How much control should your clients have over purchasing?
One of the fastest ways for an interior design project to go off track is unclear purchasing expectations. While many designers want to accommodate every client request, allowing clients to shop alongside you or manage parts of the purchasing process often creates more stress, delays, and frustration than anyone expects.
In this episode, I break down why hybrid purchasing rarely works and how it can damage both your profitability and your client experience. Whether it’s clients comparing every product online, insisting on retail purchases, or taking your custom drawings to another vendor, these situations often result in costly mistakes that ultimately reflect back on you.
We also discuss how setting clear purchasing boundaries from the very first client meeting creates confidence, protects your business, and prevents misunderstandings later in the project. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, you’ll learn why explaining your process upfront builds greater trust and transparency.
Finally, I share practical strategies for handling retail purchases, charging purchasing fees appropriately, and structuring your Letter of Agreement so everyone understands exactly how purchasing will work before the project ever begins.
Strong purchasing systems don’t limit your clients, they protect both your clients and your business.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
- Why hybrid purchasing creates problems
- Selling trade products versus retail products
- Setting purchasing expectations early
- Managing clients who want to shop themselves
- Custom drawings and liability risks
- Creating healthy business boundaries
- Structuring your purchasing process
- Charging purchasing fees properly
- Writing effective Letters of Agreement
- Protecting profitability and client relationships
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Book a Clarity Call
- Learn about the Growth & Structure programs
- IDBA Mindset Coaching
Additional Resources:
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