Where can I get wholesale pricing on interior design goods?
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I run a small interior design business, and up until recently never had the opportunity to select where the carpet, flooring, crown moulding, doors, would be purchased. This had been done by the architect or general contractor on past projects. The client has now given me permission to make these choices. This is good, as I can gain a commission on the sales of these materials, but I am wondering if I can get a lower cost as an interior designer from a wholesale company. Any advice?
You need to start calling the reps for the people who manufacturer these items–they may or may not sell to you–often they only want to sell in bigger quantities; but they can direct you to a wholesaler who will give you a % off retail. This network often takes years to cultivate so you are going to have to scramble to be able to offer the client a choice of products. You will need to set up wholesale accounts with each distributor as well–they will want a full application of business worth, bank recommendations (and I assume you have a resale license–if not you need one ASAP). You will need to keep excellent records and furnish Purchase orders and invoices to the companies. You will need to collect sales tax on each item (including your markup) and pay this to the state franchise tax board, so do not forget to add this into the purchase price you give to the client.
So lets look at an example: You want tile flooring: you like Dal Tile and Crossvile. You call the Crossville Rep, they do not sell to designers (only tile contractors) but they will tell you a secondary seller who will sell the tile to you for 40% above the base price Crossville sets–you can tack on 10% (usual) and still be 1/2 the price of retail. You want fabric for drapes; you contact multiple fabric manufacturers (say RM CoCo, Kaslen, and Sina Pearson). You make an application to do business with each. You find one you like and issue a purchase order with payment (pro forma); Kaslen sells to you at a "designer price" as published but you order several times and the rep gives you another 10% off, & they do not sell to the public at all; RM CoCo sells to you at 40% of retail and Sina Pearson sells to you at a set price as well, they do not sell retail at all. You must add sales tax to all because they do not collect any.
So, start looking at design magazines–the wholesalers are listed often in the back; and you call & ask to speak to the rep in your area, or the sales dept.
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You need to start calling the reps for the people who manufacturer these items–they may or may not sell to you–often they only want to sell in bigger quantities; but they can direct you to a wholesaler who will give you a % off retail. This network often takes years to cultivate so you are going to have to scramble to be able to offer the client a choice of products. You will need to set up wholesale accounts with each distributor as well–they will want a full application of business worth, bank recommendations (and I assume you have a resale license–if not you need one ASAP). You will need to keep excellent records and furnish Purchase orders and invoices to the companies. You will need to collect sales tax on each item (including your markup) and pay this to the state franchise tax board, so do not forget to add this into the purchase price you give to the client.
So lets look at an example: You want tile flooring: you like Dal Tile and Crossvile. You call the Crossville Rep, they do not sell to designers (only tile contractors) but they will tell you a secondary seller who will sell the tile to you for 40% above the base price Crossville sets–you can tack on 10% (usual) and still be 1/2 the price of retail. You want fabric for drapes; you contact multiple fabric manufacturers (say RM CoCo, Kaslen, and Sina Pearson). You make an application to do business with each. You find one you like and issue a purchase order with payment (pro forma); Kaslen sells to you at a "designer price" as published but you order several times and the rep gives you another 10% off, & they do not sell to the public at all; RM CoCo sells to you at 40% of retail and Sina Pearson sells to you at a set price as well, they do not sell retail at all. You must add sales tax to all because they do not collect any.
So, start looking at design magazines–the wholesalers are listed often in the back; and you call & ask to speak to the rep in your area, or the sales dept.
References :
Interior Designer–I specify & purchase everything!
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