vendors — Interior Design Business Resources

How can I find good vendors is a popular question from new designers. Finding vendors takes time. It’ll take trial and error and research on your part. There is no quick fix. You can read more about finding quality vendors in this article.

So after you’ve found vendors, you need to develop good relationships with them for maximum benefit in your business. (I’m using a blanket term “vendors” for tradespeople, workrooms, suppliers, manufacturers, showrooms, etc.) These people are extensions of your business and will help you run your business smoother and more efficiently if you consider them part of your extended team.

Finding Quality Vendors

I've been getting this question a lot lately, how to find good vendors - contractors and subs specifically. And it's not an easy answer. I'm going to give you some pointers here today, but know that when a contractor doesn't return your call or email, is late to a meeting, or doesn't show when he promises - you are not alone, this happens to everyone.

As a designer, organizer, and a planner I find dealing with contractors one of the most frustrating parts of project management. (Contractors are you listening?) I don't know why, but it seems to be the norm that contractors: take forever to send quote/invoice, don't show up on time, don't show up with the

FundamentalsCapella KincheloeFebruary 21, 2018vendors, contractors, hiring contractors, finding trades peopleComment

Getting Shopped by Clients

One of the biggest challenges facing interior designers today is getting shopped by clients. This means that a designer proposes an item to a client, only to have them find that same item cheaper somewhere else.

I hear designers encountering this with clients all the time. But getting shopped by clients is not going to go away because I'm pretty sure the internet is here to stay. It is human nature to want the best price and the best deal and the internet makes that a lot faster and easier.

So what should we do about the inevitable? Here are some options and ideas to help you overcome this challenge.