A recent question posed by @interiordesigncommunity sparked one of the most honest conversations we’ve seen about big e-retailers and their impact on interior design businesses. Opinions varied greatly, ranging from frustration to strategy, as they uncovered deep concerns and potential solutions. Here’s what designers had to say:
“They are giving discounts to anyone with a business license.”
Retailers skipping verification steps has become a significant frustration. Clients obtaining trade discounts without proper credentials directly undercut designers. As @interiordesigncommunity put it:
“Selling inferior quality. This is bad for your business.”
“Only in desperate times.”
Many designers expressed that big e-retailers aren’t ideal due to disappearing profit margins. @interiordesigngroupla summarized:
“Everything they’re displaying we can find for 40–100% off and make our own markup.”
If a product is overly discounted and widely available, designers are left with minimal profit and increased customer service headaches.
“Who should we buy from instead?”
Designers, particularly those new to the field, often struggle to find reliable trade partners with affordable pricing. As @amyginteriors asked openly:
“Would love to know some designer’s favorite go-to wholesale vendors that have the best designer partnerships.”
Many designers recommended resources like @cozystylishchic, who offer more than just products they help manage sourcing, handle orders, and resolve vendor issues.
“We have to learn how to work with them.”
Some believe e-retailers are unavoidable and suggest managing client expectations proactively. As @lanotthecity explained:
“We need to do the same with e-retailers. Clients know about them. By not figuring out how to work with them, we are only hurting ourselves.”
The key here is maintaining control and guiding clients, rather than letting them lead the project with unchecked online findings.
“You can’t build a business on 10–15%.”
Sustainability is crucial, and minimal margins from e-retailers won’t sustain a design business in the long term. @interiordesigncommunity emphasized:
“Your profit on product needs to be around 30% or more because you will have non-billable hours working on marketing, accounting, documentation, internal business, and later, management.”
Margins matter, and a business can’t survive without them.
“Service has fallen apart.”
E-retailers often lack adequate customer support, increasing the burden on designers. @jessicaboudreaux highlighted:
“Many of them can’t be contacted with a phone call and the service can be appalling.”
@daffodillydesign echoed this sentiment:
“Those who used to be helpful to trades have lost their way.”
Poor service from e-retailers often means designers pick up the slack without compensation.
“We don’t use them for real projects.”
High-end and custom projects rarely include big e-retailer items, as @joseph.bellone explained:
“If you have a designer and an architect, it is typically not something that would get picked up for a project.”
Custom solutions and specialized sourcing create unique, tailored spaces that clients value and can’t find easily online.
The Bottom Line for Designers
If you want a sustainable, profitable interior design business, here’s what matters:
- Profitability: Maintain healthy margins on products to cover non-billable hours.
- Trade Protection: Partner with vendors who value and protect designer relationships.
- Reliable Customer Service: Ensure your partners provide responsive, helpful support.
- Client Guidance: Maintain control over sourcing and client expectations.
If you’re new to the industry or still finding reliable partners, consider attending trade events like Design Edge, High Point Market, or KBIS. Connect with trusted showrooms and regional representatives. The relationships you build today will secure your business tomorrow.
Your value is in your expertise, network, and service, not in what’s readily available through a Google search.
Looking for reliable trade partners who actually support your business? Follow @interiordesigncommunity for honest advice, trusted vendor recommendations, and weekly industry insights.
“Let’s keep the business side of design strong. Your work deserves that.”