Maximizing Trade Discounts: How to Get the Best Deals from Vendors

Trade discounts are one of the best-kept secrets in the interior design world. They can make a real difference to your bottom line, but getting those discounts isn’t always as simple as just asking for them. It’s all about strategy, timing, and relationships. Over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two about making the most out of these opportunities.

The goal here is to help you get the most value from the discounts available, so you’re not just hoping for better deals—you’re actively working for them. Let’s break it down, as well as reveal some tips and tricks that have worked for seasoned designers we know.

1. Get to Know Your Vendors Personally

This might sound a little old school, but building genuine relationships with your vendors can make a world of difference. It's not just about being polite or professional—it's about showing you’re a person behind the business, someone they want to work with.

When you get to know your vendors on a personal level, it’s not about being overly familiar, but taking the time to ask how their day is going or remembering details about their business that go beyond the transaction. Little touches like this go a long way.

Vendors are more likely to give a better deal to designers they know and trust. When you invest in the relationship, they’ll be more likely to go the extra mile for you, whether that’s by offering you a special discount or giving you first dibs on new products.

2. Don’t Just Ask for a Discount—Ask for What You Need

Instead of always going for the blanket ask of “Can I get a discount?”, try framing your request differently. There’s a lot more flexibility in the process than you might think, and sometimes it’s not about lowering the price—it’s about finding other areas to negotiate.

Maybe you’re paying high shipping costs or need rush delivery, which can be more negotiable. Perhaps you have a large order and want to discuss bulk pricing or different payment terms. By being specific about your needs, you give the vendor a chance to meet you halfway in a way that makes sense for both sides.

For instance, if you’re placing a huge order for a project, don’t just ask for a 10% discount. Instead, ask if they can cover shipping costs or provide you with a more extended return policy for large quantities. Often, those types of terms are easier to adjust than the sticker price.

3. Know Your Market and Be Prepared

A lot of times, designers end up paying more than they should simply because they don’t have a clear sense of what’s reasonable. It’s essential to understand the typical pricing for the types of materials or products you’re sourcing. Vendors will be much more willing to offer you a deal if they know you’re informed about the value of the items you’re purchasing.

Being familiar with the market gives you a strong negotiating position. It also allows you to speak confidently about why certain products should cost less or more, which shows vendors that you’re a pro and not just someone looking for a handout. Having this knowledge gives you the power to confidently advocate for better pricing.

It can also help you find alternative vendors who offer competitive pricing, so if one vendor isn’t willing to budge, you can always let them know you’re considering other options. This doesn’t always have to be a threat—it just shows that you’re weighing your options to ensure you get the best deal.

4. Timing Is Everything

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about trade discounts, it’s that timing can often be the difference between a good deal and a great one. There are certain times of the year, or even specific days, when vendors are more likely to offer deeper discounts.

Think about end-of-month sales quotas, quarterly goals, or holiday seasons when vendors might be more eager to hit their targets. If you can anticipate these cycles and plan ahead, you could catch a vendor at the perfect moment for better terms.

For example, if you’re working on a larger project, and you know that it’ll take several months to complete, ask about end-of-quarter incentives or inquire about pricing during slower seasons. If they’re looking to clear out inventory before the new year, they might be more willing to offer you a discount.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Add-ons

Discounts aren’t always the only way to maximize value. Vendors are often willing to give you value-added services that don’t necessarily impact their bottom line but are incredibly valuable to you. For instance, ask about free or discounted shipping, faster lead times, extended return windows, or even customizations that might otherwise incur additional costs.

In some cases, a vendor might not be able to lower the price, but they could offer you additional perks that make the overall deal sweeter. These perks might not show up directly on your invoice, but they can make a huge difference in the long run—both in terms of cost savings and project efficiency.

6. Leverage Your Social Media and Exposure

A lot of designers overlook how much social media exposure can influence the price they’re offered by vendors. If you’re planning to feature a vendor’s product in your designs, let them know that.

Vendors love seeing their products in real projects and having them highlighted on Instagram, Pinterest, or in a blog post. Many times, offering a simple shout-out or sharing a project can prompt them to offer a better discount or special deal for future purchases.

This doesn’t mean you have to go overboard or offer a blanket post about every vendor you work with. But being strategic about giving a little public love to those who offer you great deals can encourage them to reward you with even better discounts next time.

7. Building Long-Term Relationships Pays Off

It’s tempting to chase the best deal on every single order, but let’s face it—consistency pays off. Vendors love working with designers who are reliable, who place orders regularly, and who treat their businesses with respect.

Once you’ve shown that you’re committed to long-term relationships, you’ll find that vendors start offering you better deals because they know you’ll keep coming back. This isn’t about getting a one-off discount on a single order—it’s about being a steady, repeat customer who’s not just interested in a quick deal, but in creating a partnership.

8. Be Prepared to Walk Away (But Don’t Use It As a Threat)

Sometimes, no matter how well you negotiate, a vendor simply can’t meet your pricing needs. And that’s okay. But here’s the thing—being willing to walk away doesn’t mean throwing out an ultimatum.

It means knowing when it’s not a good fit for you or your client and being willing to search for a better deal elsewhere. Knowing your worth and standing firm on your pricing structure lets vendors know you’re serious and that you won’t accept anything less than what you need to stay profitable.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About the Long-Term

Maximizing trade discounts isn’t a one-time thing. It’s about building a reliable network of vendors that you can trust and work with over time. It’s about growing your knowledge of what’s reasonable, knowing when to ask for extra perks, and understanding how the right timing can get you the best deals.

The more you approach your vendor relationships with a sense of partnership and mutual respect, the more likely you’ll be able to get great deals—without having to chase every discount. So, remember to nurture those relationships, be strategic, and use your knowledge of the market to your advantage.

xx, Danae

P.S. For more great insights and resources on where to source top-quality products, be sure to check out our blog post, Top 20 Interior Design Trade Sources. It’s packed with invaluable resources to help you find the best vendors for your projects.