients? The client wants to see the invoices, and I want to say no. How do I say that professionally?”
This isn’t just about one sticky conversation, it’s about setting boundaries, business structures, trade agreements, and whether designers should share backend financial details with clients. The community’s responses were swift, honest, and insightful.
Start with a Simple Truth
@gracefrederickdesign summed it up perfectly:
“Name any other business where you can ask them to see the costs of goods sold.”
“We usually only offer [full transparency] to people that will likely be lifelong clients. Other than that, it’s at our discretion and never over IMAP. I don’t understand why people don’t think this is fair. We can’t ask for paystubs as proof of funds. I agree that it has gotten out of hand.”
This comment resonated widely, gaining over 100 likes. After all, you wouldn’t request a restaurant’s meat invoices or a boutique’s wholesale receipts.
Be Upfront if You Use Cost Plus
Transparency works best when established early, according to @erica_baddley:
“If you’re transparent with your markup from the beginning, it should be no problem sharing those invoices with clients. Most vendors will have adjusted invoices reflecting cost plus markup to minimize discrepancies.”
Yet, as @damngooddesigner replied:
“Assuming one runs that sort of business model, but these days few do. Cost plus is a dinosaur.”
The key is clarity from the start. Not all designers prefer the cost-plus model; many choose to bundle their fees into a flat cost, focusing instead on creative direction and project management.
Check Your Vendor Agreements
Legal boundaries matter. As @lorenaudreytaylor points out:
“Read your vendor agreements. Most strictly prohibit providing this information to clients.”
Vendor relationships often rely on confidential pricing tiers, volume-based discounts, and exclusivity agreements. Revealing these details can breach contract terms and disrupt partnerships.
Include It in Your Contract
@meredithanninteriors proactively addresses the issue in her agreements:
“We never share vendor information that is trade-only. It’s clearly stated in our contract. If a client asked, I would politely reiterate our policy. I’ve actually never had a client ask… yet.”
Clearly stated policies within your contract eliminate arguments and uncertainty, reinforcing your professional boundaries.
No One Asks Target for Their Invoices
@studiorudesign passionately highlighted why invoice transparency is problematic:
“A design firm is a business like any other. Why would we pass our pricing to clients? That doesn’t seem sustainable.”
“Designers offer a professional service. It is entirely ethical to make money in your business. Transparency around pricing and discounts makes our industry seem more like a hobby than a legitimate business. No wonder clients feel entitled to request invoices. You can be ethical without disclosing your trade secrets.”
This comment resonated deeply, highlighting that interior design is about expertise, logistics, vendor relationships, and project management, not just purchasing products.
The Emotional Toll When It Goes Wrong
@kravndesign shared a relatable frustration:
“OMG!! I am dealing with this now. After 22 smooth months, my client won’t pay his last bill unless I send him every invoice. He’s even praised the final results. I’m standing firm but at my wit’s end.”
This situation illustrates why clear, upfront policies are essential for protecting your peace and professionalism.
What Should You Say?
If a client asks for vendor invoices, here’s a professional, clear response:
“Our vendor accounts are trade-only and subject to confidentiality agreements. We don’t share internal or third-party invoices, but we’re happy to provide detailed order summaries and service breakdowns.”
Consider embedding similar language into your contracts:
“Vendor pricing, invoices, and trade relationships are proprietary to our studio and are not shared. Final client pricing includes sourcing, coordination, and logistics fees.”
Questions to Consider Before Sharing Invoices
Before sharing sensitive financial information, consider:
- Have you marked up products according to your agreed-upon fee structure?
- Are your markup and sourcing fees clearly disclosed in your agreement?
- Do vendor agreements restrict sharing pricing information?
- Could sharing invoices impact your future pricing integrity or client relationships?
If any answer makes you uncomfortable, don’t share. Build your pricing model to protect your business.
Normalize Professional Boundaries
Interior design is a professional, luxury service involving intellectual property, project management, creative labor, and risk. Clients should not automatically expect access to your back-end numbers unless agreed upon from the outset.
Transparency doesn’t mean sharing proprietary financial details. You can lead with integrity, protect your processes, and deliver exceptional service without compromising boundaries.
Designers are business owners deserving the same respect as other expert-led businesses. Remember, you are not merely a middleman, you are a professional providing a valuable service.
For more real conversations and community insights, follow @interiordesigncommunity on Instagram. Join daily discussions and get support from peers who’ve faced the same challenges. Pricing and Profitability for Interior Designers