Absolutely! Here’s Why Product Margins in Interior Design Are Normal—and Valuable

Paying a margin on products through your interior designer is not just acceptable—it’s a smart investment. It supports the quality of service you receive and ensures your project is executed smoothly from start to finish.

Here’s why product margins are standard in the interior design industry and why you should feel confident about them.

1. Designer Expertise, Time, and Consultation Value

More Than Just Product Selection

Interior designers don’t just pick pretty things. They:

• Research products

• Curate options based on your style and needs

• Align everything to your overall design vision

This work is often done behind the scenes and isn't always charged at an hourly rate. The product margin helps cover the time and professional expertise that goes into this process.

2. Access to Trade-Only Discounts and Exclusive Products

Trade Relationships Benefit You

Most designers receive trade discounts based on:

• Their time in the business

• Their volume of purchases

• Their trusted relationships with suppliers

These discounts are often tiered, meaning the longer and more consistently a designer works with a brand, the better the pricing they receive.

Designers Save You Time and Effort

In many ways, designers work like a salesperson for suppliers—saving suppliers time, and passing on that value to you in the form of curated, reliable product recommendations.

3. Project Management Is Built Into the Margin

Coordinating Everything Behind the Scenes

From sourcing and ordering to delivery, installation, and problem-solving, designers do a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. This includes:

• Communicating with suppliers

• Adjusting for delays or issues

• Ensuring the right products arrive in the right place at the right time

💡 Interior design project management is complex. When the margin covers this, you’re often saving on additional management or hourly fees.

4. Value-Added Services Included in the Margin

More Than Just Design Advice

Designers often include services like:

• Styling

• On-site installation assistance

• Product aftercare and support

They also act as the point of contact between clients and suppliers—handling issues like defects, delays, or reorders. These tasks aren't always listed on an invoice, but they are time-consuming and vital to the success of the project.

5. Designers Have a Unique Position in the Project

The Big Picture Perspective

Your interior designer is usually the central coordinator—the person who understands the entire vision of the project. They are:

• The go-to person for sub-trades and installers

• The voice of your design intent

• The advocate for your best interest

This level of involvement comes with responsibility, and product margins support this role.

6. Risk Management Is Part of the Designer’s Job

Handling the Unexpected So You Don’t Have To

When your designer is responsible for specifying and ordering products, they’re also absorbing the risk of:

• Faulty goods

• Supply chain issues

• On-site installation surprises

• Re-selections or last-minute changes

Margins help cover the hidden time and stress involved in solving these problems without passing extra charges on to you.

7. Running a Design Business Comes with Costs

What Your Designer Invests Behind the Scenes

Interior design is a service-based business with real overheads, such as:

• Storage and warehousing

• Software subscriptions

• Insurance and liability cover

• Travel to client sites and showrooms

• Sampling and supplier visits

These operational costs are partly covered through product margins—ensuring your designer can continue to provide a high level of service.

Final Thoughts: Why Product Margins Are Standard in Interior Design

The use of fees and product margins is a standard practice in the interior design world. It allows designers to:

• Offer full-service project management

• Provide access to trade-only products

• Reduce your stress by coordinating everything

• Deliver a high-end result without charging hourly for every little task

And no—it doesn’t mean you're overpaying. In many cases, you’re getting more value than you would sourcing items yourself.

Good Communication Is Key

The most important part? Talk openly with your designer about fees and margins. Transparency builds trust and ensures both sides are happy with the arrangement.

When you understand how product margins work, you’ll feel more confident about the invoices you receive—and more appreciative of the incredible work that goes into creating a beautiful, functional home.