Is Your Designer Overcharging You?
You may not know that most designers mark up the materials they source for their clients. This includes any furniture, rugs, lighting, hardware, decor, etc. What this means is when they source it for you, they usually obtain it for 25-35% less than what they’re charging you! This is something I don’t do, and I’ll tell you why.
Why I don’t markup materials:
It erodes trust within the client-designer relationship. “How much exactly does something cost?”
It encourages clients to out-shop the designer. What this means is that clients will source items for their home at the same time the designer is, trying to find the best deal. This absolutely makes sense! However, one of the goals of a designer is to source quality and budget-friendly materials that are inspired and cohesive with the design and space. A client hires a designer for their vision, creativity and skill–why hire them if you won't let them design and source for you?
I work in phases to promote transparency and to provide the exact services a client needs, so there’s no need to mark up materials. In fact, I extend my trade discounts to my clients, which are usually up to 25%.
Have you worked with designers who marked up the cost of materials they sourced for you? How did you feel about it?