Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins.

Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards.

I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved.

If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why hybrid purchasing doesn't work
• Selling trade products profitably
• Handling clients who want retail products
• Setting purchasing boundaries from the beginning
• Avoiding custom drawing disasters
• Protecting your reputation during purchasing
• Writing stronger Letters of Agreement
• Charging purchasing fees on retail products
• Giving clients clear purchasing options
• Creating a smoother purchasing process

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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