Interior Designer Procurement Markups: How to Ask for Transparency in 2026
· Hiring Guides · 1 min read
Beautiful schemes fail when procurement economics are opaque. Ask how markups and trade accounts work before you approve a furniture package.
Transparency asks
- Markup % or flat procurement fee
- Who owns returns and freight claims
- Which items you may purchase directly
Find designers via city guides or near you. Methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a procurement markup?
- A percentage or fee the designer adds when purchasing furnishings and finishes on your behalf.
- Can I buy items myself?
- Sometimes. Ask how self-procurement affects scheduling, returns, and the designer’s fee structure.
- Are trade-only prices always cheaper for clients?
- Not always after markup and shipping. Request a net vs retail comparison on large ticket items.